i4runner
Veteran Author
Orlando
Posts:278
Points:59,910
Joined:Oct 2009
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Message Posted: Oct 29, 2009 10:55:36 AM
It has been a hard pill to swallow, but with full synthetic, I change the oil every 10 and the filter every 5. The filter is very easy to change on my car and it takes a 36mm socket and about 10 minutes.
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geobmw
Champion Author
Miami
Posts:6,171
Points:1,400,370
Joined:May 2008
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Message Posted: Aug 15, 2009 5:44:41 AM
According to the my dealer, oil is changed every 10,000 miles with 5w/30 Castrol Syn Oil.
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texaswillie
Sophomore Author
Dallas
Posts:152
Points:14,535
Joined:Aug 2009
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Message Posted: Aug 8, 2009 1:45:36 PM
Always changed my oil and filter at 4000 miles. Got rid of my 524 at 200,000 plus miles and it was still a good vehicle with a good engine. I like to think the regular oil changing helped a little.
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charliehustle
Rookie Author
Los Angeles
Posts:2
Points:5,940
Joined:Nov 2008
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Message Posted: Jul 22, 2009 4:24:52 PM
I change mine every 10,000 miles but change out the filter at 5000 miles. There's no filter for a BMW that can last any longer than that.
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frankbank
Champion Author
Delaware
Posts:6,409
Points:870,405
Joined:Jan 2009
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Message Posted: Mar 3, 2009 2:04:22 AM
3,500 miles. Have car servioed at same time.
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intrvvder
Champion Author
Vancouver
Posts:2,409
Points:945,335
Joined:Jun 2008
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Message Posted: Feb 25, 2009 8:28:10 AM
Harsh winter driving will result in moisture in the engine oil recommend to change more frequently in winter months.
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steelblue
Champion Author
Maryland
Posts:7,227
Points:1,548,745
Joined:Oct 2008
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Message Posted: Feb 21, 2009 9:30:53 PM
DIY @ 7500 miles with synthetic oil.
The OB is programed @ 15500 miles between oil change.
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SYNDICATE19
Veteran Author
Atlanta
Posts:441
Points:178,085
Joined:Feb 2009
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Message Posted: Feb 19, 2009 10:03:44 AM
10,000 miles with Synthetic Oil. i have the dealer change its at 15,000 miles
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no3putz
Sophomore Author
Albany
Posts:146
Points:18,795
Joined:Aug 2004
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Message Posted: Oct 30, 2008 6:41:48 AM
I've had 3 now...03(325xi),07(328xi)and 08(528xi) and I change the oil
@ 1,200 miles right off the bat at the dealership, out of my own pocket.
I'm a big fan of preventative maintenence, and my engines are much better for it.
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740i
Champion Author
Utah
Posts:2,665
Points:909,430
Joined:Aug 2008
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Message Posted: Oct 29, 2008 8:42:34 AM
I usually change it between 5K and 6K.
1994 740i 146,000 miles.
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VPON
Rookie Author
Los Angeles
Posts:13
Points:276,845
Joined:Oct 2008
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Message Posted: Oct 24, 2008 9:11:21 PM
if you always use syn. 15K is okay. change often will not do better than 15K.
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no3putz
Sophomore Author
Albany
Posts:146
Points:18,795
Joined:Aug 2004
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Message Posted: Aug 20, 2008 9:20:21 AM
Had the dealer change mine from new @ 1,200 miles.
Now it'll be when I get the annual inspection done in Oct.
Where I might have 7,500 total on the odometer.
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GPCruisr
Rookie Author
Detroit
Posts:59
Points:12,160
Joined:Jun 2008
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Message Posted: Jul 2, 2008 3:25:29 PM
10,000 miles with Synthetic Oil.
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EEngineer
Rookie Author
Oregon
Posts:38
Points:189,245
Joined:Jun 2008
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Message Posted: Jun 19, 2008 10:17:25 AM
rhinorover, yes to each his own.
We do get wild swings on the eastern side or Oregon, as it is a high desert. It's not unusual to get 100+ (degrees F) days followed by near freezing at night. As you can imagine that stresses oil tremendously. But that's where synthetic oils really shine (and not just Amsoil).
Whether it's Amsoil, Mobil 1, Red Line, Royal Purple, or Castrol, synthetic oils take far less additives to keep their cold pour point (still liquid in cold), as well as prevent burn off under extreme heat. The first 4 oils I listed have long drain-life recommendations, because they put enough additives in to last that long.
Doing a long-life synthetic, regardless of brand is also a cost savings. The synthetic oils cost about 2-3x the price of conventional these days, but last 4-10x as long, it's a pretty good deal in the long run.
