Is it normal for the BMW 525 engine oil temperature to reach 120 degrees?
2 Answers
Partial high engine oil temperature is normal. If there is a consistent trend of exceeding 120 degrees, the cause should be investigated. Below is more information about engine oil: 1. Mineral oil: Mineral oil is the residual oil left after gasoline and heavy oil are extracted from petroleum. In fact, mineral oil is also a natural oil with many impurities. It is cheaper compared to semi-synthetic and full-synthetic oils, but it has poor lubrication properties for the engine and a short service life. 2. Semi-synthetic oil: Semi-synthetic oil falls between mineral oil and full-synthetic oil. It contains a large amount of anti-corrosion additives to enhance the stability and high oxidation resistance of the oil. 3. Full-synthetic oil: Among these three types of oil, full-synthetic oil is the highest in quality and durability, and it is also the most expensive. Generally, it can be used in passenger cars for 10,000 to 12,000 kilometers without deteriorating. 4. Hazards of water in engine oil: If a small amount of water enters the engine and mixes with the oil, the oil quality deteriorates. Oil containing water can increase wear on engine components, potentially leading to increased engine noise and vibration during future vehicle operation.
I've been driving a BMW 525 for some time. It's possible for the oil temperature to reach 120°C under specific conditions, such as aggressive driving or hot weather, as increased engine load can cause the temperature to rise. Normally, the oil temperature should be between 90°C and 110°C. If it occasionally spikes to 120°C, it's not a major issue, but frequent occurrences should be noted. High temperatures can reduce the lubricating performance of the oil and accelerate engine wear. I recommend keeping an eye on the dashboard; if the temperature is frequently high, check if the oil level is sufficient, if the cooling system is functioning properly, or consider switching to a higher-performance full synthetic oil. When I've encountered similar situations, I make sure to perform regular maintenance to ensure the radiator and fan are working correctly, preventing long-term damage to engine components from high temperatures. After all, the car is your own—better safe than sorry.
