Visiting Tech says NO to early oil change.

Tom K. · 07-18-2008, 09:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Swift135

There is no free maintenance in Australia. So that argument doesn't hold up here.

And in the U.S., the switch to ca. 15,000 mile oil changes coincided with BMW's introduction of OEM synthetic oil around 1999. Free maintenance (albeit only 3 years/36k miles) was around here before that.
Tom

d3syd · 07-18-2008, 10:07 PM

Come on guys, don't shoot the messenger..... Swift135 was just passing on what he was told by a person supposedly in the know.

imported_Dodgy · 07-21-2008, 08:48 AM

+1 on supporting Swift. I don't think anyone is dissing him, though. Just the potential that BM is stooging us. (I still can't conceive why).

Here was I thinking that BM would have done zillions of test km's on the N54, on dyno and on road.

Here was I thinking that they would test the oil at various intervals with various driving "styles". Here was I thinking that they'd test the oil for debris and impurities, as well as inspecting the oil filters, and inspecting engine wear.

Here was I thinking, that after much trial and error, they found that the engines and oil performed well. or best, for about 20-25,000 km's under standard driving conditions.

Here was I thinking that they then chose the low range as their recommended oil change interval. How dumb was I????

I should have guessed that everyone else out there knows better. :iono:

MMMMM3 · 07-21-2008, 07:31 PM

Change the oil every day, and the filter twice a day.

Or is it change the filter every day, and the oil twice a day, I forget.

AussieRacer · 07-21-2008, 08:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dodgy

+1 on supporting Swift. I don't think anyone is dissing him, though. Just the potential that BM is stooging us. (I still can't conceive why).

$$$$

aedeau · 07-21-2008, 09:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AussieRacer

$$$$

If they were ripping us off, wouldn't they make oil changes mandatory and services intervals less than what they are? Apparently i get and extra 5000kms out of my diesel engine too before I have to do anything (30,000 kms) - I presume that's when my first oil change will happen as well? :iono:

d3syd · 07-21-2008, 09:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MMMMM3

Change the oil every day, and the filter twice a day.

Or is it change the filter every day, and the oil twice a day, I forget.

LOL.... it's oil filter once a day and oil twice or more (if required) a day. Just like changing ones undies and going to the toilet.

Timbo · 07-21-2008, 10:17 PM

You mean I'm supposed to be changing my undies every day?

AussieRacer · 07-21-2008, 10:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aedeau

If they were ripping us off, wouldn't they make oil changes mandatory and services intervals less than what they are? Apparently i get and extra 5000kms out of my diesel engine too before I have to do anything (30,000 kms) - I presume that's when my first oil change will happen as well? :iono:

It is more than just service costs, which incidentally BMW HQ gets only a small profit from (eg. parts only). Whereas the marketability of the car is increased if BMW can claim low service costs, and do things like offer free servicing for a couple of years (eg. in US and BMW Corporate Program in Aust).

The types of problems likely to be incurred by increased wear due to old/dirty oil are unlikely to show their head until likely over 100,000kms, and after that point BMW is very unlikely to profit at all from the car. Now of course that doesn't mean cars using oil for 20,000kms are going to fall to bits and fail. All it means, is if YOU want to extract the maximum performance from the engine - both in getting maximum power and using maximum power often - changing your oil frequently is a must - no ifs or buts!

Now BMW may base its service intervals on fuel usage, and certainly maximum power means using a lot of fuel, but unless they build AI into their ECUs there is no way it is going to correctly calculate serious hard driving (and extreme engine wear) into the service interval countdown. Just like products like the Sprint Booster exist because BMW assumed the lowest common denominator with the throttle, BMW has to do likewise with the service interval calculations. Hence there is NOTHING wrong with changing the oil earlier if YOU believe your engine use and preferences warrants it.

And I think that's where I'll leave this thread.

d3syd · 07-21-2008, 10:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Timbo

You mean I'm supposed to be changing my undies every day?

Why, yes of course, or else they might have an unhealthy build up of debris.......

lib · 07-21-2008, 11:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by amk2912

Why buy a car that has the technology to work out when it needs an oil change and then disbelieve it?

