Debating on when to Change the oil

RachelS · 07-12-2005, 07:03 AM

Debating on when to Change the oil

When will you do your first oil change?

onesixeight · 07-12-2005, 07:30 AM

RachelS...

I was thinking about changing it once after break-in...but after that I plan to just change it when the computer tells me to. Although I baby my cars, I usually don't keep them past their warranty period.

scottz5 · 07-12-2005, 07:48 AM

I will do it when the car tells me. How many of you are keeping your cars after the 4yrs bumper to bumper? I never keep a car more then 4 yrs, so I dont really care about long term. Plus, if it was not ok why would BMW wait 15k? I did it when the car told me to on my E46 and it ran perfect.

johnfkitchen · 07-12-2005, 07:51 AM

Modern synthetic oil technology is very good. When an oil manufacturer says it lasts 15K, guaranteed, then I'd bet that it would even last longer. Not that I'd press my luck. I believe the technologists better than any gut feel.

fredtoo · 07-12-2005, 08:41 AM

I always dump the oil after a few hundred miles to get rid of the metal particles from breaking in the motor.
For those that doubt, the oil comes out looking like gold metal flake paint.
I have done this on every vehicle I have owned, always run Mobil One oil, and never had a motor show any signs of wear.

silverado · 07-12-2005, 09:14 AM

I'm starting to think that I should do an oil change after my breakin (I already have 3000 miles on mine though)... What kind of shops can change your oil and reset your oil change counter? Does it have to be the dealer?

Broken1 · 07-12-2005, 09:31 AM

I'm not touching my car. If the oil needs to be changed, it will be changed when the car or BMW says so...at BMW's expense and not mine. I bought this car to drive, not to sit around wondering when to change my oil

Petercat · 07-12-2005, 12:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by silverado

I'm starting to think that I should do an oil change after my breakin (I already have 3000 miles on mine though)... What kind of shops can change your oil and reset your oil change counter? Does it have to be the dealer?

Good point, true in my experiences as well.

chazmtb · 07-12-2005, 12:49 PM

My dealer recommends a inbetween service oil change at 7500 intervals. From everything I have read, that's probably the best balance if you are anal about changing oil. 3000 on full synthetic is just a waste. Remember the 3000 mile moniker was invented back in the day, when oil and gasoline technology were bad and the engine was pretty inefficient. Nowadays, full synthetic will last 15000 miles on typical driving. These engines are pretty clean and are burning pretty clean fuel. Hence, synthetic oils don't break down with heat as much and lasts longer without the dirty deposits.

Also remember that your cars hold 7+ quarts of oil. My X5 (basically the same engine) holds 8 quarts.

stressdoc · 07-12-2005, 01:11 PM

I agree that 7500 is fine if you drive your car hard and are concerned about longevity. If you want to save oil and $, then go by the service plan. Ditto for brake and tranny fluids -- I think it wise to change at a 50k interval. If nothing else, you will feel better about the next owner. My first several BMWs were bought when they had 100k+ miles, and sold with close to 200k miles and no major engine work, and that was B.M1. (Before MobilOne). That said, I think fredtoo is right in suggesting an oil change after the first 1000 miles or so to get rid of any metal bits or casting/forming leftovers.

HRC · 07-12-2005, 01:25 PM

I didn't vote yet b/c I'm torn between listening to BMW or my *past* ways. So I can't decide between 7500K and the 15K BMW tells us for the first oil change. I used to dump out the factory oil at 1K miles but the last car I did this in('99 Honda Prelude) the seals never seated properly so I'm kinda leaning towards the manual...

I'm also used to doing my oil changes myself(not that I like it) but the upside was I got to put in whatever oil I wanted, I used Redline, but now I feel helpless knowing that I'm not running Redline, considering the oil might not get changed for a while. After the first change, I am really inclined to follow the manaul based on my friends oil analysis, see below;

Mobil 1 Synthetic at 7500miles

Danny

stressdoc · 07-12-2005, 01:40 PM

There are two distinct issues here: (1) break-in, and (2) regular long term maintenance. RachelS asked about the first oil change. Anyone know if there is a special 'break-in' oil, or is it just the standard synthetic? With 'free' service, BMW has some incentive to opt for 15k rather than 7.5k intervals. After break-in, the difference in wear etc. is likely miniscule in most cases unless you are putting your car on the track.

F32Fleet · 07-12-2005, 01:41 PM

Some people just change the filter @ the first couple of thousand miles.

