Is synthetic oil ok for my car

Happy_Bunny_6

The oil in my car is below the lower level, so I really need to top it up before work tomorrow.
I've been to garage and got oil, but it's synthetic, is that the right one?
I have an 11 year old bmw320i, it's auto if that makes any difference

I'd appreciate any help

balsingh

For a top up, it shoudl be OK but I woudlnt use fully synthetic as your normal oil. Synthetic oil is very thin and works better in cars that are designed for it. Semi-synthetic is the best one which can be used in any car but has synthetic tchnology.

vaio

Fully synthetic, semi or conventional doesn’t really matter. It’s the grade that is important 20-50, 0-30 or whatever. As long as the grade is what is specified for your car then you’ll be fine. Having said that it is also the case that any oil is better than no oil.

saxmund

The car owner's manual will tell you the type and grade of oil to use. If you haven't got one, then a BMW dealer will be able to tell you which one to use. Even better, ask an independent garage that specialises in BMWs as they will be able to tell you if there are any cheaper alternatives (for example, at my specialist's recommendation I use Havoline Extra rather than Selenia fully-synth in my Alfa). Or go to Halfords, they have a big book that tells you what grade oil to use in what car. And I would agree with balsingh that semi-synth is probably best for a car of this age (and cheaper than fully synth).

vansboy

On your car, don't waste your £$£$ on fully synthetic, & please try NOT to buy a top up bottle from a garage (assuming you mean like a petrol garage) you'll pay top price, that way! Even the 4 or 5litre containers are most expensive from these places.

Asda do a good spec 10-40 semi synthetic, which will be fine. Around £9 ish for 5litres. Halfords have a good range & pretty clear information, as to which is the right oil for your car, on their own brand, too. 25% off this weekend, I think.

If you've not either Asda/Halfords nearby, try a smaller car parts shop & give them your business!!

VB

oldagetraveller

It might have been better to go to a local motor factor for the oil. They should have an application catalogue for your exact make of car which will recommend what type, specification and viscocity is best.

Happy_Bunny_6

Thanks for the help,
I would have gone to my local repair garage as they usually do it for me, but I was caught out, too late at night and having to leave for work early in the morning too early to ask anyone except the lovely people on here!!

I should explain, I live in deepest West Wales, lovely, lovely place but all closed by 9pm!!