"Because the computer said so" is never a good answer. I work in microprocessor design and learn to trust computers less every day.

The car's computer is giving you its best guess based on imperfect information. The guess it provides is probably good enough or we'd be hearing horror stories by now but don't assume it must be correct because it's a computer or that its guess applies to everyone in every climate who drive their cars in every possible manner.

Whether you decide to change the oil early or decide to wait until the service interval please don't blindly trust the computer.

sethchan · 07-22-2008, 12:19 AM

All I can say is that the service guy at my dealer said that if it was his car, he'd do it after 5,000km. When he changed mine after 5,000, he said that it probably wasn't necessary, but that as he watched the oil pour out, he could just see the color beginning to change a little bit.

The oil change cost 300 dollars (SEK1,980), so I presume they were refilling it with some pretty high-quality stuff, as you'd expect them to while it's under warranty.

He also said that when he got his second-hand 3, it had 200,000km on it, so he decided to change the transmission oil and found that it looked good as new.

I think I got the guy's honest opinion.

Rotorhead · 07-22-2008, 12:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Guran

Oh yes, very helpful. Thanks.

Why don't you show us your data that supports your view rather than just dissing the opinion of others.

Well I believe it all comes down to economics. Before BMW had this come in for service once every 15000 miles deal. They encouraged oil changes every 3-5000 miles because they made alot of money on service charges.

Now miraculously they only want to see you every 15000 miles, so what's changed you ask, BMW's PAYING FOR IT! As for dissing someones opinion I actually support your choice of going 15000 miles before your first oil change. Hell, mind as well make it 30000. When your engine blows up and your car is no longer in the market place, it will make my 135i all the more valuable. Cheers Mate! :thumbup:

sethchan · 07-22-2008, 12:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Swift135

I posted it because he explained it in a way that made sense to me. I just reported what he said, this is the 7th BMW i've had in 8 years but I like this 135 so I might keep it for a couple of years, whether the oil is changed or not is of no concern to me. I posted this to give BMW's side of the story.

Maybe it's probably unnecessary in most cases but does not harm, as long as you are refilling it with BMW's oil, not ordinary plonk from Costco. That might be what the tech was cautioning against. It's hard for me to believe that a service guy at my dealer would say he'd change early if it were his car if it was going to actually be bad for the engine. But it's easy for me to believe that doing it wrong would be worse than not doing it at all.

minijet · 07-24-2008, 01:08 AM

Some interesting info in this link

http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=13068

Endre · 07-24-2008, 05:49 AM

I have spoken to several dealers about my car, and they are only worried about the service intervalls. But that should not be any issue if they dont reset it.

imported_Dodgy · 07-24-2008, 08:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Timbo

You mean I'm supposed to be changing my undies every day?

Depends on how good your (ars)filter is!

imported_pacman · 07-27-2008, 04:25 AM

This has been an interesting read.

I have owned a brand new BMW X3 diesel since May 07 and I to was concerned about the fact I only have to bring the car in when it tells you it needs a service. As all the cars I have had in the past mazda 6 ,daewoo ford & holden all required a run in oil change.

However I trusted the technology and took the X3 in when it advised. This came after 32,000km.

I asked Brisbane BMW to show me the oil that came out of it after the change and it looked as if they had just poured it out of the Bottle.

And just for the record I had my wifes mazda go in for a service the same day as my X3 and the Mazda 6 cost $90 more to service. Go figure. Hence the reason why we have ordered a New 1 Series Convertable. Should arrive here mid to late september 08

