Continental Winter Oil Question- your opinions please

monkeyboybongo · Post by **monkeyboybongo** » Mon Oct 22, 2007 9:33 pm

I'm living in Germany (Near Cologne) and the Bongo is very nearly due an oil change. It's the first one since moving into Germany and as it gets considerably colder than in the UK (had first few frosts already) I don't know what oil to put in.

And before everybody jumps on the "Just do a search in the forum" bandwagon, I'd like peoples informed judgements please.

From what I can gather 5W/30 is good down to -10 oC but others say 15W/40 would be ok, but does it make that much difference? I'm inclined to say probably not but I'm waiting to be told otherwise!

Thanks

MBB

Post by **Ian** » Mon Oct 22, 2007 9:37 pm

According to the owners manual, 10W-30 is good down to -40 celsius.

monkeyboybongo · Post by **monkeyboybongo** » Mon Oct 22, 2007 9:42 pm

but its difficult to get my sticky mits on some. Know of any suppliers in EUrope or Germany more specifically?

Ta muchly

scanner · Post by **scanner** » Mon Oct 22, 2007 10:28 pm

It's only the lower number that means anything at low temps, as that is the cold viscosity.

The other number is the hot viscosity and that is the one that matters once the engine is up to temp.

A lower cold viscosity means the engine has less "stiction" when starting from cold so should start easier. Trade off is that the oil doesn't "fill the gaps" as well so if you use a lower viscosity oil don't thrash it straight away after a cold start.

Oil of all viscosity should be available at any good motor parts shop or any of the big hypermarkets.

If wurst comes to wurst (sorry) you should be able to get it at any Shell or BP filling station

scanner · Post by **scanner** » Mon Oct 22, 2007 10:54 pm

This place should sell it if it is anything like it's parent company Makro.

http://www.metro24.de/