K11 Owners Group

Geoff · Posted: Wed Oct 08, 2008 4:27 pm Post subject: BMW Oil Price

Wow! My local BMW dealer wants $8.49 for one quart of 20w50 motor oil. Does anyone have a lower price source for BMW oil?

On the other hand, should I move to Golden Spectro? It's my understanding that BMW oils are sourced from Golden Spectro. If this is true, I'm changing brands. Spectro is half the price of BMW oil.
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2000 R1100RT
2008 H-D Electra Glide Ultra Classic

Scott_Anderson · Posted: Wed Oct 08, 2008 4:30 pm Post subject:

That's in part why I went with Mobil 1 15-50 synthetic this year. Only have to change it once a year.
Unless I get ALOT of riding in.
_________________
Ride safe.

1995 K1100LT 0302044
2017 FLHTK Ultra Limited
Garmin StreetPilot 2820
Garmin Zumo 550
Garmin Zumo XT
"One who does not ask questions is ashamed to learn" Danish proverb
1997 K1100LT 0302488(R.I.P.)
1997 R1100RT ZC62149(sold)

Geoff · Posted: Wed Oct 08, 2008 4:55 pm Post subject:

Scott, compared to dino, did you notice less consumption with synthetic oil?
_________________
2000 R1100RT
2008 H-D Electra Glide Ultra Classic

SugarHillCTD · Posted: Wed Oct 08, 2008 6:24 pm Post subject:

Geoff,

My mechanic (certified BMW, but now working as an independent- LOTS of experience) has me using Spectro, not Golden Spectro, in my brick. He likes the anti-wear additives.

He's the MAN for info, as far as I am concerned- (Affordable Beemer Services).

Others will have their own opinions.

John
_________________
John & Cathy

'92 K100RS4V Pearl White SOLD
'04 K1200GT
IBA Several-SS1k, BBG, 50CC NYC to S.F.

drmalacarne · Posted: Wed Oct 08, 2008 7:16 pm Post subject:

I use mineral oil 20-50W and change every 3000miles, and the filter each 2 oil changes.
Mobil brand.
Guilherme.
_________________
1994 K1100LT SE n° 0267
1998 HD Heritage Springer 95th anniversary
Yes, a Hog and a Beemer can live together!

Flying Duck · Posted: Wed Oct 08, 2008 7:33 pm Post subject:

If you're using dino oil, go with Castirl GTX 20-50. Do some research - it's one of the best out there.

Since our bikes have a dry clutch they do not need "motorcycle" oils.
_________________
93 LT (x2)
94 RS
86-97 K75F(K75/100/1100 Frankenbrick)
86 K75C w/paralever, hi perf cams,TURBO!
91 & 92 K75Ss
91 K1
86 custom K100
14 WR250R
IBA #17739 (SS1K, BBG, 50CC)
Buy parts HERE

Off the grid · Posted: Wed Oct 08, 2008 11:26 pm Post subject:

I went with Castrol Syntech 20-50.

I tend to get any synthetic that happens to be on sale.

/shrug

I think we tend to make too much of a big deal about oil, particularly regarding the brick engine. Hell I bet it would run with Olive oil in it.
_________________
Bane of your existence since July 2006
2007 Triumph Tiger ABS. "Sabertooth"
2009 Husqvarna TE610. "The dirty Italian mistress"

Scott_Anderson · Posted: Thu Oct 09, 2008 7:49 am Post subject:

rydor · Posted: Thu Oct 09, 2008 9:40 am Post subject:

dave n · Posted: Thu Oct 09, 2008 10:28 am Post subject: not worth repeating

Is that the "Extra Virgin" Olive Oil?
_________________
Dave Norris KOG 248
1999 Cagiva Gran Canyon
1993 K1100LT w/Hannigan sidecar
2008 Suzuki DR650

SugarHillCTD · Posted: Thu Oct 09, 2008 12:40 pm Post subject:

Rather have Olive oil than Wimpy in my brick.
_________________
John & Cathy

'92 K100RS4V Pearl White SOLD
'04 K1200GT
IBA Several-SS1k, BBG, 50CC NYC to S.F.

