Valvoline Synpower 20w 50 Motor Oil By Nostrum on - Updated Oct 15, 2011
Looking for a heavy, fully synthetic oil, I discovered that Valvoline's Synpower 20w-50 meets BMW's (and other premium car makes) longevity and viscocity specifications. Thia also indicates that the oil is comprised of Group IV oils, which are of higher quality than the Group III oils found in most other "Fully Synthetic" motor oils.
I drive an e34 BMW 535i. The M30 motor requires a heavy oil since it runs fairly hot for a naturally aspirated engine. The fully mechanical drivetrain also relies on a thick oil in order to properly lubricate the valve eccentrics and camshaft lobes.
This oil holds up extremely well. I had previously used Mobil 1 15w-50 oil and found that my valves became noisier as the miles racked up. After switching to the Valvoline, my lifter noise is much more quiet. The engine runs very smoothly and I'm very pleased so far with this oil'd performance.
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Valvoline Synpower 20w-50 Purchased at: Advance Auto Parts Price: $5.88/quart
This was instructive. I had no idea there were differences in grades with motor oils. I do know most older cars do better with the heavier thicker oils. I agree you can really hear the differences when the car is flat out running on a highway.
Great stuff. Nice car too! You did well using this product!