[itrocks4u]

I have the 2011 328 E90 and the BC said my oil change should be at about 20K or 24K km (Can't remember exactly). That's almost after 24 months.

I was at the dealership today picking up my car and I was suggested to get the oil changes after every 12 months instead of 24 months. However, the oil change at 12 months is not covered under BMW maintenance program like the 24 months one. I was then showed pictures of what happens when you go over the recommended oil change mileage lol. I asked why it says 24 months programmed in the car, to which I was told that's from the factory and dealership always recommend after the first service to get it more often (but of course that's not covered and you pay out of pocked)?

Is the SA just trying to sell more services or is this true? Do you guys get your oil changed after 12 months or go by what the car says?

[jokergerm]

Originally Posted by itrocks4u

I have the 2011 328 and the BC said my oil change should be at about 20K or 24K km (Can't remember exactly). That's almost after 24 months.

I was at the dealership today picking up my car and I was suggested to get the oil changes after every 12 months instead of 24 months. However, the oil change at 12 months is not covered under BMW maintenance program like the 24 months one. I was then showed pictures of what happens when you go over the recommended oil change mileage lol. I asked why it says 24 months programmed in the car, to which I was told that's from the factory and dealership always recommend after the first service to get it more often (but of course that's not covered and you pay out of pocked)?

Is the SA just trying to sell more services or is this true? Do you guys get your oil changed after 12 months or go by what the car says?

15k i think, is what the car computer is set at, i dont go over 5k though

[itrocks4u]

Originally Posted by jokergerm

15k i think, is what the car computer is set at, i dont go over 5k though

Oh really? Damn BMW charges like $170 for oil change.

[dcat151]

I do mine myself and at 7,500 mile intervals.

[ceb]

Originally Posted by jokergerm

15k i think, is what the car computer is set at, i dont go over 5k though

I'd actually suggest changing the oil with every fill-up - maybe more often. Oil will change color after about 50 miles so maybe you should change it then.

The engineers at BMW have decided that the proper OCI for North America is about 15-18k miles or once a year.

For Europe, the interval is 30k km or every 3 years.

You decide who you want to believe - the engineers that designed the damn car or some internet junky who was brainwashed by Jiffy Lube?

This is my only post in this thread. There are a zillion threads just as iditic as this one.

BTW - this was not directed at the OP - it was (and is) directed at those people that live in the stone ages and fail to understand that oil and engine technology has changed since Jiffy Lube opened their doors.

[AddictedToBavarian]

Originally Posted by ceb

I'd actually suggest changing the oil with every fill-up - maybe more often. Oil will change color after about 50 miles so maybe you should change it then.

The engineers at BMW have decided that the proper OCI for North America is about 15-18k miles or once a year.

For Europe, the interval is 30k km or every 3 years.

You decide who you want to believe - the engineers that designed the damn car or some internet junky who was brainwashed by Jiffy Lube?

This is my only post in this thread. There are a zillion threads just as iditic as this one.

BTW - this was not directed at the OP - it was (and is) directed at those people that live in the stone ages and fail to understand that oil and engine technology has changed since Jiffy Lube opened their doors.

Harsh much? A BMW service manager along with SAs and CAs have all told me 1 yr/7,500 miles. What's wrong with that?

[Syndicategt]

I change between 3,000-5,000 miles, but I run lots of methanol though the engine and she sees 19 psi frequently. Even if you are not driving a high modified car hard, I would recommend doing 1 change inbetween dealer visits if you are planning on keeping your car for a long time. $69 for a oil change kit from Tischer and 15 min of your time is worth it to me.

[JRJ1970]

FYI, BMW Center here in San Antonio charges $89.99 plus tax.

I do mine there halfway between the free one...usually around 6,000 miles.

[tilua]

I remember on the E46 manual it said that it's either 15K miles or 1yr, whichever is less.

I change mine at 7,500 btw.

[NaNo_F1]

I also do mine every 5K... as long as you get the right filter and synthetic oil you can get it done almost anywhere, I usually pay $90. I wouldn't be afraid of changing every 10K though, but for longevity purposes I think it's too much.

[PTinVT]

The warranty booklet says no longer than one year.

The condition-based computer will let you go up to two years, as mine was projecting.


I find this inexcusable on BMW's part, broadly inconsistent messaging over a critical maintenance item.

[rusn007]

I'm in the same shoes as the OP. Just purchased '11 E92 and trying to figure out how often to change oil (this is my first BMW).

