Oil change

Miami Bimmer06 · 08-07-2006, 01:20 PM

Ok, this beeing my first BMW I am used to having the oil changed on my old car every 5k miles, now that I have a more spohisticated car I was told that the oil change is now due every 15k miles, Is that tru??? I dont even drive my car that much in a year so its hard for me to comprehend that an oil change will take place every 15k miles. Is that really healthy for the car?

P.S. the car is a lease so the service is FREE!

Asiann · 08-07-2006, 01:33 PM

http://www.e90post.com/forums/search...earchid=558036 You can do it yourself as I did and at 6k the oil was pretty dirty so I'm with you on not waiting until 15K. It is actually longer depending on how you drive but you are entitled to one oil change per year. Anything other than that you will have to pay. I did the DIY and spent around $50.

sdbcerda · 08-07-2006, 02:42 PM

I had the dealer do an unscheduled oil change at 5K miles for $80. That isn't much more than a JiffyLube would charge and the dealer uses a BMW filter and drain plug gasket.

safetywork · 08-07-2006, 02:44 PM

Changing the oil more often then recommended wouldn't hurt the car. I had driven my E46 M and followed the recommended service intervals for 78k before I sold it and had experienced no problems. BMW will change the oil and filter once a year whether the computer registers a need for service or not (I believe). By the way, we all get maintenance included (whether it's leased or not). And no the maintenance is NOT free, it's included in the price of the car - it's more like "Prepaid".

Asiann · 08-07-2006, 04:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by safetywork

Changing the oil more often then recommended wouldn't hurt the car. I had driven my E46 M and followed the recommended service intervals for 78k before I sold it and had experienced no problems. BMW will change the oil and filter once a year whether the computer registers a need for service or not (I believe). By the way, we all get maintenance included (whether it's leased or not). And no the maintenance is NOT free, it's included in the price of the car - it's more like "Prepaid".

I just can't see going 15-20K without an oil change in between. Some members here had 20K on the OD and they would not change it unless the 1 year mark or they were within 500 miles of the mileage the OBC displayed. I wouldn't trust anyone especially Jiffylube to change my oil. You put the rubber gasket on wrong or forget to change out or leave out the copper gasket and now you have problems. It was pretty easy. I just don't like having to have the car warmed up before I can tell weather or not I put in enough. I added 7 quarts and still only get a OK reading.

scubajag · 08-07-2006, 08:00 PM

BMW will change the oil and filter once per year, without additional cost, no matter what the mileage is on the car. I just had it done, along with the emissions recall, and everything is running smoothly.

C4S4SS · 08-07-2006, 08:04 PM

Just had my oil changed at 15k. The dealer told me I didn't need it changed for another 5,000 miles but that they would change it because it was more than a year old.

Asiann · 08-07-2006, 09:20 PM

Here is what my oil looked like at 6k. http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...ght=oil+change

hotsand5 · 08-08-2006, 01:18 AM

damn asiann, you must have drivin it pretty hard? I also changed out my oil at exactly 6k miles, and it didn't look anything like that; however, you can never have oil that is TOO clean!

NaTuReB0Y · 08-08-2006, 01:48 AM

if i lease it.......i let BMW take care of it....20K, 25K, or 30K....i wouldn't care.

and i'll probably pump regular 87 octane at Costco too.....

but since i bought the car.....i change it every 5k miles.....and pump 91 octane

my dealer just changed it at 20k.......cause the OBC said so.