One thing I will note about synthetics though, and that is they run very clean in the engine. If you have an older vehicle that's been running conventional oil for its whole life, it is possible that the deposits that have built up over time are the only thing preventing an oil leak. Running one cycle of synthetic will strip out so much gunk from an old engine... when making the switch, you can't run the full distance, your oil looks like tar before very long. By the second change though, it is an amazing difference in how the engine performs.
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rhinorover
Champion Author
Edmonton
Posts:1,860
Points:329,150
Joined:May 2004
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Message Posted: Jun 18, 2008 3:10:06 PM
Like I said to rriley, whatever floats your boat.
I live in a climate where we get more winter than summer and potentially wild temperature swings (ie. 30 - 40 degrees sometimes) so the demands on the engine can be quite harsh. You probably experience similar things in Oregon.
But if you think about it, when you have an oil analysis done and see the results, if there are breakdowns, etc. it's already too late. The damage has been done to your engine and all you're doing from this point forward is minimizing things.
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EEngineer
Rookie Author
Oregon
Posts:38
Points:189,245
Joined:Jun 2008
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Message Posted: Jun 18, 2008 1:20:13 PM
I've been running Amsoil for years, heck I even sell it to my friends, one of which was running 35,000 mile intervals, rhinorover. He had an oil analysis done at 35,000, and the base stock was still perfectly good (as good as conventional oil brand new!), the particulate count was low, but the additives were on their last legs, so he changed the oil. My friend's vehicle is a V8 powered Chevy pickup, and he tows a lot.
As for BMWs and all German cars now, they use synthetic oils, because in Europe it is mandated that all cars have 12k+ oil change intervals, to cut down on the amount of waste oil. If you have a BMW of modern vintage (2000 or newer) the computer should tell you when to service it, based on your driving habits. My aunt's BMW M Coupe tells her about every 10k miles to have it serviced, but then she drives like a maniac.
[Edited by: EEngineer at 6/18/2008 4:21:36 PM EST]
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rhinorover
Champion Author
Edmonton
Posts:1,860
Points:329,150
Joined:May 2004
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Message Posted: Jun 18, 2008 10:24:22 AM
What ever floats your boat rriley.
Have you ever done an oil analysis after 35,000 miles??
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rriley
Veteran Author
Florida
Posts:352
Points:4,365
Joined:Jun 2008
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Message Posted: Jun 12, 2008 2:26:36 PM
You guys are all SADLY misinformed. I have been using Amsoil in all of my cars for years and change my oil only once per year. With the 0W30 oil (which is made to go 1 year or 35,000 miles), I have personally put on more than 34,000 miles with this oil with no problems whatsoever. It's a waste of time and money to change the oil frequently. When you use the "correct" oil, it does no damage to the oil whatsoever. I've seen a 1993 Ford Aerostar use this same oil and put on 731,000 miles all while changing the oil every 25,000 to 35,000 miles. The engine was never rebuilt.
I have 57,000 miles on one of my cars right now and I've only changed the oil 3 times in all that time. The car runs better now than when I first bought it and it DOES NOT burn a single drop of oil. I change the filters when the computer says so, but the oil stays in.
I DO NOT trust oil from car dealers or lube shops. Those people simply want to scare you and sell you things to keep you coming back often. I tried to get a quick lube to sell Amsoil. I showed him the back of the bottle of the oil I was having them install in my car. I said, "Look, you can go 1 year or 25,000 miles before having to change this." He looked at me and said, "Are you crazy? I want people here every other month, not once per year."
What's good for the consumer is not always good for the retailer. They are not looking out for "your" best interest. They are looking to sell what makes them the most profit. Selling crappy oil that has to be changed often makes them the most money.
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rhinorover
Champion Author
Edmonton
Posts:1,860
Points:329,150
Joined:May 2004
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Message Posted: Jun 7, 2008 7:40:18 PM
BMW recommends oil changes once a year for the 335 but I'll pay to have one done at the half way point.
I'd rather spend the $100 than risk wrecking the engine long term.
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mcneece
Rookie Author
Jackson
Posts:60
Points:22,830
Joined:May 2008
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Message Posted: Jun 3, 2008 8:37:09 AM
even with mobile1, i still change mine every 3k. probably unnecessary, but i mean, come on, its like what...$40? take care of your car!
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smokinjoe1
Veteran Author
Alabama
Posts:319
Points:366,690
Joined:Oct 2005
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Message Posted: Sep 12, 2007 3:25:10 PM
BMW recommends once a year or every 12 or 15k miles your OB computer is monitoring your driving habits and will tell you when to take your car for service.
