[jrsniper12453]

I know most people on this forum change their oil more often than the computer tells you to, so would anyone be wary of a 335 that only got the 15k oil change? If it wasn't driven hard.

[EuRoTUneR]

eh...i wouldnt worry about it to much, just make sure it gets changed every 5k from now on.

[jzchen]

It should be 15k, (more specifically what the CBS says,) or once a yr, whichever comes first, if that helps you any.

[ToadHollow]

I recently attended a tech meet with a well known local BMW garage in my area and this along with many other questions were asked of the tech(s) presenting the discussion.

ANY, yes any full synthetic oil will show signs of breakdown beginning @ 8-10K miles regardless of driving conditions (however daily driving conditions were assumed regarding the question of oil life expectancy). Full synthetic oil has a maximum life of about 15K miles before it requires changing. BMW uses this to their advantage with their recommendations of changing the oil every 15K miles and not charging for the service. BMW simply is taking advantage of the limits here. Not necessarily good for us as owners.

It is recommended to change the oil @ 7500-8000 mile intervals regardless of what BMW says. BMW wouldn't offer the free maintenance program if they recommended oil changes every 7500K miles, would they.

If you're planning on owning the car for an extended amount of time then I would definitely change every 7500K regardless of what others may believe. As a matter of fact, I use Royal Purple for the "in between oil changes" and have experienced excellent results in doing so. The RP Euro spec 0/40W has shown to have decreased the operating temperature an average of 15 degrees F and has also smoothed my once noticable idle. Although the RP isn't officially recognized by BMW as being within spec for the newer BMWs it is highly regarded amongst the M cars for it's durability and added benefits.

Just my nickel's worth ....... .05

[jrsniper12453]

I'm planning on changing it every 7500 or so, but if I get this one I'll be picking it up with 15.7k miles, was just inquiring as to how much of an impact on long term engine life only having 1 oil change would have.

[ToadHollow]

LOL ....... sorry bro.. ...... I get on a roll sometimes.

[GT1281]

Wouldn't worry. My car is new but I plan on changing mine every 5000 miles after I do a 1200 mile service. Yes I know it's not an M3 but I work for bmw and why not take care of it and reap the benefits.

[742]

Originally Posted by jrsniper12453

I'm planning on changing it every 7500 or so, but if I get this one I'll be picking it up with 15.7k miles, was just inquiring as to how much of an impact on long term engine life only having 1 oil change would have.

If it still has the original oil you could send in an oil sample for analysis. You probably would have to pay for an oil change in order to catch the sample.

Be sure to pay extra to get the TBN.