Nikki · 08-08-2006, 01:52 AM

I'm getting it changed after a year, which will be in a month but I only have 6k miles on my car so far.

zamboni · 08-08-2006, 01:52 AM

15K is a big gap to do an oil change my local BMW shop ( not dealer )recommended every 7500 miles and they used all OEM oil and filter and only cost $75, it's good to change the oil once a year.

safetywork · 08-08-2006, 02:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Asiann

Here is what my oil looked like at 6k. http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...ght=oil+change

Color of the oil is not a good indicator of use. You'll find that viscosity is not the issue, it's the acids that build up as the lubricant is exposed to heat while doing it's job. I agree that driving any car (including BMW's) for 15k to 20k before an oil change is tad long but it depends on how the filtration system works in the N52 motors. Use of synthetic oils also prolongs the interval between oil changes. I'm not sure how the computer determines oil change intervals, in the E46 M the intervals were based on how many gallons of fuel was consumed. If you were harder on the gas pedal, you'd presumably use more gas and therefore the gallons of fuel would be reached sooner and thus a shorter oil change interval.

Asiann · 08-08-2006, 03:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by safetywork

Color of the oil is not a good indicator of use. You'll find that viscosity is not the issue, it's the acids that build up as the lubricant is exposed to heat while doing it's job. I agree that driving any car (including BMW's) for 15k to 20k before an oil change is tad long but it depends on how the filtration system works in the N52 motors. Use of synthetic oils also prolongs the interval between oil changes. I'm not sure how the computer determines oil change intervals, in the E46 M the intervals were based on how many gallons of fuel was consumed. If you were harder on the gas pedal, you'd presumably use more gas and therefore the gallons of fuel would be reached sooner and thus a shorter oil change interval.

True the color of the oil is not a good indicator but what did BMW do before they came up with this 4 year 50k warranty? Suddenly everything is now longer intervals. Sparkplugs now all of a sudden good for 100,000 when they use to be 60k. If I can find the info I will post it.

Gary · 08-08-2006, 10:17 PM

I would caution you against changing synthetic oils every 5K. I read somewhere that the synthetics need to break in and are at their best after the 5K. If you're going to change every 5K, go back to regular motor oil.

Obviously dirty oil is not good, but thats what the BMW filters are for. If there's interest, I can try to track down the article I read on this.

HappyG · 08-09-2006, 10:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gary

I would caution you against changing synthetic oils every 5K. I read somewhere that the synthetics need to break in and are at their best after the 5K. If you're going to change every 5K, go back to regular motor oil.

Obviously dirty oil is not good, but thats what the BMW filters are for. If there's interest, I can try to track down the article I read on this.

Please do so...I know that synthetics have a higher life span, but I've never heard that they work their best AFTER 5k miles? I generally thought that they mainted their lubricity longer then standard oil, which usually would be around 4-5k for standard oil and 6-8k for synthetics?
________
FIX PS3

safetywork · 08-10-2006, 12:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HappyG

Please do so...I know that synthetics have a higher life span, but I've never heard that they work their best AFTER 5k miles? I generally thought that they mainted their lubricity longer then standard oil, which usually would be around 4-5k for standard oil and 6-8k for synthetics?

Like I said before.... viscosity is not the issue. It's the acids that form as a result of heat, etc.

TrucoStar · 08-17-2006, 03:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scubajag

BMW will change the oil and filter once per year, without additional cost, no matter what the mileage is on the car. I just had it done, along with the emissions recall, and everything is running smoothly.

Where do you find that in writing? Is this your local BMW dealership policy or BMWUSA policy? I would like to know because I'm approaching the one year mark and I only have 5500 in my Bimmer325i.

Knowledge is Power

txusa03 · 08-17-2006, 04:05 PM

just sit back and relax and let the stealership do the work for you...

it's tru, it's tru.

Mark Chen · 08-17-2006, 11:04 PM

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??

Boondoggler · 08-17-2006, 11:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Miami Bimmer06

the car is a lease so the service is FREE!

With all due respect, if you're leasing the car, why do you car about the oil change interval? In the term of a 3 year lease, if you follow the OEM rules for oil changes, there is no way you'll have any issues. Doing it more often at your expense is just throwing money down the drain. If you were planning to keep the car or 10 years, then I can see wanting to make sure you extend the life of the engine, but as a leaser, you should simply not care.

miguelito · 08-18-2006, 09:29 AM

Hi everyone ...
any ideas or comments as of the need to do an oil and filter change on a 2006 - 325i after say some 2000 kms to get rid of all the metal filings and dirt expelled by the engine during the break-in period?