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lll4386
Champion Author
Seattle
Posts:3,885
Points:597,125
Joined:Apr 2007
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Message Posted: Jul 9, 2007 2:11:54 PM
Since I've switched to synthetic I change the filter & one quart at a time - plus 3 qts of tranny fluid.
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blubyu
Champion Author
Indiana
Posts:2,819
Points:1,391,655
Joined:Jul 2006
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Message Posted: Jul 4, 2007 3:43:41 PM
If you want a 4-5 year old car with a worn out motor, go for it!
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greatham316
Rookie Author
Tampa
Posts:8
Points:78,290
Joined:Jun 2007
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Message Posted: Jun 13, 2007 5:57:09 PM
I have a '03 745li and I change the oil every 14-15k thousand miles. I do this primarily because oil changes are covered under the BMW maintenance. I never had any problems with the car and I would imagine the dealers would know best on the maintenance of the car.
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mullingspices
Champion Author
Honolulu
Posts:10,778
Points:2,115,050
Joined:Apr 2007
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Message Posted: Jun 13, 2007 12:21:20 AM
I go about 5000 miles max. Don't forget the filter!
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SHanneba
Champion Author
Houston
Posts:1,442
Points:1,195,260
Joined:Mar 2003
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Message Posted: Nov 1, 2006 6:13:20 PM
I change my 2003 330Ci every 5000 miles. You can view the results of my OUAs on BIToG.com. THe BMW oil would not make to 15000 miles in my short trip service. BMW is in the business of selling new cars, long oil change intervals could make you an repeat customer sooner than you would like.BMW 330 Ci UOA 5-6000 mile intervals
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HFE
Veteran Author
Houston
Posts:274
Points:89,310
Joined:Sep 2006
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Message Posted: Oct 29, 2006 10:40:20 AM
I would go by what the dealer says
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vecent45
Rookie Author
Los Angeles
Posts:12
Points:11,785
Joined:Sep 2006
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Message Posted: Sep 26, 2006 7:59:37 PM
I would go with the service light and as soon as the light pop up, schedule your service as soon as possible. Also remember ask for a courtesy vechile so you can experience the new cars as well.
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JettaMan64
Champion Author
Las Vegas
Posts:3,025
Points:391,205
Joined:Jun 2005
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Message Posted: Sep 18, 2006 7:54:42 PM
What do you think about using an engine cleaner before changing oil? yes or no?
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Bimmerman
Veteran Author
Atlanta
Posts:319
Points:119,315
Joined:Mar 2006
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Message Posted: Sep 18, 2006 8:07:48 AM
they would know best. it's their warranty responsibility
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GuzzlinGas
Veteran Author
Columbia
Posts:346
Points:96,565
Joined:May 2004
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Message Posted: Aug 25, 2006 1:43:29 PM
Who makes these filters? I cannot remember the brand I use. I think it's Manhe or something like that.
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Old Baldy
Rookie Author
Edmonton
Posts:27
Points:17,225
Joined:Aug 2002
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Message Posted: Aug 23, 2006 5:46:56 PM
My 323i counts down when I require oil change, and I get it done within 1,000 km of the time it says, with BMW synthetic made for them by Castrol. No problems in over 110,000 kms!
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GuzzlinGas
Veteran Author
Columbia
Posts:346
Points:96,565
Joined:May 2004
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Message Posted: Aug 12, 2006 5:25:29 AM
I change my oil personally every 10k miles. This turns out to be every 5 or 6 months. I do not like the paper oil filter idea so I'm hesistant to let it go any further.
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srmenke
Sophomore Author
San Diego
Posts:186
Points:44,090
Joined:Apr 2006
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Message Posted: Jul 24, 2006 9:04:02 AM
iso50,
Thank you.
srmenke.
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thirsty_car
Rookie Author
Los Angeles
Posts:16
Points:14,800
Joined:Jun 2006
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Message Posted: Jul 12, 2006 10:01:34 AM
I just go with the service light.
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srmenke
Sophomore Author
San Diego
Posts:186
Points:44,090
Joined:Apr 2006
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Message Posted: Jul 11, 2006 12:12:36 PM
iso50,
Wish I would have known that before I dropped my car off. Where would I get something like that done? Car is at dealer now for an oil change and with an air bag problem. They would not activate when a passenger sat in the front seat.
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Bimmerman
Veteran Author
Atlanta
Posts:319
Points:119,315
Joined:Mar 2006
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Message Posted: Jul 7, 2006 10:09:49 AM
i go 10k miles. my car runs great with 127k miles on it.
