When to change oil? - BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum

itznin · 08-09-2005, 02:47 PM

After reading the other thread on changing oil, I decided to make this poll.

E90Fleet · 08-09-2005, 03:01 PM

Well we have a 100,000Km or 5 year BMW Motorplan here where BMW pays for all service items except tires and any problems with the car have to be fixed free for that peroid.

If there was a problem with the service intervals causing damage or shorter life BMW would never give us the motorplan, since they have to fix any problems that arrise in that time

itznin · 08-09-2005, 03:09 PM

That's what I am figuring also, since they give us free at 15,000 and most BMW drivers lease, they wouldn't want to harm cars that they own.

itznin · 08-12-2005, 12:06 AM

Very mixed responses.... interesting........

NaTuReB0Y · 08-12-2005, 12:42 AM

Every car I have owned....3,000 miles.....oil change.....

This will be a first.......5,000 miles.....oil change......

I can't imagine 15,000 miles.......

wish1 · 08-26-2005, 11:35 PM

Just changed the oil today at the dealer. 3000 miles. Cost me 75 bucks. I was there with an appointment specifically to change oil. Asked the service people about changing so early compared to recommended interval, both said good idea. They weren't trying to sell me anything, I was already sold. I told SA I appreciated his candor. My opinion, can't hurt to change oil every 5-6K. The added cost is nominal. And they washed the car.

noflash · 08-27-2005, 01:20 AM

BMW service intervals DOUBLED with the invention of Free Scheduled Maintenance. This also brought about "Lifetime" transmission and differential fluid.

It has been determined that "Lifetime" means 100k miles.

Any non-dealership german car shop will tell you this is nuts.

The tech writer for Bimmer magazine and Roundel magazine offers a maintenance schedule for those who want to keep their bimmers forever. It follows the original schedule.

It also includes an intial 1500 mile fluid change of just about everything. He just bought one of the last E46 325ci and when he did his 1500 change he stated that there was a ton of metal in the diff and trans fluid.

I suspect that most owners here won't get their trans change for two years and never change the diff fluid.

And that's fine. It just sucks for the guys who might want to buy a 5 year old e90.

I can post the schedule if anyone wants, it is rather lengthy.

That being said, I currently change the oil in my e46 328i every 7,500 miles and I will prob do the same for my E90.

Nikki · 08-27-2005, 01:25 AM

I'm not going to put many miles on it so I will just change it after a year, probably between 5k-7500 miles...I guess I'll just vote 7500.

tima · 08-27-2005, 01:37 AM

Quote:

If there was a problem with the service intervals causing damage or shorter life BMW would never give us the motorplan, since they have to fix any problems that arrise in that time

Likely quite true within the lifetime of the service plan. The cars are so well built they will easily last 4-5 years / 50-60k miles. No doubt BMW would love to sell you another new car just about that time.

The more interesting question to me is what is the impact of a high mileage oil change interval on the car's life expectancy beyond the lifetime of BMW's service plan?

I have heard no one willing to claim that a 15,000 mile oil change interval has the same impact on life expectancy as a more frequent oil change interval. In fact, just the opposite. I have heard no one state that a more frequent oil change interval is harmful. Ask your SA if an oil change at 5000 or 7500 miles will void your warranty. Or better yet, talk to a service tech about how frequently he would change the oil if it were his car.

Its kinda amazing with all the interest in after market rims and custom order interiors, etc. that anyone planning to keep their car would be reluctant to spend an additional 1% of its price over the course of 3-5 years for a handful of "extra" oil changes.

Here's a couple interesting threads from the BITOG site:

2004 BMW 530i oil change interval

15k mile oil change intervals on BMW's are not enough
.

Jesse Wilson · 08-27-2005, 01:49 AM

Exactly my point whats a $40 investment on a $40,000 car? I don't get it, unscrew the drain plug and refill. Change the filter which is on the top of the engine. It's all over. I just did it today infact at 1200 miles it took no more then 5 minutes.