What most people have problems with, including long time BMW owners, is that as soon as BMW started to pay for the oil changes the intervals went up to 15k. Also, very few engines with these extend intervals have needed to be rebuilt, so there's little conclusive evidence of sludge build up (unlike some asian motors). I've seen a pic of a pulled valve cover off an E46 that had tons of sludge, but the pic didn't say the engine was running poorly because of sludge, it just said "see...there is sludge in the engine". If I ever bought (not leasing) a BMW I would change the oil every 7500 miles or atleast the filter every 7500 miles. 99% of people who change their oil more frequently do it because they #1 don't trust BMW, #2 like to screw around with their cars.

Bimmer_2 · 07-12-2005, 01:44 PM

First oil change shoud be between 1000-2000 miles and then every 5000 interval. The prescribe schedule works fine for me on all the cars/vans/SUVs which I owned. My Toyota van still running strong after 250,000 miles; so the story speaks for itsef.

HRC · 07-12-2005, 01:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stressdoc

There are two distinct issues here: (1) break-in, and (2) regular long term maintenance. RachelS asked about the first oil change. Anyone know if there is a special 'break-in' oil, or is it just the standard synthetic? With 'free' service, BMW has some incentive to opt for 15k rather than 7.5k intervals. After break-in, the difference in wear etc. is likely miniscule in most cases unless you are putting your car on the track.

I realize that there are 2 issues, however if I didn't address it clearly in my post, my mistake. I'm not sure if htere is any special break-in oil, but I have heard that there is. My chart was for after break-in.

Danny

SCA · 07-12-2005, 01:50 PM

I'd do it at 3,000 or 5,000. I would never go to 15,000 miles.

Just 0.02

HRC · 07-12-2005, 01:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bimmer_2

First oil change shoud be between 1000-2000 miles and then every 5000 interval. The prescribe schedule works fine for me on all the cars/vans/SUVs which I owned. My Toyota van still running strong after 250,000 miles; so the story speaks for itsef.

I understand your past experience and results, they do speak for itself. My story however has a different ending than yours and I wanted it out there to be told just the same.

Danny

RachelS · 07-12-2005, 02:00 PM

Has anyone seen the bottom of the e90, wow, I was impressed.

it is all coverd up, sealed tight with panels. I think you would have to remove some of the bottom panels to do an oil change.. anyone know

F32Fleet · 07-12-2005, 02:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bimmer_2

First oil change shoud be between 1000-2000 miles and then every 5000 interval. The prescribe schedule works fine for me on all the cars/vans/SUVs which I owned. My Toyota van still running strong after 250,000 miles; so the story speaks for itsef.

For a toyota engine you would need to change it more frequently. I remember reading where Honda, Toyota and maybe even Nissan ran into problems with sludge build up on engines running synthetic oil.

Check this link: http://www.justracing.com/bmw/viewto...p?<br /> t=12

Another linke of a E46: http://www.justracing.com/bmw/viewtopic.php?t=21

stressdoc · 07-12-2005, 02:25 PM

Beautiful data HRC!

HRC · 07-12-2005, 02:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stressdoc

Beautiful data HRC!

Thanks! After my friend showed me that, I stopped changing my sythetic oil every 3k! I went to 7k between oil changes. Saved me alot of cash since I spend about $45 just for 6 quarts of oil! It still *felt* dirty but I knew the particles were still well within the limits.

Danny

SV Concepts III · 07-12-2005, 04:33 PM

It is very important to do a first oil change in the first 5-7000 miles. Although it's not necessary for most cars, in the best interest of longetivity I would definitely spring the 100 bucks or DIY. Your engine deposits microscopic metal shavings in the oil as it gets broken in. It is best if these are removed through an oil change. After that, I'd change every 7500 miles. Let the dealer do it every other time.

View Poll Results: When will you do your first oil change?
3000 - I feel safe	20	24.69%
5000 - I will stretch it	10	12.35%
7500 - I feel it getting a little yucky..	11	13.58%
Let the dealer do it at 15000	40	49.38%
Voters: 81. You may not vote on this poll

