wait 1 year for oil change

[pick333]

I treat my 2013 135i very well. That's why I'm a little uneasy when my dealer tells me I can wait one year for my first oil change. I'm even more uneasy when the monitor on my car says I can wait until I hit the 15,000mile mark. What gives--you would think the dealer and BMW would want me to be extra careful by getting frequent oil changes.

[631twentyeighteye]

Yeah, change the oil at least every 7500 miles, preferably every 5k miles. This is a picture someone posted on the 1addicts facebook group of their motor at about 50k miles with only 15k BMW oil changes..

[Chunner]

I hope this helps you:

Straight from the M3 forum....

-The oil change monitor doesn't evaluate the actual oil life remaining, it just uses the amount of fuel used, engine temps metrics etc. The Condition Based Service (CBS) interval is not sophisticated enough/reliable.

-The Maintenance intervals proposed by BMW will get your car through warranty period, but after that get ready for massive repair $$$.

-BMW went to extended (15k) intervals based on the oil change monitor only when and because they started paying for maintenance. The intervals are only that long because BMW wanted to save money/they are paying for it

Is there one shred of evidence for any of the three above "facts"? People routinely say this stuff on every bmw forum I've been on, yet it's all theory and speculation. Not only that but it is weak theory and weak speculation.

Consider:

-Thousands of people have been using the normal CBS for years, and you don't see BMW engines grenading very often. Many times more people stick to the CBS than those that don't. Thousands of people have gone 100k+ miles on the CBS intervals as they have been used for many years.

-The CPO program would be an utter disaster if the oil change intervals were too long, as these more used BMWs would show lots of signs of engine trouble and cost BMW $$$ in CPO repairs.

-BMW's around the world come with the SAME CBS oil life system- and yet the USA is one of the ONLY countries in the world where maintenance is covered. You really think BMW would threaten their worldwide reputation, engine reliability and CPO programs in every country in the world, just because maintenance is covered in the USA for four years?

-The condition based service does measure oil quality- at least at some level. Please look at the pdf file on post #3 for some evidence.
http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum...d.php?t=954499

-BMW is not the only manufacturer to rely on CBS, porsche, mercedes and others do it too.

[dm135is]

Old argument. Your car, your money.

Oil changes are cheap, engines are expensive. Short term owners shouldn't care, long term owners should at least consider more frequent changes. I did my first oil change at 2K, and will do them at every 5K-7.5K from now on - DIY is under $100, it's cheap insurance. The old oil gets recycled.

I'd rather buy a used BMW from an enthusiastic owner who over-maintained it than one who did so strictly in accordance with BMW extended maintenance intervals.

Your car, your money. YMMV.

[vertebra]

Originally Posted by Chunner

-The CPO program would be an utter disaster if the oil change intervals were too long, as these more used BMWs would show lots of signs of engine trouble and cost BMW $$$ in CPO repairs.

-BMW's around the world come with the SAME CBS oil life system- and yet the USA is one of the ONLY countries in the world where maintenance is covered. You really think BMW would threaten their worldwide reputation, engine reliability and CPO programs in every country in the world, just because maintenance is covered in the USA for four years?

I don't agree with the CPO argument.

A CPO really only extends the warranty for an extra 24 months.

BMW charges the dealership money to CPO a car and that cost gets passed down to the consumer.

BMW might be playing the odds just like any company that sells a warranty.

The CPO program moves many cars that would otherwise be unattractive to potential buyer.

When did BMW get a reputation for reliable cars worldwide?






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[HeyMoe53]

I have always changed oil at the 7,500 mark, with the extra changes on my dime. I am considering going to 5,000.

The one single good thing that anyone can do for their car is to do timely oil changes. Even more so if there's a turbo under the hood.

[pdisher]

Didn't BMW recently modify the oil change interval? I believe they dropped it to 10,000 miles. Still to long but that tells one something.

The oil is not the whole issue the paper filter fails causing contamination and well, you know the rest....

[Dackelone]

Originally Posted by dm135is

Old argument. Your car, your money.

Oil changes are cheap, engines are expensive. Short term owners shouldn't care, long term owners should at least consider more frequent changes. I did my first oil change at 2K, and will do them at every 5K-7.5K from now on - DIY is under $100, it's cheap insurance. The old oil gets recycled.

I'd rather buy a used BMW from an enthusiastic owner who over-maintained it than one who did so strictly in accordance with BMW extended maintenance intervals.

