Like many components on modern BMWs, the N55 3.0-liter found in our 435i is known as a robust unit–except for its occasionally fatal flaws.
In the case of the N55, the primary boogieperson–if the internet is to be believed—is rod bearings that will destroy themselves or spin in their journals if you even give them a cross look.
Our friends …
If only you had someone to do your testing that is familiar with GRM.... If only.
Been doing UOAs on my car for the last 5 years - very handy tool and actually picked up an internal engine issue before a catastrophic failure. The one you have looks completely normal; moly/boron are just normal friction modifier additives. Fuel dilution looks minimal which is good based on the flashpoint but one downside to Blackstone is that they don't directly test for fuel, its inferred only so often can be a bit wonky if that's an issue you are looking at there are better labs for that.
In reply to karstgeo72 :
Their lack of testing is why I started my own private label for people like us.
bobzilla said:If only you had someone to do your testing that is familiar with GRM.... If only.
Next oil change. Let's chat.
In reply to JG Pasterjak :
Been doing UOA on my subies for a number of years. it has given me useful information - I am expecting in my next oil change on my high mileage wagon to see numbers that indicate engine is due for internal service.
Blackstone, a reliable, Very reasonable$$s, source of information.
my only use has been on Cummins engs, in motor homes. 2
think I will re account myself with my current "Fleet" 2 elderly Lexs.
thanks for the reminder.
In reply to Billbagley :
there are other options out there. Blackstone is looking at contamination only. They aren't looking at the oil itself to see the whole story because of their lack of testing capabilities. Their fuel dilution estimate is an outdated calculation based off flashpoint and doesn't actually look for the presence of fuel.
Now if you just want to see if there's contamination or likely wear and you don't care about extending oil drains or monitoring the oil condition they're fine. For my customers that are pushing their cars on track, trying to determine of the oil they are using is doing what it needs to do to protect the engine, then no they are not the best option.
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