07-12-2005, 07:03 AM	#1
RachelS Private First Class 46 Rep 191 Posts Drives: 2006 325i Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Toledo, Ohio iTrader: (0)	Debating on when to Change the oil Debating on when to Change the oil When will you do your first oil change?
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07-12-2005, 07:48 AM	#3
scottz5 Lieutenant Colonel 94 Rep 1,730 Posts Drives: 13 F10 535xi & 11.75 E93 M3 Join Date: May 2005 Location: Earth iTrader: (0)	I will do it when the car tells me. How many of you are keeping your cars after the 4yrs bumper to bumper? I never keep a car more then 4 yrs, so I dont really care about long term. Plus, if it was not ok why would BMW wait 15k? I did it when the car told me to on my E46 and it ran perfect. __________________ 13 F10 535xi JB/B working on it 11.75 E93 M3 MR/Black Stock (wifey) 11 F10 535i AW/CB Mods Gone
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07-12-2005, 07:51 AM	#4
johnfkitchen First Lieutenant 30 Rep 327 Posts Drives: 323is & 330i Join Date: May 2005 Location: Eastern Massachusetts iTrader: (0)	Modern synthetic oil technology is very good. When an oil manufacturer says it lasts 15K, guaranteed, then I'd bet that it would even last longer. Not that I'd press my luck. I believe the technologists better than any gut feel. __________________ 1998 323is SP manual with all the goodies in ArktisSilber + 330i auto SP PP CW iDrive/Nav SatRadio Active Steering Arktis/Beige/Poplar
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07-12-2005, 08:41 AM	#5
fredtoo First Lieutenant 15 Rep 340 Posts Drives: 325 328 350 Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: nj iTrader: (0) Garage List 1986 328 [0.00] 2006 325 [0.00]	I always dump the oil after a few hundred miles to get rid of the metal particles from breaking in the motor. For those that doubt, the oil comes out looking like gold metal flake paint. I have done this on every vehicle I have owned, always run Mobil One oil, and never had a motor show any signs of wear. Last edited by fredtoo; 07-12-2005 at 10:04 AM..
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07-12-2005, 07:30 AM	#2
onesixeight Captain 102 Rep 614 Posts Drives: F82 M4/i8 Join Date: May 2005 Location: Seattle, WA iTrader: (3)	RachelS... I was thinking about changing it once after break-in...but after that I plan to just change it when the computer tells me to. Although I baby my cars, I usually don't keep them past their warranty period.
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07-12-2005, 09:14 AM	#6
silverado Captain 288 Rep 874 Posts Drives: 2018 M2 Join Date: May 2005 Location: Boston iTrader: (0)	I'm starting to think that I should do an oil change after my breakin (I already have 3000 miles on mine though)... What kind of shops can change your oil and reset your oil change counter? Does it have to be the dealer? __________________ 2018 F87 M2 \| LBB \| Executive \| Moon Roof \| Apple CarPlay [2018 F22 M240 (sold) ; 2015 F22 M235i (sold); 2006 E90 330i (sold); 1983 E30 Coupe 320i (sold)]
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07-12-2005, 09:31 AM	#7
Broken1 Addict 203 Rep 2,074 Posts Drives: 2024 X5 40i M-Sport Join Date: May 2005 Location: Ontario iTrader: (0)	I'm not touching my car. If the oil needs to be changed, it will be changed when the car or BMW says so...at BMW's expense and not mine. I bought this car to drive, not to sit around wondering when to change my oil
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07-12-2005, 12:49 PM	#9
chazmtb Private First Class 9 Rep 171 Posts Drives: 2011 X5D Join Date: May 2005 Location: Windermere, FL iTrader: (0)	My dealer recommends a inbetween service oil change at 7500 intervals. From everything I have read, that's probably the best balance if you are anal about changing oil. 3000 on full synthetic is just a waste. Remember the 3000 mile moniker was invented back in the day, when oil and gasoline technology were bad and the engine was pretty inefficient. Nowadays, full synthetic will last 15000 miles on typical driving. These engines are pretty clean and are burning pretty clean fuel. Hence, synthetic oils don't break down with heat as much and lasts longer without the dirty deposits. Also remember that your cars hold 7+ quarts of oil. My X5 (basically the same engine) holds 8 quarts.
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07-12-2005, 01:11 PM	#10
stressdoc Moderator 618 Rep 10,855 Posts Drives: BMW i8; Toy 4runner TRD pro Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Waco TX iTrader: (0)	I agree that 7500 is fine if you drive your car hard and are concerned about longevity. If you want to save oil and $, then go by the service plan. Ditto for brake and tranny fluids -- I think it wise to change at a 50k interval. If nothing else, you will feel better about the next owner. My first several BMWs were bought when they had 100k+ miles, and sold with close to 200k miles and no major engine work, and that was B.M1. (Before MobilOne). That said, I think fredtoo is right in suggesting an oil change after the first 1000 miles or so to get rid of any metal bits or casting/forming leftovers.
