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I have a 2004 BMW 325xi (manual transmission, not that that matters)
with ~ 2,000 miles on it.
It uses full synthetic motor oil (5W30 viscosity I believe).

I read on the car newsgroups (via google) that some people
like to do an unscheduled oil change after 1,000 or 1,500 miles (post break-in). Others said they just go by the computer (scheduled) maintenace, which is free, but less frequent...

I wanted to hear your opinions:

1) Would you do an oil change at 2,000 miles (post break-in)?
The charge is $72 including synthetic oil (about $5 a quart in stores
and an oil filter (OEM goes for about $12 online) and labor.
Money is not a big concern, since I want my car to last.
HOWEVER, if it won't really make a difference and is overkill, then I would rather save the $72.

The appointment coordinator himself actually said it wasn't recommended by BMW in the sense that it was unnecessary.
I tentatively scheduled it for late next week, but can always cancel.

2) Would you do remaining oil changes when the computer recommends it (free scheduled maint) about every 15,000 miles, or every 7,500 miles (paying for every other one) as some people like to do.


NOTES:
1) I do mostly CITY driving.

2) The BMW schedule is about every 15,000 miles, although the computer will adjust the amount downward if a lot of stop and go (city) driving is done (mine is now saying to do one at 13,245 miles or so).
The next change (at 13,245 mi) would be free, since all scheduled maintenance is included for 4 yrs/48,000 miles.


Thanks!!!

Change the oil at it's regular schedule.Listen to the manufacturer,especially BMW.They know there stuff.Recommend #2.

E

Thanks NoSmartz.

Maybe I should add a poll to this...

Feu,
there's one thing you have to remember,synthetic oil was made to last much longer than conventional oil.Find somewhere online and see how long a tractor trailer goes before he changes his oil.It varies between 50,000 to 100,000 miles.Unbelievable ehh?I do see though how you would consider doing it earlier though being that it's a new Beamer and all but don't worry about the length of time,synthetic is made for it.

E

I will not contradict myself. I did said that NoSmartz had plenty smarts, I didn't say that he had every smartz.

I change oil at twice the frequency recommended with $4/qt full synthetic from Pep Boys, or other and with a K&N filter ($10), which may not be available for BMWs. It's no big deal, for me. I have Jeep Grand Cherokees and a $20 creeper - easier than installing a new hard drive with a fresh load of Windows.

Now, I've wondered about the BMW commercials claiming maintenance and service included but never looked into it. They expand the service interval out the ragged edge but if you want a traditional interval you have pay extra.

Cancel with the dealer and take it to any corner "quick lube", you'll save a bundle. Check with them first to ensure that they have the synthetic oil and a filter. If they don't have the correct filter and can't get one, ask them if it is OK to bring one from Pep Boys, Auto Zone, Kragen or buy online. If they don't have the synthetic oil, find another quick lube.

Slim

Thanks guys.

NoSmartz,
I read an article (although it was on a site for AMOil (sp?) synthetic)
of some trucker (maybe same article) who went over 100,000 miles without changine oil (the filter was changed more frequently however I believe).

CowboySlim,

Thanks!
Regarding going to a service station: I assume that it will be at least $40 still (I know the difference between that and the BMW price is the price of a conventional oil change), but for peace of mind I wanted to go to BMW at least for the first oil change.
Then I will shop around locally for future (every 7,500 mile) oil changes.
In that case (doing it every 7,500 miles), every other one will be done for free by BMW.

Feu,
Your correct about the oil filter.The Tractor Trailer notion gives you an idea about how long is too long to go without one.My dad had a Chevy Luv truck and would go 10,000 until the next change.He used Mobil 1,THE BEST.Synthetic is nice to have but an expense to have also.I still wouldn't worry about the 7,500 mile frequency though.They've had the synthetic thing figured out for quite a while now.I do agree with CowboySlim about the Quick Lube over the local BMW dealership though,much cheaper and just to be safe,make sure they put the drain plug back in!!!!!!!
CowboySlim,
You have a creeper?Man you must be rich 'cause all I have is a used Cardboard Box!!!!! I've never let anyone change my oil.It saves me $$$$ to do it myself.Ofcourse I use 6 quartz instead of 4 or 5 but I figure I'd get taken to the cleaners if I asked quick lube to do it with 6 quarts.Costs me about $17.00 to do it myself.My old truck gets it every 3,000 and I can feel the difference.

E

Hey, NoSmartz, I was using the cardboard box method - a water heater box. Problem was, the homeless were becoming non-homeless by stealing them faster than my water heaters were spring leaks.

Had to get a creeper. But one can't use a creeper on BMW, too low, have to use a box, no matter how SLIM you are. That's why I have Jeeps.

And yeah, you gotta' watch 'em at a quick lube type place with a non-domestic. Bring your own box end. They probably won't have the right metric and use a vise grip and chew up the hex on the plug.

Slim

Another question is "What is your Driving Style?"

CowboySlim,

Hey, NoSmartz, I was using the cardboard box method - a water heater box. Problem was, the homeless were becoming non-homeless by stealing them faster than my water heaters were spring leaks.