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greywolves
Champion Author
Las Vegas
Posts:8,655
Points:2,425,200
Joined:Dec 2004
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Message Posted: Jun 29, 2006 11:27:06 PM
ditto iso50.
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srmenke
Sophomore Author
San Diego
Posts:186
Points:44,090
Joined:Apr 2006
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Message Posted: Jun 5, 2006 10:56:26 AM
I bought a brand new BMW in 2005. I was told by my mechanic [who only works on BMWs] that even though it says not to change your oil for 15k miles don't do it. Keep changing every 3k. What happens is that when you don't change your oil every 3k, sludge builds up in the engine creating noise. People have been told that their engines have to be replaced because of the sludge. So I change it every 3k. It does not void the warranty.
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blackman57
Champion Author
St. Louis
Posts:9,837
Points:1,890,530
Joined:Feb 2006
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Message Posted: May 22, 2006 9:16:29 PM
Iam looking to buy one thanks guys
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ridetwowheels
Champion Author
Dayton
Posts:1,181
Points:242,405
Joined:Jan 2006
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Message Posted: May 21, 2006 5:58:43 PM
dollar for dollar your synthetic may not get you the payoff your looking for unless your driving habits, maintenance habits or environment are rather harsh. For a car that has depreciated past the 5-10 year mark it seems silly to blow the extra 10-20 per oil change; if you are doing them regularly there is no need for this additional expense, unless one of the other aforementioned situations is true...save the money for when the time comes to upgrade...or..spend it on other more deserving preventive maintenece like other fluids, belts, hoses so those won't get you stranded.
Cheers.
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ridetwowheels
Champion Author
Dayton
Posts:1,181
Points:242,405
Joined:Jan 2006
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Message Posted: May 21, 2006 5:58:31 PM
dollar for dollar your synthetic may not get you the payoff your looking for unless your driving habits, maintenance habits or environment are rather harsh. For a car that has depreciated past the 5-10 year mark it seems silly to blow the extra 10-20 per oil change; if you are doing them regularly there is no need for this additional expense, unless one of the other aforementioned situations is true...save the money for when the time comes to upgrade...or..spend it on other more deserving preventive maintenece like other fluids, belts, hoses so those won't get you stranded.
Cheers.
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DJsM3
Rookie Author
Richmond
Posts:11
Points:4,500
Joined:May 2006
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Message Posted: May 18, 2006 10:46:10 PM
Currently using the synthetic oil, they only recommend an oil change once a year or 12k miles.
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grundler
Rookie Author
California
Posts:22
Points:25,580
Joined:Apr 2006
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Message Posted: May 11, 2006 10:15:02 AM
I change the oil according to the service indicators in the car, and then half-way between them. In other words, every 6000-7500 miles. My three bimmers have just passed a combined 400,000 miles with no major engine problems.
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themadhatter
Rookie Author
Allentown
Posts:13
Points:14,510
Joined:May 2006
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Message Posted: May 9, 2006 4:54:43 AM
I change the oil on my 3 bimmers every 5k miles. The oil is good for 12-15k like BMW recommends but the paper filter shouldn't go that long. BMW issued a TSB (technical safety bulliten) to discontinue the high duration oil changes on some of their cars including the s54 powered e46 m3 since the paper filters were disintegrating.
They have since changed the design of the filter but I will stick with my 5k oil change schedule. I basically ignore the service lights except for when it's time for an inspection...which I do myself.
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lambwofur
Champion Author
Los Angeles
Posts:1,038
Points:161,110
Joined:Apr 2006
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Message Posted: May 5, 2006 4:16:13 PM
Just go with the service light.
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SHanneba
Champion Author
Houston
Posts:1,442
Points:1,195,260
Joined:Mar 2003
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Message Posted: Nov 8, 2005 4:01:29 AM
I have been changing my oil at about 5000 miles. I let the dealer change it when the service monitor says to and do the other two changes myself.
Here is an oil analiysis of Mobile 1 0W-40 at 13000 miles:
BMW 330Ci M1 0w-40 13000 miles
Here is one of mine at 5000 miles with Castrol 0w-30 and a listing of 5000 miles with BMW 5w-30 driving mostly short trips:
BMW 330Ci Castrol 0w-30 5000 miles
Great site for info about oil!
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eltroco
Rookie Author
Las Vegas
Posts:2
Points:140
Joined:Nov 2005
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Message Posted: Nov 7, 2005 10:55:04 PM
You have the option to change your oil when ever you want, BMW recommends once a year or every 12 or 15k miles your OB computer is monitoring your driving habits and will tell you when to take your car for service.
Trust them they build the best car in the world
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