Jesse

NaTuReB0Y · 08-27-2005, 01:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jesse Wilson

Exactly my point whats a $40 investment on a $40,000 car? I don't get it, unscrew the drain plug and refill. Change the filter which is on the top of the engine. It's all over. I just did it today infact at 1200 miles it took no more then 5 minutes.

Jesse

Did you find the ESP 5W-30 Mobil oil....or you just used the Mobil 0w-40? Did you get your oil filter from the dealer? I'm planning to change mine too....Thanks!

Jesse Wilson · 08-27-2005, 12:36 PM

I used the Mobil 1 0W-40 and yes I got the filter from the dealer. I ordered a few from circle or pacific I don't remember which one. When you do it if your using a jack just make sure you jack up under the drivers side front door as the drain is closer to that side. Then just open the trap door to reveal the drain plug. This car has been the easiest oil change of any car I have ever had. I love the way they design the filter.

Jesse

NaTuReB0Y · 08-27-2005, 12:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jesse Wilson

I used the Mobil 1 0W-40 and yes I got the filter from the dealer. I ordered a few from circle or pacific I don't remember which one. When you do it if your using a jack just make sure you jack up under the drivers side front door as the drain is closer to that side. Then just open the trap door to reveal the drain plug. This car has been the easiest oil change of any car I have ever had. I love the way they design the filter.

Jesse

Thanks.....I usually just run my car up the ramps....and I could buy Mobil 1 0W-40 at any auto store, right?

Jesse Wilson · 08-27-2005, 01:01 PM

Yep it's pretty common most places should have it. Checker, Schucks Kragen, Autozone, Napa, Pepboys. Any of the major chains.

Jesse

fredtoo · 08-27-2005, 01:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by noflash

BMW service intervals DOUBLED with the invention of Free Scheduled Maintenance. This also brought about "Lifetime" transmission and differential fluid.

It has been determined that "Lifetime" means 100k miles.

Any non-dealership german car shop will tell you this is nuts.

The tech writer for Bimmer magazine and Roundel magazine offers a maintenance schedule for those who want to keep their bimmers forever. It follows the original schedule.

It also includes an intial 1500 mile fluid change of just about everything. He just bought one of the last E46 325ci and when he did his 1500 change he stated that there was a ton of metal in the diff and trans fluid.

I suspect that most owners here won't get their trans change for two years and never change the diff fluid.

And that's fine. It just sucks for the guys who might want to buy a 5 year old e90.

I can post the schedule if anyone wants, it is rather lengthy.

That being said, I currently change the oil in my e46 328i every 7,500 miles and I will prob do the same for my E90.

I am a STRONG believer in changing the fluids in a new car early. When a car "breaks in" it creates a ton of metal particles that float around in the oil. These will cause pre-mature wear of the good parts, if allowed to float around in the oil.

These parts are usually so fine, that they pass through the filter, but can still cause added wear of the engine and transmission.

Changing the oil and filter gets this crap out of the system.

I will be doing my first oil change between 500 and 1000 miles, and a complete fluid change at about 1500- 2000

HeelToe · 08-27-2005, 04:07 PM

Just changed had mine changed today conincedentally. $69. I have 1700 miles. Since this appears to be a conterversial topic I thought I would change mine to be on the safe side.

Jesse Wilson · 08-27-2005, 05:03 PM

"The tech writer for Bimmer magazine and Roundel magazine offers a maintenance schedule for those who want to keep their bimmers forever"

Do you have this? I would be very interested in looking it over.

Jesse

noflash · 08-27-2005, 11:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jesse Wilson

"The tech writer for Bimmer magazine and Roundel magazine offers a maintenance schedule for those who want to keep their bimmers forever"

Do you have this? I would be very interested in looking it over.

Jesse

Here ya go:
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3804

Jesse Wilson · 08-27-2005, 11:40 PM

Thanks!

Jesse

08-28-2005, 02:30 AM

15000 miles?

That's freaking nuts!

