BMW R1200RT/R1250RT Forum

Hi all, my first post after joining.

The spec for the RT calls for 5W40 synthetic oil but this seems a little harder to get hold of than 10W40.
Does anyone have a view if using 10W40 would make any difference to the engine.
I know that the 5W refers to the cold temp performance of the oil but as we are coming into summer and for the miles I do it will be changed again in about oct is it going to matter.

Any views/opinions?

mattye wrote:The spec for the RT calls for 5W40 synthetic oil but this seems a little harder to get hold of than 10W40.

Castrol 5W-40 is available from OPIE Oils, http://www.opieoils.co.uk/p-77367-castr ... e-oil.aspx,
I prefer to purchase from them, however, I use the MOTO-OIL price, http://moto-oil.co.uk/castrol-power-1-racing-4t-5w-40, with OPIE's "Price Beater" promise.

Thanks for the quick reply and links.

Do you recon 10W40 would make any difference as it's a bit cheaper. £33 for 4 ltr's.

mattye wrote:Do you recon 10W40 would make any difference as it's a bit cheaper. £33 for 4 ltr's.

BMW only recommend 5W-40 for the LC RT, I'm sure 10W-40 would be fine, but I'd stick with what's recommended, especially if the bike is under any kind of Warranty.

I know why your asking 5W40 is a PITA to get hold off at a sensible price. Unfortunately the riders handbook for the LC does not have the usual oil / temperature graph giving alternative grades for winter and summer. BMW for some reason only specify the one grade. Why I do not know. Will it harm your engine using 10W I doubt it but I personally would not as my bike is still under warranty. If you want a cheaper price source your oil from Germany. Have a search on flea bay. You can buy the correct oil Castrol 5W40 for about £8 - 9 / litre.


Just found my receipt for my last lot of oil from Frinken-Racing Germany 8 litres for £62.17 including P&P. That works out at £7.77 / litre.


Best search came up with http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/7-98-l-Castro ... Swl8NVfVpA


Works out at £7.39 / litre

Cheers all for your replies.

Looked on flea-bay and for the oil from Germany. I'll order that as the price is a bit more sensible. 8)

Mine shifts better with the right oil filled to half way up the sight glass.  First oil change, dealer put in wrong oil ("we use that oil for all the bikes"). This bike is different--wet clutch. I changed it myself 3000 miles later. It shifts better with the right oil.


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Amazon can be your friend when purchasing oil, some good deals on 5-40 castrol synthetic
Currently BMW is selling their rebranded shell 4 liters for the price of 3.

pbsrides wrote:First oil change, dealer put in wrong oil ("we use that oil for all the bikes").

Which Dealer (BMW or not?) & what oil did they put in.

Gulf coast bmw Houston. Advantec 15-50 at $15.23/quart. I told them what they did and that it shifted better with the proper oil. They said "oh." Just got the Castrol 5-40 delivered to my door for less than $9/quart.


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Don't you guys across the pond have Shell Rotella 5W40 thats cheap.