First service, 1200 miles; 2nd. @ 15,000 miles?

[R2M3]

I just had my first service yesterday and I asked the SA when is the next scheduled service (I don't read the manual, perhaps I should), he told me 15,000 miles. I said should I change the oil midway to the next service? He said no need to the oil is good all the way to 15,000 miles!! I'm skeptical that ANY oil would last that long. Anyone sticking to the service intervals by the book or are we changing the oil every 5K on these machines? He said they are using Castrol 10w-60 syn blend.

Thoughts?

Gerry

[FusionM]

I changed mine at 5,000 miles after 1200 miles. I will continue to do so every 5,000 miles.

[newtom3]

I get my 1200 tomorrow... will ask the same question.

[KINGLEH]

changed mine at 6k today (2nd time changed total. 1200mile of course)..

had to pay for it because not scheduled change... but whatever...

[NewM3driver]

Mine is going in for 1200 next week. I plan on changing the oil every 3000 after that. No such thing as changing your oil too much with such a high tech engine.

Am I crazy?

[lilcow]

Originally Posted by KINGLEH

changed mine at 6k today (2nd time changed total. 1200mile of course)..

had to pay for it because not scheduled change... but whatever...

What did it cost you?

[Cytoboy]

Sorry, but the builders of the car know best, and I almost always follow their schedule. In my previous 997 C2S, the FIRST oil change was around 10K, if I recall. I broke the car in per Porsche recommendations, and changed oil at the time I was told. That car never used a drop of oil, and I had no problems. Todays synthetics are quite stable, and the motor is made with tolerances that match the lubricant. That being said, there is no law against changing the oil every 1000 miles. With normal usage, it would be a waste of money, however.

[Dascamel]

Other factors can apply, extreme use like tracking the car would dictate a little more often. I'm thinking of an extra change right in the middle of the free servicings.

[jaay11]

Originally Posted by Cytoboy

Sorry, but the builders of the car know best, and I almost always follow their schedule. In my previous 997 C2S, the FIRST oil change was around 10K, if I recall. I broke the car in per Porsche recommendations, and changed oil at the time I was told. That car never used a drop of oil, and I had no problems. Todays synthetics are quite stable, and the motor is made with tolerances that match the lubricant. That being said, there is no law against changing the oil every 1000 miles. With normal usage, it would be a waste of money, however.

I agree. I also agree with the above poster who said it depends. If its your DD and you're not pushing the car (can't imagine you're not pushing the M...but thats another discussion) you probably don't need to worry as much about the oil like a track guy would.

[gobuffs]

Originally Posted by Cytoboy

Sorry, but the builders of the car know best, and I almost always follow their schedule. In my previous 997 C2S, the FIRST oil change was around 10K, if I recall. I broke the car in per Porsche recommendations, and changed oil at the time I was told. That car never used a drop of oil, and I had no problems. Todays synthetics are quite stable, and the motor is made with tolerances that match the lubricant. That being said, there is no law against changing the oil every 1000 miles. With normal usage, it would be a waste of money, however.

Remind me not to buy one of your used cars.

I have seen way too many pictures of valve covers removed on BMWs that have only had scheduled service. Gooey is a good word to describe the situation.

[Alias]

I havent decided yet, but im planning on doing either 5000 or 7500 change intervals

[newtom3]

my SA advised me to get the oil service done again at like 7500 instead of waiting to 15K. He said it's about $160.

[SCBMW02]

I change it every 7,500 in the X5 and am going to change it every 5,000 in the M3.

[elm3]

Every 5,000miles after the 1200mile break-in.

[MWorldorder]

I changed at 7000.

[GregW / Oregon]

As others have said, many do a mid-point change, at least. I will change at 7,500 - 8,000 (imminent). My service indicator is showing over 15k to my next scheduled service.

[ase2dais]

+1 same here

just got my car out from 1200 service with Fairfax.... imediately I notice a more killer feel with the throttle

[KINGLEH]

Originally Posted by lilcow

What did it cost you?

150

[gemini330zhp]

15000 miles or once a year. Most people change 7500 miles

[Kadarin]

I changed at about 6000 miles. The service indicator first said next service at 11K miles, but since dropped to 10, and now when it hits 9K I'm supposed to take it in. I'm a bit leery of 15K oil change intervals...

[david @ eas]

Change your oil at least once in between each service for bmw. So when it says you're between 5000-7500 I always change my oil. It's not necessary but to maintain your car and have a long lifetime, you'll need to change the oil in between.

[GregW / Oregon]

Originally Posted by jurrian @ eas

Change your oil at least once in between each service for bmw. So when it says you're between 5000-7500 I always change my oil. It's not necessary but to maintain your car and have a long lifetime, you'll need to change the oil in between.

And even if you don't keep your car a long time, it aids resale to have records of these changes. It assures potential buyers you've taken good care of the car.