[PTinVT]

This was in my local BMWCCA chapter latest newsletter. I haven't been able to find references/citation but just passing along...
--
Tech Alert for Oil
Changes
by Ron Crawford
I just received from Detroit a warning to
revert back to earlier oil change intervals.
The background to this is that the inclusion
of certain metal compounds in the formulation
of motor oils is one of the major factors
that allowed manufacturers to specify
very long oil change intervals. The other
factor was the control of mixtures, which
reduced the presence of unburned hydrocarbons.
The compounds in question literally
formed a plating on bearing and friction
surfaces, providing protection even after
10-15,000 miles of use.
A year or so back the EPA found that
the very same compounds were being discharged
into the environment, and that the
metal compounds are extremely toxic. The
EPA banned the use of those compounds in
motor oil, but the public, and in most cases
the retail end of the industry have not been
advised.
There is nothing “wrong” with the reformulated
motor oils. However, they are now
good for only about 1/3 to 1/2 of the intervals
in force when you bought your car. If
you have a recent BMW the recommended
interval is typically 15,000 miles. Mike
Miller has long urged us to change at about
half of that, but with the new formulations
4-5,000 miles may be advisable.

[Tee-Dub]

Got a link to an article, or anything?

[PTinVT]

http://www.vtbmwcca.org/wp-content/t...odeler-web.pdf

page 4.

[MrDummy]

wow good stuff to know, I am going to dig into this more, thanks

[Craig@SupremePower]

hmmm...

[sly1types]

Good thing I have always changed my oil every 5k in my BMWs...

[F32Fleet]

Originally Posted by PTinVT

http://www.vtbmwcca.org/wp-content/t...odeler-web.pdf

page 4.

I'm really surprised the newsletter published this. It's nothing but heresay. The fact remains it doesn't matter what mumbo-jumbo is in your motor oil that's no longer there now. If an oil no longer meets BMW specifications it can not be labeled as such. I look for more "proof" than a warning "from detroit".

[PTinVT]

Originally Posted by Socom

I'm really surprised the newsletter published this. It's nothing but heresay. The fact remains it doesn't matter what mumbo-jumbo is in your motor oil that's no longer there now. If an oil no longer meets BMW specifications it can not be labeled as such. I look for more "proof" than a warning "from detroit".

Yes, I suspect it as well, which is why I posted it for discussion. Agree that adding "from Detroit" smacks of urban legend/chain letter. I should ask the chapter where they got it from.

I simply change my oil once a year in both my cars, since I drive relatively little...