OK guys, I've had a nagging question for a bit. I took my '05 MCS in for an early oil change at an independent shop that specializes in European cars, including MINIs. They race MINIs, they were very knowledgable, I liked them a lot.

But I was kind of surprised when they used a brand of oil for my car that I have never heard of. Duron Synthetic 5W-40, from Petro-Canada. It's listed on the bottle as a full-synthetic and is API CI-4/SL rated.

They thought that it really was a good oil, but I really can't find any info on it. I am a definite believer in using name brand oils, had I changed it myself, I would have gone with Mobil 1... Honestly, I never even thought to ask what oil they used until I saw the bottle next to the car...

It's been in there about 1500 miles right now, I changed it at 4000 miles and have 5500 on it right now. Does anyone have any thoughts? Should I just go drain it again and refill with Mobil1? I bought myself a 36mm socket now, so I can put in what I want. I guess if I'm concerned enough, I could send in a sample for oil analysis, but honestly don't know what I would look for.

I know everyone's got an opinion on oil, so here's another chance to sound off...

Thanks

 

Let the firestorm begin!!!:impatient

Seriously, you're gonna get answers all ove the opinion map. Bottom line do what makes you comfortable that you are protecting your car. I personally run Redline 5-40 in the winter and 10-40 in the summer,

owner's manual be burned!!!

 

Yeah, I know this is going to be all over the place... but there are a lot of good opinions out there, I thought I'd see what I could learn. Actually, I forgot to mention, what I do know is that it is supposed to be a full-synthetic for a diesel engine, which sounds kind of odd at first. From what I think I know, diesel oils hold more particulate in suspension than gas engine oils. I don't know what the trade-off is though, I assume it's not just better at holding more particles than "gasoline engine" oils...

 

It is my understanding that you should not use oils designated for diesel engines in gas engines. That being said, one would think that the place you went to would know. Unless I heard for sure from an expert, I'd change the oil.
Its Redline 5W30 for me

I may stand corrected, checked Google and it seems like you can use some diesel oils in gas motors but could suffer some whp and milege loss. Frankly, I don't think it is a great idea.

 

Anyone else know about this? I know a lot of NAM members have taken their cars to the same shop, I hate to call them out on this, they sponsor this site so I don't want to be giving them a bad rap if I'm wrong...

 

Yes. It looks like a motor oil for diesels.
http://www.petro-canada.ca/eng/prods...eases/9168.htm

I don't really think you will hurt anything by running it. The oil has extra detergents to fight soot and is designed for long drain intervals. Many folks with VW 1.8T engines run Mobil diesel oil without any problems. They use that oil because it holds up very well to the turbos heat.

I could not really find any data on anyone using that particular oil in gas engines. Although the data sheet from the petro-canada site does say :

"DURON SYNTHETIC is suitable for use in most engines
operating on gasoline or natural gas fuel. This includes
passenger car and light duty truck applications where
API SL or earlier specification is required."

Now personally I tend to over research everything before I try or buy anything. Since I could not find any recent oil analysis data on this product, I would most likely replace it after it's been in there 3000 miles and put in something more well known. (Redline, Mobil, etc)

There is very little data on http://www.bobistheoilguy.com for MINI Copper used oil analysis. We should all get together and have this done and post the results there for our engines.

What do you say everyone?

 

I'm all for it. I was going to probably send in a sample of this stuff when i drained it. I'm particularly mad that i didn't collect a sample of the oil at my first oil change just out of curiosity - if you could detect anything due to break-in or as a general baseline.

I'd love to see some other's results as well. I was going to drain sometime when it got warmer, so i'll send it in and post my results on NAM.

Where are you from in MD? I grew up in Westminster, though I live in SW VA (Blacksburg) now...