What is the average price for an oil change (if I was going to pay out of pocket myself)? Just don't want to be ripped off.

Thanks

[F32Fleet]

Castrol SLX for my diesel is cheap so I change every 7k miles.

[Tom K.]

Originally Posted by PTinVT

The warranty booklet says no longer than one year.

The condition-based computer will let you go up to two years, as mine was projecting.


I find this inexcusable on BMW's part, broadly inconsistent messaging over a critical maintenance item.

Apparently, the computer carries the (2 year OCI) European change interval - something about better gas over there.

But BMWUSA confirmed last year that the time based change for the US (and, I assume Canada) is ONE year, not two. If your dealer won't give you that free change, show them the warranty/service booklet.

Tom

[tibra1]

Every 5K..nevermind what the computer says

[itrocks4u]

Originally Posted by Tom K.

But BMWUSA confirmed last year that the time based change for the US (and, I assume Canada) is ONE year, not two. If your dealer won't give you that free change, show them the warranty/service booklet.

Tom

Thanks, that's good to know. I'll check the warranty booklet. Hopefully, I can find where it states that.

[Manic]

Originally Posted by 328xi0wner

A BMW service manager along with SAs and CAs have all told me 1 yr/7,500 miles.

Always take what the dealership says with a grain of salt. Dealerships are notorious for halving the oil change requirements in order to make extra cash. Mine is going overboard and keeps telling me I need an oil change every 3 months or 5000kms.

[Phil325]

I was told by multiple dealerships to do it at 15k, but since i'm nearing 100k i'm going to start doing 7500 intervals

[Glim]

Yes, Canada is 1 year change and maintenance is included up here as well.

I run a 7,500 interval because I am used to 5,000 intervals with my last car and am too chicken to push it past 10,000 as it seems way too long.

[Tom K.]

Originally Posted by Manic

Always take what the dealership says with a grain of salt. Dealerships are notorious for halving the oil change requirements in order to make extra cash. Mine is going overboard and keeps telling me I need an oil change every 3 months or 5000kms.

Is that a BMW dealer or a Jiffy Lube?

As my dealer never even suggested the Interim changes I normally have done (and often provides an $80 coupon for same), I'd find another dealer.

Tom

[jvsxn]

Originally Posted by Tom K.

Is that a BMW dealer or a Jiffy Lube?

As my dealer never even suggested the Interim changes I normally have done (and often provides an $80 coupon for same), I'd find another dealer.

Tom

My SA at Stevens Creek suggests me to come and get the oil changed once a year or every ~9-12k miles(?). Might consider doing it myself but with a $89.99 oil change, I'm not really saving much by doing it myself either.

Originally Posted by Syndicategt

I change between 3,000-5,000 miles, but I run lots of methanol though the engine and she sees 19 psi frequently. Even if you are not driving a high modified car hard, I would recommend doing 1 change inbetween dealer visits if you are planning on keeping your car for a long time. $69 for a oil change kit from Tischer and 15 min of your time is worth it to me.

Is that the price to-you-door from Tischer with all everything needed for a complete oil change?

[FCBuff]

Originally Posted by ceb

I'd actually suggest changing the oil with every fill-up - maybe more often. Oil will change color after about 50 miles so maybe you should change it then.

The engineers at BMW have decided that the proper OCI for North America is about 15-18k miles or once a year.

For Europe, the interval is 30k km or every 3 years.

You decide who you want to believe - the engineers that designed the damn car or some internet junky who was brainwashed by Jiffy Lube?

This is my only post in this thread. There are a zillion threads just as iditic as this one.

BTW - this was not directed at the OP - it was (and is) directed at those people that live in the stone ages and fail to understand that oil and engine technology has changed since Jiffy Lube opened their doors.

^^Tone it down a little...wow ^^

Changing the oil at the approximate half way mark at about 7,500 miles, is the conventional wisdom followed by most that pay attention and educate themselves about such things. The additive package has been shown to get used up at around 10,000 miles or sooner. BMW 5w-30 is good oil, just change it mid cycle. Also, it is true that you should change it at a minimum of 1x per year (if this occurs before you hit the 15,000-20,000 mile mark) and this should be included in your BMW maintenance. If the dealer is denying this, I would find another dealer.

I would also suggest learning to DIY. It is really very easy. You will save money and you will know it was done correctly and not feel ripped off.