07-18-2008, 10:07 PM	#68
d3syd Major 50 Rep 1,474 Posts Drives: 135i MT, LMB, ProNav Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Scamander, Tasmania iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 135i Coupe [0.00]	Come on guys, don't shoot the messenger..... Swift135 was just passing on what he was told by a person supposedly in the know. __________________ Fun Car: 135i Manual LeMans Blue / Beige Leather / Grey Poplar / pro nav / euro plates. Delivered 24 June 08 Family Car: Land Rover Discovery 4 SDV6 Spare Car: Volvo V70 Sydney Car: MB 420SEL
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07-21-2008, 08:48 AM	#69
imported_Dodgy First Lieutenant 6 Rep 340 Posts Drives: SG 135i 6M Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Melbourne iTrader: (0)	+1 on supporting Swift. I don't think anyone is dissing him, though. Just the potential that BM is stooging us. (I still can't conceive why). Here was I thinking that BM would have done zillions of test km's on the N54, on dyno and on road. Here was I thinking that they would test the oil at various intervals with various driving "styles". Here was I thinking that they'd test the oil for debris and impurities, as well as inspecting the oil filters, and inspecting engine wear. Here was I thinking, that after much trial and error, they found that the engines and oil performed well. or best, for about 20-25,000 km's under standard driving conditions. Here was I thinking that they then chose the low range as their recommended oil change interval. How dumb was I???? I should have guessed that everyone else out there knows better. :iono: __________________ Delivered! 1700hrs Tues May 20 2008: Sparkling Graphite, 6MT, Black Boston Leather, Accented Aluminium, Sun Roof, Pro Nav, Comfort Access.
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07-21-2008, 07:31 PM	#70
MMMMM3 First Lieutenant 7 Rep 340 Posts Drives: 2011 Jerez Black e90 M3 DCT Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Sydney, Australia iTrader: (0)	Change the oil every day, and the filter twice a day. Or is it change the filter every day, and the oil twice a day, I forget.
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07-21-2008, 10:17 PM	#74
Timbo First Lieutenant 4 Rep 302 Posts Drives: BMW 135 Join Date: May 2008 Location: Australia iTrader: (0)	You mean I'm supposed to be changing my undies every day?
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07-22-2008, 12:19 AM	#78
sethchan Lieutenant 12 Rep 403 Posts Drives: 2008 135i Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Sweden iTrader: (0)	All I can say is that the service guy at my dealer said that if it was his car, he'd do it after 5,000km. When he changed mine after 5,000, he said that it probably wasn't necessary, but that as he watched the oil pour out, he could just see the color beginning to change a little bit. The oil change cost 300 dollars (SEK1,980), so I presume they were refilling it with some pretty high-quality stuff, as you'd expect them to while it's under warranty. He also said that when he got his second-hand 3, it had 200,000km on it, so he decided to change the transmission oil and found that it looked good as new. I think I got the guy's honest opinion.
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07-24-2008, 01:08 AM	#81
minijet Lieutenant 48 Rep 545 Posts Drives: Train Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Australia iTrader: (0)	Some interesting info in this link http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=13068
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07-24-2008, 05:49 AM	#82
Endre Lieutenant 17 Rep 420 Posts Drives: E36 M3 3.2 (321hp) Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Molde iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 E82 120d [10.00]	I have spoken to several dealers about my car, and they are only worried about the service intervalls. But that should not be any issue if they dont reset it. __________________ 120d, M-sport, H&R springs,Remus Exhaust, 135I kidneys, 18"BMW performance with Toyo T1R.(summer) 17" style 207 with Michelin Xice(winter), 17" M3 replica with Toyo R888 (Track), Hardwired H/K GPS 810. SOLD! Now driving E36 M3 3.2 (321Hp) Track and Autox
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07-27-2008, 04:25 AM	#84
imported_pacman Private 0 Rep 64 Posts Drives: Join Date: Jul 2008 iTrader: (0)	This has been an interesting read. I have owned a brand new BMW X3 diesel since May 07 and I to was concerned about the fact I only have to bring the car in when it tells you it needs a service. As all the cars I have had in the past mazda 6 ,daewoo ford & holden all required a run in oil change. However I trusted the technology and took the X3 in when it advised. This came after 32,000km. I asked Brisbane BMW to show me the oil that came out of it after the change and it looked as if they had just poured it out of the Bottle. And just for the record I had my wifes mazda go in for a service the same day as my X3 and the Mazda 6 cost $90 more to service. Go figure. Hence the reason why we have ordered a New 1 Series Convertable. Should arrive here mid to late september 08
	Appreciate 0 Quote