CheapJapCopy · Posted: Fri Oct 10, 2008 8:00 am Post subject:

Actually, half decent oil does make a difference to consumption. Apart from that though, OTG has to be right, the engines are bomb proof.. Well, the oiled bits are, anyway. As for the valves..
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1992 K1100RS - Red and gold.

Geoff · Posted: Mon Oct 13, 2008 1:55 pm Post subject:

I found BMW 20W50 dino for $6.00/quart at Cycle Werks (Barrington, IL). I don't understand why A&S BMW sells the same for $8.59.
_________________
2000 R1100RT
2008 H-D Electra Glide Ultra Classic

Flying Duck · Posted: Mon Oct 13, 2008 2:11 pm Post subject:

FYI: There is nothing special about BMW oil. It's merely oil they buy from one of the oil companies, put in a BMW bottle and charge twice as much for.

CHANING your oil on a regular basis is much more important than brand.

Castrol is recognized by many in the car arena as one of, if not the, best dino motor oils.

Bang for your buck, Mobil 1 is best for synth.
_________________
93 LT (x2)
94 RS
86-97 K75F(K75/100/1100 Frankenbrick)
86 K75C w/paralever, hi perf cams,TURBO!
91 & 92 K75Ss
91 K1
86 custom K100
14 WR250R
IBA #17739 (SS1K, BBG, 50CC)
Buy parts HERE

mnb · Posted: Mon Oct 13, 2008 2:59 pm Post subject:

I've been running Mobil1 for a few oil changes now. It's more expensive, can be changed less often, but you have to put a fresh quart in every 1500 miles due to the burn rate anyways. I sure haven't noticed any easier/smoother shifting since changing to synth...

If you want to run dino oil, just put in Castrol 20-50w. Or Valvoline. Both those are fine oils and are much cheaper than the ripoff BMW brand. They'll work fine in the engine since it's got a dry clutch.
_________________
M N B
1997 BMW K1100LT ABS Special Edition
2003 Husqvarna TE610e
2007 Harley Davidson Road King
2009 BMW F800GS
2011 Husqvarna TE310
2014 Ducati Multistrada Pikes Peak MNB Edition

Flying Duck · Posted: Mon Oct 13, 2008 4:02 pm Post subject:

Aside from longer change intervals, synth has some other adfantages:

1) Slightly, probably not noticeable, better gas mileage.

2) Better starting lubrication when it's cold out.

Once I hit the 5k into the 10k change interval I refersh with either more Mobil 1 or Castrol 20-50 since that will last until the next oil change.
_________________
93 LT (x2)
94 RS
86-97 K75F(K75/100/1100 Frankenbrick)
86 K75C w/paralever, hi perf cams,TURBO!
91 & 92 K75Ss
91 K1
86 custom K100
14 WR250R
IBA #17739 (SS1K, BBG, 50CC)
Buy parts HERE

mnb · Posted: Mon Oct 13, 2008 4:37 pm Post subject:

Synth, since it lubricates better, should result in a slightly lower operating temperature as well (which may be as noticable as the gas mileage difference).
_________________
M N B
1997 BMW K1100LT ABS Special Edition
2003 Husqvarna TE610e
2007 Harley Davidson Road King
2009 BMW F800GS
2011 Husqvarna TE310
2014 Ducati Multistrada Pikes Peak MNB Edition

Flying Duck · Posted: Mon Oct 13, 2008 4:44 pm Post subject:

This won't be a real oil thread until it hits five pages. Laughing

_________________
93 LT (x2)
94 RS
86-97 K75F(K75/100/1100 Frankenbrick)
86 K75C w/paralever, hi perf cams,TURBO!
91 & 92 K75Ss
91 K1
86 custom K100
14 WR250R
IBA #17739 (SS1K, BBG, 50CC)
Buy parts HERE

Jim · Posted: Mon Oct 13, 2008 6:18 pm Post subject:

hopefully that won't happen!
_________________
Jim
1997 K1100LTSE 94,000 - still has gremlins!
1995 R100RT Classic 16,650 crashed - repaired!
1992 K75RTP 46,000

"We shall not all die, but we shall all be changed."

Scott_Anderson · Posted: Mon Oct 13, 2008 6:23 pm Post subject: