This Inspection I oil change package for the E9X M3 includes high performance Red Line 15W50 synthetic oil and an OEM oil filter. This kit includes everything you need for an oil change on the S65.
- 10 quarts of Red Line 15W50 synthetic motor oil (engine will take 9.5)
- 1 OEM oil filter kit (we use Mann or Mahle)
We feel that the Red Line 15W50 oil is better than the original 10W60 for a number of reasons. First, the 15W rating is misleading - lab testing shows this 15W has a colder pour point and a thinner viscosity (cSt @ 40C) than the BMW oil. The Red Line 15W is actually thinner than the BMW 10W. This means it will reach optimal temperature faster and penetrate and coat bearing surfaces easier. At the other end of the spectrum, the Red Line 50 weight is thinner but has higher ZDDP and better shear strength to protect engine surfaces than the BMW 60 weight. Thinner may actually be a benefit here - less friction/less heat and requires less energy. The BMW oil is not bad oil at all, but we feel the Red Line is simply better and its what we use in our street M3s. Always let the engine and oil warm up before using heavy throttle!
Red Line is able to produce better oil because it uses true synthetic base materials in the formulations. Genuine BMW oil is not fully synthetic and uses some petroleum in its base. The Red Line Group IV and V synthetics will be more stable across a wider operating range but especially at higher temps where petroleum bases start to break down. Red Line Oil is simply engineered for a more demanding environment while still meeting API SL/SM/SN and ACEA A3/B4 and CF standards.
The oil filter kit includes the filter, two cap o-rings, and a drain plug crush seal. We insist on OEM or Original BMW filters for our customers. We stock both Mahle and Mann and both are OE supplier to BMW for this filter. As an original supplier, their products meet or exceed the requirements from BMW. They are engineered for the correct fit and filtration needs of the S65 engine.
If you proactively maintain your car, and take interest in its care and performance, there are several other things to check during a routine oil change (aka Inspection I service):
top off and inspect other fluids: power steering, other hydraulic fluids, coolant, brake fluid (replace annually)empty oil catch can (if added)clean or replace engine air filter (replace annually)clean or replace cabin air filter (replace annually)set all tire pressures, including your spare (if equipped)inspect brake pads and rotorsinspect serpentine belts for crackinginspect all hoses, including power steering, for leaks or poor fitmentinspect intake boots for cracks or leaksTake this opportunity to inspect the general condition of the engine bay and chassis. Staying ahead of problems, even minor ones, will help avoid major issues in the future. As well as help you get the most enjoyment from BMW ownership.Why 15W50 instead of 10W60? The chart below provides several key laboratory tests on oil viscosity and was part of our decision to use 15W50. This data is readily available online, however, BMW does not publish oil specifications (except in a MSDS document). We included Shell Helix 10W60 as it's believed the BMW oil is based on this formula (although likely changed for BMW's spec). You can see the Red Line 50 weight is not as thick at the higher temp, but it's greater shear strength makes up for the lack of viscosity.
| HTHS (shear strength)
(higher = stronger) | Viscosity @40C (104F)
(lower = thinner oil) | Viscosity @ 100C (212F)
(higher = thicker oil) | Pour Point C
(oil stops flowing, colder temp = better viscosity) |
| Red Line 15W50 | 5.8 | 138 | 19.6 | -49C |
| TwinPower 10W60 | unknown | unknown | 23.1 | -44C |
Shell Helix 10W60
| 5.4 | 160.1 | 23.1 | -42C |
| Castrol Edge 10W60 | 5.2 | 168 | 24.2 | -39C |
BMW Fitments:3 SeriesE90 / E92 / E93 (08-13) > M3