I know what ya mean.I'm reduced to using an old Allied van Lines Mega Box.Can't find those water heater or fridge boxes.They're like gold.
Those Beamers are kinda low.Might have to physically Dvd Shrink yourself to fit under there. Way correct on the wrench notion to.They use to doin' Chevy's and Ford's.Bring in a BMW and they might say,"That's a foreign jobby ain't it?"
Action Jackson brings up a good ?Regular driving 15,000 is fine.Horsin' it might want to go half that.

E

Slightly OT, Consumer Reports did an in depth study on how frequently you should change your oil. They found that most cars there is no difference if you change your oil every 3,000 miles or 7,500 miles. The engineers could not find any difference between engines that had the different intervals.

Consider this: A study was done on oils used on motorcycles and the following was concluded by a Phd in Physics from one of the universities in California. They tested different oils for bikes and cars (including Mobil One) that at or around 700 miles the oil, no matter the brand, the viscosity of the oil begins to break down. So, changing the oil at intervals of 3000 miles is about right. If you do a lot of city driving you might consider changing it sooner especially if where you are is very dusty. As far as using synthetic oil prior to break-in the engine can cause blow-by. Using conventional oil for the first 5000 miles allows the rings to properly seat in. Remember that the oil is what lubricates the internals and the fresher the oil the less problems in the future (gunk built-up). I have 2003 Suzuki and they also recommend change intervals of 7500 miles. I have about 7000 miles on it now and have the oil twice. Also, you might want to consider to use the same brand always. When getting an oil change at some of these oil places and icluding the dealer, remember they buy oil by bulk ( not a good thing). It is better to buy individual quarts cause you don't get the contamination like in the huge tanks they store their bulk oil. I hope this helps and good luck.

I must admit, I consider brakes, oil, battery and tyres to be the most important items in any car. I over-service as a matter of course; no matter what type or age of car I drive I always change the oil double as often as is recommended and always the highest quality oil. Mind you I do this myself. Overservicing never hurt any car.

As an example, Volkswagen now have a suggested interval of THIRTY THOUSAND MILES between services on their latest diesel-engined cars. I think anyone who cares about their vehicle would be absolutely mad to neglect their car that long.

<ahem>

A Hyundai Accent.

Now don't laugh. I've just done 16000 miles in this car without a single thing going wrong with it (well OK a button on the clock got a bit stiff and they replaced it under warranty). I have the oil changed religiously every 5000 miles (the book says 10K).

I've also got a Nissan and my bro has a Peugeot a couple of doors down. The Pug is a pile of crap -- looks like it hasn't been serviced properly at all.

I've done over 55000 miles in the Nissan, again with only a weak battery in that time. The car is now 9 and a half years old with its original exhaust so I must be doing something right lol

Yes I know I'm probably going a bit far overservicing a Korean car but it's an old habit which works for me

You tell 'em, Jase. I'm with you. We're almost brothers, after all.

Slim
Whose paternal grandfather came from the lands north of Hadrian's Wall.

CowboySlim wrote:Slim
Whose paternal grandfather came from the lands north of Hadrian's Wall.

nice.
i wonder how many will catch onto that one.

North of Hadrian's Wall?

Would that be North Northumberland then?

(In case peeps don't know what I mean; the Sassenachs moved the Scots border north after Hadrian's Wall....)

Aye, with a surname like James, some of my ancestors were Scottish as well, via Northern Ireland

Yes, dode,

I made it a little obtuse just to see what it would bring out.

Stu
Who does have a surname and it, too, is indicative of his heritage.

LOL, with a first name like that, one doesn't really need a surname indicative of one's heritage. the first name is enough!

The car is now 9 and a half years old with its original exhaust so I must be doing something right lol

Why do I have to go and say stupid things like that eh? When I started this car just now there was a strange noise, sounded like the front pipe or exhaust manifold is finally starting to perish. Always happens like that doesn't it

OK for the guy with the BMW, here's what I can say about oil changes. I don't have a BMW and I have never used synthetic oil. I have owned Volkswagen's, both air and water cooled. I have owned Chevys, both 4 and 6 cyl. I have always changed my oil and filter every 3,000 miles. I use Pennzoil and whatever brand filter the factory or dealer uses (AC Delco for Chevy and IIRC, VW used to sell Mann which were made in Germany).

I have a 1990 Cavalier 2.2L 4-cyl. in my driveway with 303,500 miles on it. I have never done anything to the engine other than normal maintainence including those 3,000 mile oil changes. It is starting to get tired now, but still runs OK.

If I had a BMW that came from the factory with synthetic oil, I would find out what brand it is and stick to it. I would only buy oil filters that are the same as what BMW sells (NO AutoZone crap!). I would not trust the grease monkeys at the Quickie Oil change place down the street, they will just try to sell you shit you don't need like wiper blades and air filters for a price more than BMW would charge and strip out your drain plug. Do the oil change yourself. It only takes 20 minutes and you know it is done right with properly fitting tools. I would probably go 7,500 miles on synthetic oil. The main thing about oil, is to have the proper amount in the crankcase! If the oil looks clean and clear when you change it, I would be tempted to go 15,000 miles between changes.

Good luck.