Its definitely not cover under the maintenance program and it’s about $130 (Canadian) but some people say [other sports car makes] definitely worth while for engine maintenance and run on relatively good oil.

08-07-2006, 01:20 PM	#1
Miami Bimmer06 I got Twiinz 61 Rep 1,433 Posts Drives: The Ladies Wild Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Miami, Fl iTrader: (5) Garage List 2007 335i [0.00]	Oil change Ok, this beeing my first BMW I am used to having the oil changed on my old car every 5k miles, now that I have a more spohisticated car I was told that the oil change is now due every 15k miles, Is that tru??? I dont even drive my car that much in a year so its hard for me to comprehend that an oil change will take place every 15k miles. Is that really healthy for the car? P.S. the car is a lease so the service is FREE! __________________
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08-07-2006, 01:33 PM	#2
Asiann Got Seoul? 118 Rep 2,862 Posts Drives: 2012 535i MSport Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Honolulu iTrader: (0) Garage List 2012 BMW 535i [0.00] 2008 750Li [0.00] 2006 BMW [0.00]	http://www.e90post.com/forums/search...earchid=558036 You can do it yourself as I did and at 6k the oil was pretty dirty so I'm with you on not waiting until 15K. It is actually longer depending on how you drive but you are entitled to one oil change per year. Anything other than that you will have to pay. I did the DIY and spent around $50. __________________ Can you say Alooooha? [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
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08-07-2006, 02:42 PM	#3
sdbcerda Private 0 Rep 63 Posts Drives: E90 330i Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Alameda, California iTrader: (0)	I had the dealer do an unscheduled oil change at 5K miles for $80. That isn't much more than a JiffyLube would charge and the dealer uses a BMW filter and drain plug gasket. __________________ 2006 E90 330i Arctic, Beige Leather, Burl Walnut, Sport pkg, Steptronic, Premium pkg, Nav, Heated seats, Fold down rear seats, Satellite Radio.
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08-07-2006, 02:44 PM	#4
safetywork Private 0 Rep 57 Posts Drives: '06 E90 330i Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: San Diego iTrader: (0)	Changing the oil more often then recommended wouldn't hurt the car. I had driven my E46 M and followed the recommended service intervals for 78k before I sold it and had experienced no problems. BMW will change the oil and filter once a year whether the computer registers a need for service or not (I believe). By the way, we all get maintenance included (whether it's leased or not). And no the maintenance is NOT free, it's included in the price of the car - it's more like "Prepaid". __________________ '06 E90 330i From the Factory: 6-Speed, Sports Package, Leather, Heated Seats, Debadged Upgrades: N/A (so far)
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08-07-2006, 08:00 PM	#6
scubajag Scuba-JAG 27 Rep 528 Posts Drives: Jet Black 2006&07 B.R. E-92 Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: St. Petersburg, Fl iTrader: (0)	BMW will change the oil and filter once per year, without additional cost, no matter what the mileage is on the car. I just had it done, along with the emissions recall, and everything is running smoothly.
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08-07-2006, 08:04 PM	#7
C4S4SS Private First Class 18 Rep 180 Posts Drives: I3, E92 M3, 993TT, X5 F15 Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Westlake Village, Ca. iTrader: (1)	Just had my oil changed at 15k. The dealer told me I didn't need it changed for another 5,000 miles but that they would change it because it was more than a year old.
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08-07-2006, 09:20 PM	#8
Asiann Got Seoul? 118 Rep 2,862 Posts Drives: 2012 535i MSport Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Honolulu iTrader: (0) Garage List 2012 BMW 535i [0.00] 2008 750Li [0.00] 2006 BMW [0.00]	Here is what my oil looked like at 6k. http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...ght=oil+change __________________ Can you say Alooooha? [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
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08-08-2006, 01:18 AM	#9
