[Xiaofeng]

Guys, there's really no point in arguing over this issue. As I said before, there will forever be people in both camps, and this debate will will not change their habits one way or the other. Some people feel the 15k mile oil changes are sufficient, and choose to follow that route. Others, like me, feel 15k miles is ludicrous, and choose to change my oil once every 5k miles or so. Which option is better? Who knows?

I personally feel that spending that extra $80, or whatever, is worth it in order to slightly lessen the risk of having to do a premature engine teardown to replace worn piston rings, connecting rod bearings, etc. Others are willing to take that risk. To each his/her own.

[nub340]

Originally Posted by Rips335iCoupe

Me don't lease ... me like my car ... me take care ... me do oil change.

I feel you man - I would too. I mean after my lease is up and I actually BUY an M3, I'm sure I will be giving it an oil change each morning before I go to work.

[dinkoh]

Originally Posted by matt_335Ci

you are comparing problems with 335is, a 1st year model VS. 15 oil intervals!??! i mean come on, at least compare apples to apples??

to your point show me 1 thread that indicates problems after 15k internval oil changes? i can tell you my e46 NEVER had problems and i don't envision my e92 running into problems.

maybe i am being fooled by the system and i am just "lucky" but i have never heard of any issues. plus, i talk to the technicians at my dealership and by the conversations i have with them they must be fooled too?

Doing oil changes too frequently or after accruing low mileage is not beneficial. Motor Trend wrote an article a few months ago mentioning that synthetic oil isn't at an optimal state immediately. Takes some time.

While 15k seems a lot, changing it every so often isn't a benefit.

[bartman32]

Did mine at 2K miles.

[gloster]

Originally Posted by nub340

I feel you man - I would too. I mean after my lease is up and I actually BUY an M3, I'm sure I will be giving it an oil change each morning before I go to work.

Obviously you don't care about your car. I pull over on the side of the road half-way through my commute each morning to do an oil change on the side of the road.

[matt_435xi]

hey at least i am not as bad as my uncle...he would lease cars and NEVER change the oil, he would just add more when the oil light went on! yikes!

[88stlgrym3]

i decided to do the 1st oil change this friday. cost is about $95. i have 47xx miles now. the car was leased but it just doesn't feel right to wait 'til the 15k mile for the 1st oil change on a new car, especially a turbo charged new car.

[nub340]

Originally Posted by gloster

Obviously you don't care about your car. I pull over on the side of the road half-way through my commute each morning to do an oil change on the side of the road.

[audiphile]

I'm almost at 10K on the original oil. It's a lease but I'm planning to send a sample out for testing before the oil gets changed, just for sheats and giggles.

[Mr. 5]

10k.
I changed it with Mobil 1 0w40.

[gloster]

Originally Posted by gloster

Obviously you don't care about your car. I pull over on the side of the road half-way through my commute each morning to do an oil change on the side of the road.

Originally Posted by nub340

Thank you! Thank you! But for true dedication to our cars, please check out Diesel007's post...

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...ight=rusty+hub

[BMW_TT]

1500 with Mobil 1

[504Boy]

Took it to two German auto mechanics and both suggested getting the oil changed after the first 7000 miles. No need to get it done sooner.

[niralpatel80]

One quick question...

After reading all this I am about to get my Oil change done coz i am near 6k.

If i get my oil change done some where out like costco or Sears, will this void my warranty?

Which is the best oil so far?

[gloster]

Originally Posted by niralpatel80

One quick question...

After reading all this I am about to get my Oil change done coz i am near 6k.

If i get my oil change done some where out like costco or Sears, will this void my warranty?

Which is the best oil so far?

The legal answer is that auto manufacturers, like BMW, are not allowed to invalidate your warranty for receiving service elsewhere or for aftermarket products unless the service or product caused the failure.

But in the real world, BMW can (and will) affix blame to these aftermarket products and services in cases where you might not agree. Actually getting lawyers involved is usually impractical unless the dollars are big enough. And even then, it's a royal pain.

As for this specific case, personally I don't think it's worth it to go third party. Your BMW requires a specific type of synthetic oil and a specific filter. Most BMW dealers will charge you around $100 for the oil change. Assuming the bargain third party you go to uses the right oil and filter, it will still cost you at least $50 and probably closer to $60.

I always took my old cars to quick change places or did it myself. I'm taking my BMW to the dealer.

just my humble opinion

[checuervo]

2.5k for the first one. Stickin to the 15k schedule from now on ... at least until I read some disaster stories.

[davig]

Originally Posted by 504Boy

Took it to two German auto mechanics and both suggested getting the oil changed after the first 7000 miles. No need to get it done sooner.

Same advice from same nationality who also work on Porsche and Ferrari. I did mine at 6,500 to hedge my bets. $120 is cheap peace of mind.
However, I still haven't changed the air in my tires or rotated my windshield wipers.

[MikeM5]

i read somewhere on this board that BMW will give you an oil change once a year if you ask...but they don't advertise that claim for obvious reasons. does anyone have confirmation on this?

i change the oil in both my cars every 3-4000 miles...can't see how waiting for 15k before getting my first oil change can be good at ALL...even if synthetic oil doesn't come into its own right away.

[Potty_Pants]

1,400 miles for 1st oil change

btw folks my car says 25k for 1st oil change. THANKS BMW get your software fixed. if i cant trust the recommended oil change at 25k... can i really trust the electronic dipstick !!!

ppp

p.s. yes bmw does offer a yearly oil change its called a low mileage service and its listed within the manual.

[fucema]

Originally Posted by matt_335Ci

you really think a highly reputable company that has incredible re-sale and certified pre-owned cars would risk the long term effects of their engines (great engines == what BMW is all about??) all to market them better? seems illogical to me?

on top of that, i have never heard of anyone complaining on any boards (former e46 owner) about ill effects from following BMW's "marketing scam"/maintenance schedule?

please enlighten me..

Hence by your logic that is why BMW included air-oil coolers from day one on their turbo engines - because they are a highly reputable company with incredible re-sale and CPO cars and would not want to risk the long term effects of their engines?



Oh wait, that's right they didn't.

It may surprise you, but most companies are interested in a (greater) profit. Could there be a profit driven motivation for some of the things that BMW recommends? Hmmm. Maybe?

[NoKids]

5K, and still haven't changed it yet. i'm waiting on the "change oil" light to come on.

[SpiralOut]

1500 mls for me.