second oil change

[roditis]

I picked up my M3 one year ago this week. I performed the 1200 mile service this past January and now I'm curious as to when the oil should be changed again. Although my mileage only reads 4,500 after one year of driving, the oil level has definitely dropped through normal consumption under normal daily driving conditions. BMW recommends the oil be changed every 15,000 miles or every year, whichever comes first. Are there any thoughts as to when the oil should really be changed based on E90 M3 expert advice?

[Lemans_Blue_M]

Originally Posted by roditis

I picked up my M3 one year ago this week. I performed the 1200 mile service this past January and now I'm curious as to when the oil should be changed again. Although my mileage only reads 4,500 after one year of driving, the oil level has definitely dropped through normal consumption under normal daily driving conditions. BMW recommends the oil be changed every 15,000 miles or every year, whichever comes first. Are there any thoughts as to when the oil should really be changed based on E90 M3 expert advice?

Here is my opinion...

Change your oil after 12 consecutive months of service, or 7500 miles (max).

This methodology is has served me well going back to my E46 M3 in 2003. I am always assured that my engine is circulating fresh, clean oil. The 10w-60 TWS protection properties are still at or near their maximum levels, and I am not re-circulating any metal particles that naturally wear away from connecting rod bearings, valve train components, and main bearings over time. (especially within the first 2-3 oil changes after initial break-in)

It's cheap insurance to protect your $20,000+ S65B40 engine.

[fpblue]

I agree with the above. It's better to be safe than sorry.

[Cytoboy]

I am surprised that your oil level has dropped in that time. I have a similar pattern of use, but have not seen the level change over the last year. Perhaps the level indicator is not accurate in my car?

[valeram]

If you are not planning to keep your car after the warranty period, then just follow the manufacturer's recommendations. There will be no additional expenses on your part. If it is a keeper, then change it often.

[M3#3]

Just had my second oil change performed last week at 5,200 miles. I experienced the same oil level issue with a reading of 1 quart low when I brought it in,
I reccomend bringing it in for what BMW calls "low mile oil service". They will most likely change the wiper blades too. I had them check the front end for rattling over bumps and they found loose swaybar bushings which they replaced. Car is good as new, except for piss poor carwash.

[Singletrack]

Change your oil at least every 12 months. As to mileage, most high-quality synthetics can go much longer than people think without issue. Of course, that depends on the type of driving too - track days, stop and go, etc. If you want to be sure, get an oil analysis from blackstone labs.

Consumption will vary based on driving style, events, manufacturing tolerances, how the engine was broken in, etc. I burn about a quart every 5-7k miles. I broke the car in per the manual and do 50 miles of a combo of back roads, city, and highway driving each day.

[roditis]

Thanks all, yeah, I already knew the 15,000 mile interval was crazy but with my low mileage driving situation I figured a six-month interval would be more appropriate in ensuring longer engine life and overall better performance.....

[M3#3]

FYI, pretty sure they will charge you for it.

[kkrBMW3]

Your second oil change will depend on your driving style and types of driving you do. When you start your car, you can see how many miles until your next service. I have 9,900 miles on my 2008 M3; however, for the last five months, I have only been driving it on weekends. Right now, the computer in my car says my next oil change is in 7000 miles. And, I did need to put a quart of oil in my car at around 7000 miles. BMW says that is normal and the maintenance and sales staff at my local BMW dealership tell me to change the oil when the computer says to. Doing so sooner is a waste of money, because if you do it between intervals, you pay; it is not cover under the free service.

[JAJ]

Originally Posted by kkrBMW3

Your second oil change will depend on your driving style and types of driving you do. When you start your car, you can see how many miles until your next service. I have 9,900 miles on my 2008 M3; however, for the last five months, I have only been driving it on weekends. Right now, the computer in my car says my next oil change is in 7000 miles. And, I did need to put a quart of oil in my car at around 7000 miles. BMW says that is normal and the maintenance and sales staff at my local BMW dealership tell me to change the oil when the computer says to. Doing so sooner is a waste of money, because if you do it between intervals, you pay; it is not cover under the free service.

BMW will pay for a change 12 months after the last one (whenever that was). It's called a "low mileage oil change" and its covered under the regular maintenance plan (read "free").

[Georgeair]

Originally Posted by roditis

Thanks all, yeah, I already knew the 15,000 mile interval was crazy but with my low mileage driving situation I figured a six-month interval would be more appropriate in ensuring longer engine life and overall better performance.....

It can't hurt, but is probably overkill IMHO. If you're driving less than 7500 a year, every 12 months is still probably more than enough and a good choice.