Oil Additives?

What does everybody think of oil additives? My shop likes to use this stuff. They say it cleans the crankshaft. Also obviously not to use until your car’s past warranty. I have a 2002 BMW 330Ci. It doesn’t burn much oil but then again I don’t drive it that much either. Car Repair for Dummies says never use additives. Kinda makes me think of in the plant world, if you ask 10 different plant guys the same question, you get 10 different answers. Ask 10 different politicians the same question, you get 20 different answers.

I never use any, no need as long as you’re using the correct oil specified for your 330Ci. And all carmakers agree, I’m pretty sure. Is there an additive recommended in your owners manual?

Some shops push additives for their high profit margins.

“It cleans the crankshaft” - what? I’ve never heard of ‘dirty crankshafts’ on a well-maintained engine!

1 Like

I don’t use them. Last time was 1968. I use regular oil or synthetic but more frequent changes. I’ve gotten 200,000, 300,000, 500,000 etc. on my engines without additives. BMW appears to be fussy about their oil more than others though.

@texases Yea my shop also over filled my oil by a half quart one time. Really miffed me, but some guy on cartalk.com a while ago said my car could take it so no big deal.

@bing I’m hoping to get 250. Shoud last me the rest of my life :slight_smile:

Why does a crankshaft need to be “cleaned”? It’s in a sealed environment soaked in engine oil all the time.

Sometimes I wish folks would just apply a little common sense in these situations….

1 Like