NaTuReB0Y · 08-28-2005, 02:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CMD

I'm concerned . . . so BMW only changes oil under the maintenance agreement at 15000 miles? (!) That seems exessively long to me. Do they use synthetic?

15,000 miles oil change

I never trust anyone to change my oil except me....how would I know if they put some cheap ass oil like Exxon SuperFlow $.99/quart.....and charge me Mobil 1 synthetic oil price.......

08-28-2005, 03:05 AM

Thanks for this! Having been an professional auto mechanic in my youger years, (German) and a good one too I might add

, this is extremely sound advice.

I, for one, will be following it!

View Poll Results: When does everyone plan to change their oil?
I am purchasing - 5,000 miles	30	25.00%
I am purchasing - 7,500 miles	33	27.50%
I am purchasing - 15,000 miles	47	39.17%
I am leasing - 5,000 miles	3	2.50%
I am leasing - 7,500 miles	2	1.67%
I am leasing - 15,000 miles	5	4.17%
Voters: 120. You may not vote on this poll

08-09-2005, 02:47 PM	#1
itznin Captain Drives: 2007 E92 Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: North NJ Posts: 674 iTrader: (2)	When to change oil? After reading the other thread on changing oil, I decided to make this poll.
	Tweet

08-12-2005, 12:42 AM	#5
NaTuReB0Y Powered By 36DD Drives: 2006 E90 Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Inland Empire Posts: 7,403 iTrader: (12)	Every car I have owned....3,000 miles.....oil change..... This will be a first.......5,000 miles.....oil change...... I can't imagine 15,000 miles....... __________________ 2006 E90 330i Jet Black \| 20" WORK VS-XX \| FK452 \| H&R Sport on Koni Yellow \| REMUS QUAD

08-26-2005, 11:35 PM	#6
wish1 Second Lieutenant Drives: Lexus sc400 Join Date: May 2005 Location: NYC Posts: 155 iTrader: (0)	Just changed the oil today at the dealer. 3000 miles. Cost me 75 bucks. I was there with an appointment specifically to change oil. Asked the service people about changing so early compared to recommended interval, both said good idea. They weren't trying to sell me anything, I was already sold. I told SA I appreciated his candor. My opinion, can't hurt to change oil every 5-6K. The added cost is nominal. And they washed the car. __________________ e90 330i 6m, alpine white/terra/carbon fiber, sport, premium, cold, BBS LMs/M5 rep winter, cdv, tint, XPEL, Blacklines, Msport wheel and shift knob, RE SSK

08-27-2005, 01:25 AM	#8
Nikki Major General Drives: '07 Z4 M Coupe Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Malibu Posts: 6,296 iTrader: (6) Garage List 2007 BMW Z4 M Coupe [3.97]	I'm not going to put many miles on it so I will just change it after a year, probably between 5k-7500 miles...I guess I'll just vote 7500. __________________ Nikki '07 M Coupe/Sepang Bronze/Sepang Brown Leather/Carbon Leather Trim/Premium Package Heated Seats/Sirius XM/RE Diablo Exhaust/Stubby Antenna/19" BBS LM-R Diamond Black Order Zpost stickers HERE!

08-09-2005, 03:01 PM	#2
E90Fleet Major General Drives: BMW Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: South Africa Posts: 6,822 iTrader: (0)	Well we have a 100,000Km or 5 year BMW Motorplan here where BMW pays for all service items except tires and any problems with the car have to be fixed free for that peroid. If there was a problem with the service intervals causing damage or shorter life BMW would never give us the motorplan, since they have to fix any problems that arrise in that time

08-09-2005, 03:09 PM	#3
itznin Captain Drives: 2007 E92 Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: North NJ Posts: 674 iTrader: (2)	That's what I am figuring also, since they give us free at 15,000 and most BMW drivers lease, they wouldn't want to harm cars that they own.

08-12-2005, 12:06 AM	#4
itznin Captain Drives: 2007 E92 Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: North NJ Posts: 674 iTrader: (2)	Very mixed responses.... interesting........

