[hateface]

Well this is my first BMW and I was wondering when to expect its first service date. Not near my manual right now and thought that I'm notified by the car when the time comes?

[Tom K.]

First covered (scheduled) oil change is determined by the car's computer. Although it can vary from about 11,000 to 19,000 miles, depending on how it is driven, the average is about 15k - or one year, whichever comes first.

See "Service Requirements" in your owner's manual for instructions how to read the time/mileage for each service from your car's computer or iDrive.

Also, many of us prefer to do an "interim" change at about 7,500 miles (ca. $100, $65 if DIY).

Tom

[poluts]

what is the purpose of an 'interim change'? I'm at 11k miles and when I called the dealership they said to follow what the car says. Would it really be safe to wait until I reach 17k miles before changing the oil!?? You mentioned the cost, would this 'interim' oil change not be covered my the 4yr maintenance? thanks!!

[cmgsfh]

I got my first oil change around 19k miles. It made me a little nervous at first. Who keeps a car long enough to worry about end of engine life anyway?

[Tom K.]

Originally Posted by poluts

what is the purpose of an 'interim change'? I'm at 11k miles and when I called the dealership they said to follow what the car says. Would it really be safe to wait until I reach 17k miles before changing the oil!?? You mentioned the cost, would this 'interim' oil change not be covered my the 4yr maintenance? thanks!!

The interim change is not covered under 50k/4yr maintenance. Those who prefer shorter oil change interval are willing to pay the small fee for added engine insurance. There have been numerous threads on this subject, so you may wish to search.

Some of us older drivers remember when one changed oil and greased the 20+ chassis fittings every 1,000 miles. Naturally, technology (especially synthetic oil) has improved, but a few folks sill believe in 5k or even 3k changes for modern BMWs. So the middle ground of changes at least every 7,500~9,000 seems to make sense to me.

Also, if you do not accumulate the requisite mileage in one year, BMW will change the oil for free under covered maintenance.

Tom

[ENINTY]

Originally Posted by poluts

what is the purpose of an 'interim change'? I'm at 11k miles and when I called the dealership they said to follow what the car says. Would it really be safe to wait until I reach 17k miles before changing the oil!?? You mentioned the cost, would this 'interim' oil change not be covered my the 4yr maintenance? thanks!!

I've followed the CBS schedule for my E90 and have changed the oil on average about every 17,500 miles. I currently have 142,500 miles on my car. It runs perfectly.