Re: oil changes - what is the best? (zolik)
First, the type of oil that would enhance longevity is synthetic. Second, there is really no such thing as a *bad* synthetic oil. But, if you compare specifications on synthetic oils (most specs are available on the web) you'll find that Amsoil synthetic has the best specifications. Its kind of pricey though at ~$7.00 US a quart. For practical purposes (price and availabilty considered) Mobil 1, Valvoline SynPower, Castrol Syntec are all excellent choices.
One thing though, your manual states that 5W40 weight oil is preferred for the 1.8T with 5W30 as a substitute. If you go with synthetic, Valvoline SynPower is the only *readily available* 5W40. Its available at NAPA auto parts stores.
[Modified by E36BMW, 11:53 AM 11-29-2001]
[Modified by E36BMW, 11:54 AM 11-29-2001]