Oil change

txusa03 · 08-18-2006, 09:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark Chen

My car is 9 months old
but It only has 3200 miles so far.
should I change oil asap or wait until 5k or 6k??

You make the call, it is your car. If you have $100 and is a diy kinda person, why not. $100 compare to $42K car is chump change IMHO.

SoonToBimmer · 09-19-2006, 11:27 PM

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Question:
Long Drain Intervals in a BMW
I have a BMW 325iC convertible. BMW recommends oil changes at very long intervals – 15,000 miles using synthetic motor oil. Do you agree that this is adequate for Southern California’s combined stop-and-go and freeway driving?
-- Scott Sherman, Valencia, California

Answer:
The short answer to your question is yes, but keep in mind the responsibilities that you should fulfill. More and more automakers are realizing the advantages of synthetic motor oil, and specifically, Mobil 1. While BMW does not use Mobil 1 as "factory fill," BMW does list Mobil 1 among its recommended lubricants, and perhaps more to the point, Mobil 1 0W-40 with SuperSyn exceeds the BMW LL specification. BMW, and some other automobiles, now have sophisticated oil-drain-interval systems built into their electronic engine management systems. The combination of these electronic systems, better and even more robust engine designs, and the long-lived protection of fully synthetic motor oils allows these automakers to recommend such long drain intervals. There are two caveats, however. First, if you tend to use your BMW in a manner that could be considered "severe service," you should definitely consider shortening the drain interval from 15,000 miles. The second, and perhaps the most important, is that it is even more important for you to check the oil regularly. Modern engines can easily go 3,000 miles or more between oil drains without needing a top-up, but with oil drain intervals of 15,000 miles, it is much more likely that you will need to add a half quart or more between oil changes. Individual engines vary. It is also not uncommon for a high-performance engine to require a top-up of motor oil every 2,000 miles. (Most manufacturers consider anything better than 1,000 miles between top-ups as "normal.") In sum, yes, you can drive with confidence using Mobil 1 for such long drain intervals, but it is incumbent upon you to make sure that your BMW's engine always has a full lubricating system.

09-19-2006, 11:27 PM	#24
SoonToBimmer Private 0 Rep 56 Posts Drives: 328xi coup march build Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: WI iTrader: (0)	Just a little info from mobil Ask Mobil Ask your Stickiest Question. . . Or ask us something you’ve always wanted to know about using our products. We’ll sort through all the submissions and present the best questions to our automotive experts. The questions, and their answers, will post right here on the site. Question: Long Drain Intervals in a BMW I have a BMW 325iC convertible. BMW recommends oil changes at very long intervals – 15,000 miles using synthetic motor oil. Do you agree that this is adequate for Southern California’s combined stop-and-go and freeway driving? -- Scott Sherman, Valencia, California Answer: The short answer to your question is yes, but keep in mind the responsibilities that you should fulfill. More and more automakers are realizing the advantages of synthetic motor oil, and specifically, Mobil 1. While BMW does not use Mobil 1 as "factory fill," BMW does list Mobil 1 among its recommended lubricants, and perhaps more to the point, Mobil 1 0W-40 with SuperSyn exceeds the BMW LL specification. BMW, and some other automobiles, now have sophisticated oil-drain-interval systems built into their electronic engine management systems. The combination of these electronic systems, better and even more robust engine designs, and the long-lived protection of fully synthetic motor oils allows these automakers to recommend such long drain intervals. There are two caveats, however. First, if you tend to use your BMW in a manner that could be considered "severe service," you should definitely consider shortening the drain interval from 15,000 miles. The second, and perhaps the most important, is that it is even more important for you to check the oil regularly. Modern engines can easily go 3,000 miles or more between oil drains without needing a top-up, but with oil drain intervals of 15,000 miles, it is much more likely that you will need to add a half quart or more between oil changes. Individual engines vary. It is also not uncommon for a high-performance engine to require a top-up of motor oil every 2,000 miles. (Most manufacturers consider anything better than 1,000 miles between top-ups as "normal.") In sum, yes, you can drive with confidence using Mobil 1 for such long drain intervals, but it is incumbent upon you to make sure that your BMW's engine always has a full lubricating system.
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