Introduction
The BMW Z4 E85, launched in 2002 remains a fan favourite amongst BMW enthusiasts for it’s sporty looks and solid performance.
When you own an older sports car like the E85 Z4, taking great care of it is a must.
One of the core elements of maintenance is ensuring your Z4 runs on the best engine oil.
Selecting the correct engine oil isn’t just about keeping the car’s engine running smoothly.
It’s also about maintaining the car’s overall performance and longevity.
As an E85 Z4 owner, you may be wondering what the best engine oil is for your precious car to keep it running in tip top shape and prolong the engines longevity.
Let’s take a look at the best options and what you need to know.
Considerations
It’s important to choose the correct oil that is within the recommended spec by BMW. When shopping for oil, one of the main instantly noticeable differences in the product naming is the viscosity.
Viscosity refers to the thickness/lubricity of engine oil.
It’s denoted by numbers such as 5W-30 or 10W-40, where the first number indicates the oil’s viscosity at low temperatures and the second number represents viscosity at high operating temperatures.
We’ll now take a look at the different options you have for engine oil.
All the listed oil products in this article are within the specification recommended by BMW.
Castrol 5W-30
The Castrol 5W-30 oil is designed to not just provide lubrication but to offer the best-in-class protection against internal friction.
This synthetic oil is designed to maintain its properties no matter the temperature, enabling optimal engine performance throughout the year.
An effective deterrent for corrosive damage, it promotes cleanliness and reduces build-up of harmful deposits.
This is one of the more affordable options on the list.
Castrol 0W-30
A very popular choice among Z4 owners, the Castrol 5W-30 oil does more than just lubricate.
It offers fantastic engine protection during start-up and beyond, reducing internal friction and minimising wear and tear.
Whether you’re traversing freezing terrains or cruising across scorching landscapes, this oil can handle it both.
Mobil1 0W40
Mobil1 0W40 is a fully synthetic motor oil designed to keep your engine running like new. This oil provides exceptional cleansing power, wear protection and overall performance.
It proves its worth in extreme temperatures whether you’re driving in the scorching heat or freezing cold.
Mobil1 0W40 can offer quicker oil delivery providing more rapid protection during the initial startup process. This feature is particularly beneficial in colder climates or during colder months of the year,
Oil Change Intervals
The recommended oil change interval for the BMW Z4 E85 usually lies between 5,000 and 7,500 miles. While technically the recommended intervals were 10,000 miles when the car was new, it’s important to be more proactive when cars get older.
This can vary depending on the condition of your Z4, your driving style and the quality of the oil being used.
It’s also important to note that oil degrades over time in quality so you should aim to change it yearly even if you aren’t racking up that many miles.
In certain circumstances you may wish to change the oil more frequently.
Such examples of this can be stop/start city driving or if the car is frequently used or short trips where the oil isn’t typically getting up to it’s normal operating temperature.
Additionally, if you track your Z4 and it spends a lot of it’s life in the higher rev range then more frequent oil changes are advised.
Due to the age of the engines, you may find they burn a little oil. Be sure to keep an eye on the oil level frequently as this can indicate an engine burning oil or even a leak.
Finishing Thoughts
Using the right engine oil on your Z4 is very important, especially as these cars get older.
Alongside the quality of oil used, it’s also vitally important to ensure that the oil is changed regularly along with the filter.
Getting the oil and intervals right is one of the best things you can do to prolong the performance and lifespan of your engine.