Wrong Engine Oil

[martinjr]

I changed the oil in my BMW316i, automatic today. Instead of buying 5W30 Longlife for BMW I bought Halford's 5W30 part synthetic for Ford. I only noticed this when I was half way through refilling with the new oil so I continued with refilling at thgis point. I wonder will this effect performance, emissions etc? The label states 'suitable for most cars'. I have my NCT (MOT) test on Saturday week.

[jimmyaitken1]

Type Your Answer Here...Wouldn't have thought it would have made a lot of difference as your MOT is quite close but it may cause long term damage to your engine. If it was me I'd just drain as much as possible out and fill up with the correct oil as soon as reasonably practical. However, that's just me and I'm no motor mechanic.

[sunny-dave]

It won't affect emissions or performance (so don't worry about the NCT), but, because it doesn't protect the engine quite so well at low temperatures (ie just after start up), you might get a bit more engine wear and burn a bit more oil.

I wouldn't panic, but I would change the oil at some point (perhaps rather earlier than the next service interval).

[martinjr]

Thanks for answers - solution seems to be change to correct oil sooner rather than later.

[bhg481]

It's the correct viscosity oil - I'd just leave it until the next oil change.

[TWR]

You can use that oil as a flushing oil

[MantaRay]

It'll be fine until your next scheduled oil change.