How frequent do you change the oil

[BMWFB02]

I'm new to M3, i came from an F30 with oil changes occur every 15000 mls, just read through the forum and there r different posts about different oil change frequencies for M3. its logic that the answer is: depends on how you drive it but for a new car 2013 that I am not planning to track, how often do I expect the oil changes to occur.

[C|3R1C]

Originally Posted by ONE-77

I'm new to M3, i came from an F30 with oil changes occur every 15000 mls, just read through the forum and there r different posts about different oil change frequencies for M3. its logic that the answer is: depends on how you drive it but for a new car 2013 that I am not planning to track, how often do I expect the oil changes to occur.

BMW has 15k as their schedule. People here (including myself) feel that this is too long even for a full synthetic because our engines rev so high. To improve longevity, I do an extra interval every 7.5k miles and I let me car warm up about 5 minutes prior to driving it. Those who track or constantly beat on their cars usually do it every 5k. It's a really simple DIY and the kit is only $160.

[THE TECH]

I do 7500 MAX. It's cheap insurance.

[Sean05]

been doing it 7k since day 1...

While under BMW warranty...

BMW does the 1st oil change and i do the 7k miles change interval. then at 15k BMW does it again...

This is probably the easiest DIY thing you can do with the right tools ... and a cheap maintenance $130 bucks every 7k is pretty good...

[GOLFFRR]

^^I agree. I have done the same myself with all my M's and BMW's over the years

[THE TECH]

Originally Posted by GOLFFRR

^^I agree. I have done the same myself with all my M's and BMW's over the years

Don't lie! You know you sell your cars before they ever hit 7k miles.

[Sean05]

Originally Posted by C|3R1C

BMW has 15k as their schedule. People here (including myself) feel that this is too long even for a full synthetic because our engines rev so high. To improve longevity, I do an extra interval every 7.5k miles and I let me car warm up about 5 minutes prior to driving it. Those who track or constantly beat on their cars usually do it every 5k. It's a really simple DIY and the kit is only $160.

I agree...

even some of the BMW tech and veteran tech says 15k is just insane.. testing the oil might not show, but just having to have a piece of mind I suggest changing the oil...

[GOLFFRR]

Originally Posted by THE TECH

Don't lie! You know you sell your cars before they ever hit 7k miles.

I have other cars besides what you see on the forum, but I have had a couple cars over 7k miles not to many but some!

[BMWFB02]

What kind of oil do you guys use, is the DIY kit something you buy from BMW. Does it have any effect on the warranty.

[THE TECH]

Originally Posted by ONE-77

What kind of oil do you guys use, is the DIY kit something you buy from BMW. Does it have any effect on the warranty.

99% use the Castrol although there is one or two other companies that make the 10w-60. It's easiest to just source from the dealer. You won't find it at Autozone, Pep Boys, O'Reilly's, etc.

[Sean05]

Originally Posted by ONE-77

What kind of oil do you guys use, is the DIY kit something you buy from BMW. Does it have any effect on the warranty.

Dealer only.. find a dealer that sells online price.. FYI Dealer and online price is a big difference.. I suggest checking out our sponsor for sale thread and im sure you can find one close to you that you will be able to pick up without having to wait.

[JulieDriving]

Good thread, I was wondering myself.

I will follow the 7k rule of thumb. Thanks guys.

[6spdg37s]

all the cars in my household BMW / MB have 15k intervals... def way too long IMO... once they go out of warranty you run into issues with sensors and other stuff if not more serious problems...

definitely go every 6-7k

example ... m3 got 1200 mile service next service is 16,200 roughly. I will change it at 7-8200 then bmw at 16,200.

my sisters car goes every 6k

mom and dads MB's go every 5k

its cheap insurance... my moms car is out of warranty due to mileage i believe 51k right now. she needs it to make it to 100k+ she drives alot its only a 2010

[W///]

7500 miles, I use Lubro Moly 10W60.

[nerwyll@trinityautosport]

+1 for inbetween BMW's intervals at 7500. if you decide to track later on, for reference we always change the oil after every 2 track days.

[italyix]

Originally Posted by W///

7500 miles, I use Lubro Moly 10W60.

How do you like the Lubro Moly? I wanted to take the plunge but have not seen much info on this.

Thanks!

[W///]

Originally Posted by italyix

How do you like the Lubro Moly? I wanted to take the plunge but have not seen much info on this.

Thanks!

I'm happy with it. The M5 guys (E39 and E60) have been using it a while and report no issues. I've done extensive research on various BMW forums and came to the conclusion that it was fine to try (I'm usually all for OEM). There were also a few shop owners that swear by it too.

Put over 5k miles so far on the oil and have nothing to report. It's also not consuming oil nor have I seen big changes in the oil temp since switching.

Let me put it this way, I was able to get 20 quarts (4x jugs, 1qt of oil in trunk) of Lubro Moly and an OEM oil filter from BavAuto for something like $180 shipped. Not like it's a no name oil either:

[Slowracer]

Originally Posted by italyix

How do you like the Lubro Moly? I wanted to take the plunge but have not seen much info on this.

Thanks!

It tastes great!

Seriously, you won't know its effectiveness until way down the road, at which point it may be fine, or it may be too late. Just not worth it IMO.

Dirty Harry asks, "Do ya feel lucky, punk?"

[aussiem3]

Mine is every 12 months regardless of the mileage. I have been averaging 6k km per year. Because I do a lot of short trips I prefer this interval. Performing any earlier is pouring money down the drain. It's a peace of mind.

[And1M3]

You guys know that there is a annual low mileage oil change for bmw.
To meet this requirement, the vehicle must be drive 6000 miles or less and must be 1 year after your previous oil change.
It will be replace under the bmw annual services low mileage oil and will be free of charge.

Here the link.
http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=421437

[mdosu]

I'm on a low mileage plan, so I change at 1 year or 10k miles, whichever comes first. The car has been on this plan since the break-in oil change was performed.


my car is a 4/08 build with 26k miles.