08-27-2005, 01:20 AM	#7
noflash Captain Caveman Drives: '06 325eyeyiyi Join Date: May 2005 Location: midwest Posts: 1,728 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 325i [0.00]	BMW service intervals DOUBLED with the invention of Free Scheduled Maintenance. This also brought about "Lifetime" transmission and differential fluid. It has been determined that "Lifetime" means 100k miles. Any non-dealership german car shop will tell you this is nuts. The tech writer for Bimmer magazine and Roundel magazine offers a maintenance schedule for those who want to keep their bimmers forever. It follows the original schedule. It also includes an intial 1500 mile fluid change of just about everything. He just bought one of the last E46 325ci and when he did his 1500 change he stated that there was a ton of metal in the diff and trans fluid. I suspect that most owners here won't get their trans change for two years and never change the diff fluid. And that's fine. It just sucks for the guys who might want to buy a 5 year old e90. I can post the schedule if anyone wants, it is rather lengthy. That being said, I currently change the oil in my e46 328i every 7,500 miles and I will prob do the same for my E90.

08-27-2005, 01:49 AM	#10
Jesse Wilson Lieutenant Drives: 2006 325I Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Tempe, AZ Posts: 408 iTrader: (2)	Exactly my point whats a $40 investment on a $40,000 car? I don't get it, unscrew the drain plug and refill. Change the filter which is on the top of the engine. It's all over. I just did it today infact at 1200 miles it took no more then 5 minutes. Jesse

08-27-2005, 12:36 PM	#12
Jesse Wilson Lieutenant Drives: 2006 325I Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Tempe, AZ Posts: 408 iTrader: (2)	I used the Mobil 1 0W-40 and yes I got the filter from the dealer. I ordered a few from circle or pacific I don't remember which one. When you do it if your using a jack just make sure you jack up under the drivers side front door as the drain is closer to that side. Then just open the trap door to reveal the drain plug. This car has been the easiest oil change of any car I have ever had. I love the way they design the filter. Jesse

08-27-2005, 01:01 PM	#14
Jesse Wilson Lieutenant Drives: 2006 325I Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Tempe, AZ Posts: 408 iTrader: (2)	Yep it's pretty common most places should have it. Checker, Schucks Kragen, Autozone, Napa, Pepboys. Any of the major chains. Jesse

08-27-2005, 04:07 PM	#16
HeelToe Lieutenant Drives: an '06 330i & '00 325Ci fast Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Illinois Posts: 555 iTrader: (1) Garage List 2006 330i [0.00]	Just changed had mine changed today conincedentally. $69. I have 1700 miles. Since this appears to be a conterversial topic I thought I would change mine to be on the safe side. __________________ Monaco Blue - Black/Aluminum - 6MT - Sport - Cold Weather - Premium - Nav - Sunshade - Active Cruise - PDC - BMW Perf. Strut Brace - BMW Perf. Exhaust - BMW Perf. Intake - BMW Perf. Suspension - Performance Gearing 3.38 LSD - Advan RS

08-27-2005, 05:03 PM	#17
Jesse Wilson Lieutenant Drives: 2006 325I Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Tempe, AZ Posts: 408 iTrader: (2)	"The tech writer for Bimmer magazine and Roundel magazine offers a maintenance schedule for those who want to keep their bimmers forever" Do you have this? I would be very interested in looking it over. Jesse

08-27-2005, 11:40 PM	#19
Jesse Wilson Lieutenant Drives: 2006 325I Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Tempe, AZ Posts: 408 iTrader: (2)	Thanks! Jesse

08-28-2005, 02:30 AM	#20
CMD Guest Drives: Posts: n/a	15000 miles? That's freaking nuts! Last edited by CMD; 08-28-2005 at 03:07 AM. Reason: Complete change.

08-28-2005, 03:05 AM	#22
CMD Guest Drives: Posts: n/a	Thanks for this! Having been an professional auto mechanic in my youger years, (German) and a good one too I might add , this is extremely sound advice. I, for one, will be following it!