hotsand5 hotsand5 50 Rep 806 Posts Drives: 2006 BMW 330i 6spd Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: chicago iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 330i [0.00]	damn asiann, you must have drivin it pretty hard? I also changed out my oil at exactly 6k miles, and it didn't look anything like that; however, you can never have oil that is TOO clean! __________________ -2006 BMW 330i-Sapphire Black- Tera Leather-Aluminum trim- 6spd manual- Sport- Premium- Cold- Navigation- Euro. delivery -2005 Yamaha Warrior 1700 102cu"
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08-08-2006, 01:48 AM	#10
NaTuReB0Y Powered By 36DD 366 Rep 7,369 Posts Drives: 2006 E90 Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Inland Empire iTrader: (12)	if i lease it.......i let BMW take care of it....20K, 25K, or 30K....i wouldn't care. and i'll probably pump regular 87 octane at Costco too..... but since i bought the car.....i change it every 5k miles.....and pump 91 octane my dealer just changed it at 20k.......cause the OBC said so. __________________ 2006 E90 330i Jet Black \| 20" WORK VS-XX \| FK452 \| H&R Sport on Koni Yellow \| REMUS QUAD
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08-08-2006, 01:52 AM	#11
Nikki Major General 1043 Rep 6,381 Posts Drives: Sepang Z4MC Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: LA iTrader: (9)	I'm getting it changed after a year, which will be in a month but I only have 6k miles on my car so far. __________________ Nikki
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08-08-2006, 01:52 AM	#12
zamboni I want to drive a Zamboni 1188 Rep 5,608 Posts Drives: 13 E93 M3 18 F80 M3 16 K71 Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Monte Sereno, CA iTrader: (7) Garage List 16 K71 F800GT [10.00] 2018 F80 M3 [10.00] 2013 BMW E93 M3 [10.00]	15K is a big gap to do an oil change my local BMW shop ( not dealer )recommended every 7500 miles and they used all OEM oil and filter and only cost $75, it's good to change the oil once a year. __________________ 18 F80 Imola Red 6MT 16 K71 F800GT Montego Blue 13 E93 M3 Melbourne Red 2000 E46,2006 E90,09 E82,13 E93 328i,14 F30 335i,18 F80 M3 My next vehicle would be a Zamboni
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08-08-2006, 10:17 PM	#15
Gary Private 8 Rep 61 Posts Drives: 2007 Arctic 335I Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Norcal iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 330XI [0.00]	I would caution you against changing synthetic oils every 5K. I read somewhere that the synthetics need to break in and are at their best after the 5K. If you're going to change every 5K, go back to regular motor oil. Obviously dirty oil is not good, but thats what the BMW filters are for. If there's interest, I can try to track down the article I read on this.
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08-17-2006, 04:05 PM	#19
txusa03 Major General 577 Rep 6,563 Posts Drives: TS330iPPSP6MT Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Planet Earth iTrader: (3)	just sit back and relax and let the stealership do the work for you... it's tru, it's tru.
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08-17-2006, 11:04 PM	#20
Mark Chen Colonel 118 Rep 2,889 Posts Drives: 11' E93 M3 LMB Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Taipei iTrader: (1) Garage List 2011 BMW E93 M3 [0.00]	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?? __________________ 11' LMB E93///M3 KW V3 / 19" BBS LM DB-SLD 20th limited edition / AP Racing Pro 5000+ BBK / Akrapovic Evolution Line Exhaust / Arkym Rear Diffuser /Dinan Stage 2 Engine Transmission software
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08-18-2006, 09:29 AM	#22
miguelito Registered 0 Rep 2 Posts Drives: 325i/2006 (e90) Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Canada iTrader: (0)	first oil change? Hi everyone ... any ideas or comments as of the need to do an oil and filter change on a 2006 - 325i after say some 2000 kms to get rid of all the metal filings and dirt expelled by the engine during the break-in period? Its definitely not cover under the maintenance program and it’s about $130 (Canadian) but some people say [other sports car makes] definitely worth while for engine maintenance and run on relatively good oil.
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