Engine Oil Change/Spark Plug Change Frequency General Consensus

[froop]

Hey,

I'm just wondering what the general consensus is regarding the frequency for doing an engine oil change and changing spark plugs.

From what I've read BMW recommend engine oil changes every 25,000 km and spark plugs every 45,000 miles (~70,000km) but I've ready that this may be too infrequent.

How often should they be changed if:

1. The car is stock?

2. The car is running a tune/mods?

Thanks

[135Pats]

I try to change my oil every 6k or so, I know synthetic doesn't break down to the same degree, but it just scares me running it for as long as BMW recommends...Not sure if there is a "consensus" on it, but with a tune you'll be changing your spark plugs more frequently for sure.

[1Fasst1]

Even though some good synthetics have been around for some time you will notice BMW did not up the inerval until they started the free maintainace. I find most members here like to change between 5-7k. They either DIY or pay out of pocket to get it done. I agree with this as the oil not only lubercates bearings and eng componets but also lubes and helps cool some very hot turbos. The more miles the oil has on it the more contaminates it has from engine combustion. I'm sure this don't help the carbon issue any. There is no set mileage for plugs with cars that have tunes as it will very as to the boost, ect. but look for any where between 15-20k depending on the tune. Also look for issues with coilpacks running higher boost levels.

[Dackelone]

I change my oil every 6K to 10K kms.

Spark plugs should be done every 50K kms without a tune. With a tune change them around 25K to 30K kms. Some people even replace the coil packs after high miles 80 to 100K kms.

[froop]

Ah thanks guys. Gives me a much better idea.

I am definitely due for an oil change...especially after the DCI install fail. Just waiting for my oil filters I ordered to arrive and I'll work on my first ever oil change....ever =Þ.

[Tom K.]

Originally Posted by 1Fasst1

Even though some good synthetics have been around for some time you will notice BMW did not up the inerval until they started the free maintainace.

Not true. BMW increased the U.S. interval in 1999 when they began using OEM synthetic oil. Free maintenance during the warranty period (3 years/36k miles at that time) had already been in effect for a number of years.

Tom

[1Fasst1]

Originally Posted by Tom K.

Not true. BMW increased the U.S. interval in 1999 when they began using OEM synthetic oil. Free maintenance during the warranty period (3 years/36k miles at that time) had already been in effect for a number of years.

Tom

I stand corrected.As far as interval I was thinking about an article I was reading where a filter had to be developed to last as long as the OEM synthetic.

[Tom K.]

Originally Posted by 1Fasst1

I stand corrected.As far as interval I was thinking about an article I was reading where a filter had to be developed to last as long as the OEM synthetic.

I recently read an ad for a filter which claimed that it had been improved to now go 10k miles between changes. I would hope that the BMW OEM filters do better than that!

Tom