Your car, your money. YMMV.

^^I totally agree with all of the above!


One thing about BMW policy on oil changes... over here its longer! My German dealer says BMW AG says once every 24 months or 22K kms - which ever comes first. I think thats because most Germans do not change their oil bc its so dam expensive over here. A liter of oil is taxed like crazy over here.. most dealers charge 32 euros for ONE liter of oil. This makes your average dealer oil change 330 euros! (Parts and labor and 19% tax) or ~$440 in USd. But EVEN my dealer says don't go by what BMW says... they recommend an oil change every 6 month or 10K kms. AND that is at a minimum!

I change my oil every four months or 10K kms.

[marcva]

So...Americans traveling to Germany should pack a case or two of motor oil...sounds like a decent exchange rate.

[Bama335]

Originally Posted by dm135is

Oil changes are cheap, engines are expensive. DIY is under $100, it's cheap insurance.

+1 change it out sooner than annually unless you are driving under 5K per year.

Your local dealer probably runs oil change specials for under $75 - I just got a coupon in the mail for $65.....too bad I just had them do the 1,200 mile change 2 weeks ago for right at $100

[owen2001]

Originally Posted by dm135is

...DIY is under $100, it's cheap insurance.

+1. You can get the OEM E82 oil change kit for $76 and free shipping online.

Originally Posted by Bama335

+1 change it out sooner than annually unless you are driving under 5K per year.

So I plan to put less than 5k miles annually on my IS. Probably more like 2,500 - 3,000 miles. How often should I be changing my oil then? Assume I'm going to do the 1,200 oil change in December of this year. When should I do the next oil change if I'm only going to put 3,000 miles on the car next year? Should I wait until next December, or is that too long? Thanks in advance for any insight.

[zamboni]

Oil changes are cheap, engines are expensive. Short term owners shouldn't care, long term owners should at least consider more frequent changes. I did my first oil change at 2K, and will do them at every 5K-7.5K from now on - DIY is under $100, it's cheap insurance. The old oil gets recycled.

Well said I would do my oil change every 7500 miles and my dealer can do the oil change for under $100, why take the chance?

[MightyMouseTech]

Originally Posted by pdisher

Didn't BMW recently modify the oil change interval? I believe they dropped it to 10,000 miles. Still to long but that tells one something.

The oil is not the whole issue the paper filter fails causing contamination and well, you know the rest....

Yes, the intervals were changed in June/July 2013. I would imagine it is because they are now seeing how bad the old intervals were for longevity. I won't be a test mule for them and change it every 5000 km, and every 4th oil change is done for free at the dealer with my supplied oil.

Talking with a BMW tech in Monteal, and he was telling me they have lots of problems with cars that only follow the recommended maintenance. Sludge build ups (like in the pic above) causing scored and worn cams, which will cause misfires and the buildup on the valves that will require walnut blasting etc etc etc.

[135ivert]

Originally Posted by pick333

I treat my 2013 135i very well. That's why I'm a little uneasy when my dealer tells me I can wait one year for my first oil change. I'm even more uneasy when the monitor on my car says I can wait until I hit the 15,000mile mark. What gives--you would think the dealer and BMW would want me to be extra careful by getting frequent oil changes.

I just got a coupon for Schomp - $80 for up to 8 quarts of synthetic + filter, etc. I recall my M3 going for $120 or so.

It's your money, but then again oil is cheaper than an engine. If it were my brand new car that I planned on keeping awhile, I'd do a change at the first 1500, then every 7500 thereafter.

Also if you're really concerned, grab some oil and have it sent to Blackstone Labs for analysis. They'll send you the kit for free.

[BEAR-AvHistory]

No one can prove a negative but there are not reports of thousands of BMW engines going tits up due to oil issues after the warranty period. The N54/55 engines are pretty sold & most of what craps out is the stuff bolted onto the engine, injectors turbos etc.

If 15K bothers you split the difference & do one yourself @ 7500 & one on them @ 15000. No real problem, OC's are very easy to do.

[MightyMouseTech]

Originally Posted by BEAR-AvHistory

No one can prove a negative but there are not reports of thousands of BMW engines going tits up due to oil issues after the warranty period. The N54/55 engines are pretty sold & most of what craps out is the stuff bolted onto the engine, injectors turbos etc.

If 15K bothers you split the difference & do one yourself @ 7500 & one on them @ 15000. No real problem, OC's are very easy to do.

