Normal vs. Low Mileage oil change - BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum

Gig103 · 08-17-2011, 12:57 PM

Hey everyone,

At about 15k miles (edit:from my last change), my car wasn't due for an oil change according to the on board computer. But then 1 year passed so I got a "low mileage oil change" without resetting the computer.

Now, 3,000 miles later and 1,000 miles out of warranty, the computer is giving me a service light for that oil change. Is there a difference between the low and normal oil changes, or is it just a way to get more cash from me?

If I don't really need the change, how can I reset my sensor?

e90pilot · 08-17-2011, 02:36 PM

Your computer should have been reset when the oil was last changed. It's calling for an oil change because it still thinks you have same oil. Oil change intervals are up to you. Some people change it less than the recommended service interval and others stick with BMWs plan. There is plenty of debate over this topic. It looks like you do a lot of short trips and the car sits for long periods of time. The oil BMW uses has been shown to sludge up if it doesn't warm up all the way and if it sits for a while.

boostd92 · 08-17-2011, 03:32 PM

At the dealership I work at, there is a difference. Whether the difference is worth it to you, will be a personal thing.

An LMAOC (low mileage annual oil change) is a simple oil and filter change. They drop the drain bolt access cover and that's it. In and out. The tech gets paid for 18 minutes of his time.

An Engine Oil Service is an oil and filter change, and basic inspection. We top off all the fluids, set/reset tire pressures, drop your underbody shields and inspect for anything loose or leaking, adjust the parking brake cables (if necessary), and clean the vehicle. The technician gets paid for 60 minutes of his time.

So basically, $95 vs. ~$210. We won't reset your oil service light unless the oil service is done, oil&filter change does not count.

For a DIYer, it's definitely not worth it but our customers seem to enjoy the peace of mind of the full service - especially the very rich who would never open their hood otherwise. It's nice to know there are no problems, or to catch things before they are a problem.

iflyjetzzz · 08-17-2011, 03:40 PM

Gig, my recommendation is that you note when you had the last oil change and go no more than a year after that date. And reset your CBS. Here's the DIY for resetting it: http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...ight=reset+cbs

You may have to play with it for a while to get it to reset. It took me a couple of tries but I was able to reset my oil after a change using the DIY.

All of the items that Boost is talking about should be included in your 60,000 mile inspection. It's labeled Vehicle Check on the CBS.

Gig103 · 08-19-2011, 01:23 PM

Thanks for the replies. I'm fine with resetting my timer as long as they changed the oil and filter, and I'll keep an eye on it to do my next. I'm thinking about buying the Tischer kit and paying a shop to do the work and disposal, but use my supplies. Do you think places would go for that?

08-17-2011, 12:57 PM	#1
Gig103 Major Drives: 2008 335xi Sedan 6MT Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Gilbert, AZ Posts: 1,249 iTrader: (1)	Normal vs. Low Mileage oil change Hey everyone, At about 15k miles (edit:from my last change), my car wasn't due for an oil change according to the on board computer. But then 1 year passed so I got a "low mileage oil change" without resetting the computer. Now, 3,000 miles later and 1,000 miles out of warranty, the computer is giving me a service light for that oil change. Is there a difference between the low and normal oil changes, or is it just a way to get more cash from me? If I don't really need the change, how can I reset my sensor? __________________ 335xi sedan 6MT, Premium, Cold Weather, iDrive, CA, iPod Black Sapphire Metallic, Black Leather, Aluminum Trim European Delivery: April 28 - May 7, 2008 Performance Center Redelivery: July 11, 2008
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08-17-2011, 02:36 PM	#2
e90pilot Freight Dawg Drives: E90 325i Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Oakland, CA Posts: 1,983 iTrader: (3)	Your computer should have been reset when the oil was last changed. It's calling for an oil change because it still thinks you have same oil. Oil change intervals are up to you. Some people change it less than the recommended service interval and others stick with BMWs plan. There is plenty of debate over this topic. It looks like you do a lot of short trips and the car sits for long periods of time. The oil BMW uses has been shown to sludge up if it doesn't warm up all the way and if it sits for a while. __________________ --Marcelo '06 Arctic Metallic 325i \| Sport Package \| 6MT \| Dinan Stage III suspension \| Dinan exhaust \| 330i manifold swap! Click here! \| Active Autowerke tune \| 135i Brake Calipers \| Racing Brake 2-piece rotors Click here for review!

08-19-2011, 01:23 PM	#5
Gig103 Major Drives: 2008 335xi Sedan 6MT Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Gilbert, AZ Posts: 1,249 iTrader: (1)	Thanks for the replies. I'm fine with resetting my timer as long as they changed the oil and filter, and I'll keep an eye on it to do my next. I'm thinking about buying the Tischer kit and paying a shop to do the work and disposal, but use my supplies. Do you think places would go for that? __________________ 335xi sedan 6MT, Premium, Cold Weather, iDrive, CA, iPod Black Sapphire Metallic, Black Leather, Aluminum Trim European Delivery: April 28 - May 7, 2008 Performance Center Redelivery: July 11, 2008

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08-17-2011, 03:32 PM	#3
boostd92 Captain Drives: '11 E92 M-Sport Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 628 iTrader: (1) Garage List 2011 BMW 335i M-Spo ... [3.63]	At the dealership I work at, there is a difference. Whether the difference is worth it to you, will be a personal thing. An LMAOC (low mileage annual oil change) is a simple oil and filter change. They drop the drain bolt access cover and that's it. In and out. The tech gets paid for 18 minutes of his time. An Engine Oil Service is an oil and filter change, and basic inspection. We top off all the fluids, set/reset tire pressures, drop your underbody shields and inspect for anything loose or leaking, adjust the parking brake cables (if necessary), and clean the vehicle. The technician gets paid for 60 minutes of his time. So basically, $95 vs. ~$210. We won't reset your oil service light unless the oil service is done, oil&filter change does not count. For a DIYer, it's definitely not worth it but our customers seem to enjoy the peace of mind of the full service - especially the very rich who would never open their hood otherwise. It's nice to know there are no problems, or to catch things before they are a problem.

08-17-2011, 03:40 PM	#4
iflyjetzzz First Lieutenant Drives: 2008 328i Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 320 iTrader: (0)	Gig, my recommendation is that you note when you had the last oil change and go no more than a year after that date. And reset your CBS. Here's the DIY for resetting it: http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...ight=reset+cbs You may have to play with it for a while to get it to reset. It took me a couple of tries but I was able to reset my oil after a change using the DIY. All of the items that Boost is talking about should be included in your 60,000 mile inspection. It's labeled Vehicle Check on the CBS.