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07-12-2005, 01:25 PM	#11
HRC MAUI BUILT 485 Rep 7,781 Posts Drives: 2006 330i MT Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: NORCAL iTrader: (10) Garage List 2002 E46 325i [0.00] 2012 E70 35i [0.00]	I didn't vote yet b/c I'm torn between listening to BMW or my past ways. So I can't decide between 7500K and the 15K BMW tells us for the first oil change. I used to dump out the factory oil at 1K miles but the last car I did this in('99 Honda Prelude) the seals never seated properly so I'm kinda leaning towards the manual... I'm also used to doing my oil changes myself(not that I like it) but the upside was I got to put in whatever oil I wanted, I used Redline, but now I feel helpless knowing that I'm not running Redline, considering the oil might not get changed for a while. After the first change, I am really inclined to follow the manaul based on my friends oil analysis, see below; Mobil 1 Synthetic at 7500miles Danny __________________ Arctic/Blk Leather/Alum.Trim/MT/ZSP/Sunshades/Blk Lines/M3 Illuminated Knob/Alcantara Performance Wheel/M-E-Brake Handle/Euro Fog Switch/Koni Yellows/H&R Sport Springs/19" VMR V718's w/PS2 Tires/M-Tech Body Kit/Carbon Fiber Spoiler/Bimmian Interior Bulbs/OEM Eye Glass Tray/SSK/Alcantara Boot/Split Armrest/OEM Dual Rear Power Outlets/Rear Ashtray Delete/OEM Alum. Pedals/Osram 6000K/Brex Rings/LED Side Markers/BMS Power Box
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07-12-2005, 01:40 PM	#12
stressdoc Moderator 618 Rep 10,855 Posts Drives: BMW i8; Toy 4runner TRD pro Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Waco TX iTrader: (0)	There are two distinct issues here: (1) break-in, and (2) regular long term maintenance. RachelS asked about the first oil change. Anyone know if there is a special 'break-in' oil, or is it just the standard synthetic? With 'free' service, BMW has some incentive to opt for 15k rather than 7.5k intervals. After break-in, the difference in wear etc. is likely miniscule in most cases unless you are putting your car on the track.
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07-12-2005, 01:41 PM	#13
F32Fleet Lieutenant General 3576 Rep 10,356 Posts Drives: 2015 435i Join Date: May 2005 Location: Southeastern US iTrader: (0)	Some people just change the filter @ the first couple of thousand miles. What most people have problems with, including long time BMW owners, is that as soon as BMW started to pay for the oil changes the intervals went up to 15k. Also, very few engines with these extend intervals have needed to be rebuilt, so there's little conclusive evidence of sludge build up (unlike some asian motors). I've seen a pic of a pulled valve cover off an E46 that had tons of sludge, but the pic didn't say the engine was running poorly because of sludge, it just said "see...there is sludge in the engine". If I ever bought (not leasing) a BMW I would change the oil every 7500 miles or atleast the filter every 7500 miles. 99% of people who change their oil more frequently do it because they #1 don't trust BMW, #2 like to screw around with their cars.
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07-12-2005, 01:44 PM	#14
Bimmer_2 Private 3 Rep 74 Posts Drives: BMW 330i Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Atlanta, GA iTrader: (0)	First oil change shoud be between 1000-2000 miles and then every 5000 interval. The prescribe schedule works fine for me on all the cars/vans/SUVs which I owned. My Toyota van still running strong after 250,000 miles; so the story speaks for itsef.
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07-12-2005, 01:50 PM	#16
SCA Brigadier General 565 Rep 3,742 Posts Drives: Multiple BMWs Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: 🇺🇸 iTrader: (0)	I'd do it at 3,000 or 5,000. I would never go to 15,000 miles. Just 0.02
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07-12-2005, 02:00 PM	#18
RachelS Private First Class 46 Rep 191 Posts Drives: 2006 325i Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Toledo, Ohio iTrader: (0)	Has anyone seen the bottom of the e90, wow, I was impressed. it is all coverd up, sealed tight with panels. I think you would have to remove some of the bottom panels to do an oil change.. anyone know
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07-12-2005, 02:25 PM	#20
stressdoc Moderator 618 Rep 10,855 Posts Drives: BMW i8; Toy 4runner TRD pro Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Waco TX iTrader: (0)	Beautiful data HRC!
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07-12-2005, 04:33 PM	#22
SV Concepts III Lieutenant General 375 Rep 17,017 Posts Drives: BMW Duh Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Santa Clara iTrader: (13)	It is very important to do a first oil change in the first 5-7000 miles. Although it's not necessary for most cars, in the best interest of longetivity I would definitely spring the 100 bucks or DIY. Your engine deposits microscopic metal shavings in the oil as it gets broken in. It is best if these are removed through an oil change. After that, I'd change every 7500 miles. Let the dealer do it every other time.
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