Then why did BMW change it to 10000 miles? Can only be one reason, the 15000 miles is too long and it is causing problems.

[Pyrat 2]

Originally Posted by dm135is

Old argument. Your car, your money.

Oil changes are cheap, engines are expensive. Short term owners shouldn't care, long term owners should at least consider more frequent changes. I did my first oil change at 2K, and will do them at every 5K-7.5K from now on - DIY is under $100, it's cheap insurance. The old oil gets recycled.

I'd rather buy a used BMW from an enthusiastic owner who over-maintained it than one who did so strictly in accordance with BMW extended maintenance intervals.

Your car, your money. YMMV.

Actually DIY is under $50. I've changed mine at:

• 1400 after break-in
• 3900 before first HPDE
• 4800 after HPDE
• 6300 after HPDE
• 7900 after HPDE

Maybe overkill but makes me feel good.

[135Pats]

People underestimate the quality and shearing resistance of modern high quality (lubro, motul, amsoil, etc) full syn...but 15K is still nuts, particularly on S motors with their bottom end clearance issues and the forced induction motors that run hot. I don't track either of the cars, but the N54 that gets beat on does 5K oil changes of Motul xcess.

[kpro135]

Originally Posted by pick333

I treat my 2013 135i very well. That's why I'm a little uneasy when my dealer tells me I can wait one year for my first oil change. I'm even more uneasy when the monitor on my car says I can wait until I hit the 15,000mile mark. What gives--you would think the dealer and BMW would want me to be extra careful by getting frequent oil changes.

They don't care. Once it's out of warranty they're not responsible, that's the mindset. I work at a dealer, change it every 7,500 minimum. Don't reset the monitor when you pay for your "in between" oil changes while under warranty.

[Iron Man]

Originally Posted by 135ivert

I just got a coupon for Schomp - $80 for up to 8 quarts of synthetic + filter, etc. I recall my M3 going for $120 or so.

It's your money, but then again oil is cheaper than an engine. If it were my brand new car that I planned on keeping awhile, I'd do a change at the first 1500, then every 7500 thereafter.

Also if you're really concerned, grab some oil and have it sent to Blackstone Labs for analysis. They'll send you the kit for free.

If you spend time on BITOG and watch the auto parts adds, you can get great deals on oil changes. Also, Walmart always has Mobil 1 0w-40 for $25/5 quarts ( or less sometimes). I just got 7 quarts of Mobil 1 0W-40 and a Mann filter for $44 at AAP, which I think is a pretty good deal. I plan on keeping my car for a very long time, so it is good insurance.

[Dackelone]

Originally Posted by MyI35

I have been in the quick lube industry for three years and a manager for two years. I change the oil in my 135i every 7500 miles.

One thing that many high performance car owners do not take into account is how much oil their cars take. Our 135s take 6.9 quarts of oil. Your standard passenger car takes 3.5 - 5 quarts. The extra oil means you have more oil to collect contamination such as soot and other gunk that builds up in the crankcase. This, along with the required synthetic oil helps to extend the drain interval. On the other hand, the paper oil filters may need to be changed more often then the OEM recommendation because they can degrade more quickly, or even collapse altogether.

Anyway, just my two cents. Change your oil as frequently as you like. If you own a high performance car, be prepared to spend some money maintaining it.

Side note, if you want to see some cars that have gone way over on their oil change intervals I can upload some pictures of their oil filters.

Good point, but its not as IF we own 911's that take 13L of oil! And the reason why Porsche need so much oil is bc of the air cooled(nee oil cooled) engine in the rear and the oil cooler(s) in the front.


I still will change my oil more frequently than 7,500 miles. I prefer the 5K mark. But its just me being OCD and not based on anything scientific.


PS: You should post those gunked up engine/oil filter pics in the General Automotive (non-BMW) Talk + Photos/Videos section and maybe post the link here.

http://1addicts.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=36

Dack

[Dackelone]

Originally Posted by 631twentyeighteye

Yeah, change the oil at least every 7500 miles, preferably every 5k miles. This is a picture someone posted on the 1addicts facebook group of their motor at about 50k miles with only 15k BMW oil changes..

@631twentyeighteye btw... the above engine is NOT an N54 nor an N55 engine but rather a M54 or M54TU normally aspirated(NA) engine. Its not from any one series thats for sure. You can clearly see the cat airpump on the left edge of the photo.

Still just goes to show you how important timely oil changes are and using the correct oil for the job(engine/car maker)!

Dack