Deisel Motor oil?

[joelh]

Went to Walmart looking for oil for my 96 R1100R Haynes is showing 20W-40 or 20W50 for my temps and the only oil I could find is Rotella for deisel. Will that work or should I opt for a higher quality oil? Can't beat the price. $12 for a 5 qt. jug

[libertynh]

Diesel engine oil is rated with an API symbol beginning with C as in CH-4. Gasoline engine oil is rated with a symbol beginning with S such as SJ.

[The Meromorph]

Rotella is rated with both gasoline and diesel ratings and is fully suitable for your bike.
There are two Rotellaa the T5 (15W-40 Mineral oil), and the T6 (5W-40 full Synthetic).
Both are one of the highest quality oils in their respective class, and have been used in BMW oilheads, and hexheads with no problems.

[libertynh]

Good to know they will work well in the oilhead. Think the local Walmart had the plain Rotella T straight mineral oil and the previous owner of my wife's higher mileage oilhead recommended against synthetics for that bike.

[Commainz]

20W-50 and mineralic stuff - that what you cow wants

[Photo]

I used to use the 20w-50 Rotella in my (former) '03 R1150R, and it ran fine during high-temperature days. My current '01 R1100R is going to get some fresh 15w-40 Rotella when it needs an oil change. Good oil, IMO...

[GerryO]

So is the mineral favored over the synthetic for a reason? Need to change my oil (just bought the bike 42K) and need some advice on this. Also is there a recommended aftermarket oil filter?

thanks

[Ton1959]

Motorex do a special oil for the BMW boxer. This oil is superb. My oil consuption wasn't a lot but improved with the Motorex. Mine is the 15W50. But the Castrol synthetic 10W50 is also very good. Synthetic beats the mineral oil in my view.

Ton