Oil Change Interval

[eds7]

I have a 2003 525i. The oil change interval (with the oil changes being included free of charge by BMW) is between 12k and 15k miles. I am a little wary of this, even though a synthetic motor oil is used.

I know the oils can last this long, but I'd like to get some feedback from mechanics in particular about what they thing about the long intervals BMW is now recommending for many of their lubricants and fluids.

By the way, I've been changing oil myself at 5k intervals using a BMW oil filter and BMW labeled synthetic oil (I think it is castrol?).

Thanks,
Ed

[4-Door Flunky]

Hi, Ed-
From what I've read, they synthetic oils have very, very long life. If BMW recommends an oil change at 15k, then you can bet it's a conservative recommendation, made in the interest of getting you to spend more on maintenance...usually unnecessary maintenance, as is the dealship way.
I'd still follow BMW's recommendations. They hold your warranty, and besides, it's free...for now.
Flunky

[Presley348]

Originally Posted by eds7

I have a 2003 525i. The oil change interval (with the oil changes being included free of charge by BMW) is between 12k and 15k miles. I am a little wary of this, even though a synthetic motor oil is used.

I know the oils can last this long, but I'd like to get some feedback from mechanics in particular about what they thing about the long intervals BMW is now recommending for many of their lubricants and fluids.

By the way, I've been changing oil myself at 5k intervals using a BMW oil filter and BMW labeled synthetic oil (I think it is castrol?).

Thanks,
Ed

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Hi eds7:

I am thinking like you on the 15,000miles BMW oil changes. I own a 2004 530i and I also receive the BMW maintenance plan pre-paid oil changes at 15,000miles!

To me and some of BMW owner friends of mine who are BMW Mechanics have a problem also with this 15,000 miles Synthetic oil and filter changes

Yes, A few years ago when the Synthetic Oils first hit the market place, it was supposed to be the "Latest and Greatest", and I am sure it was then, and still is today, but what about the paper type filters found inside our oil filters, that is more less responsible for cleaning the dirty pollutants from our oil, and return back to our $$$ BMW engine. Now I do not see how they can last 15,000 miles, although I could be wrong...


What I have decided to do is pay my local BMW dealer $69.95 for oil & Filter changes in between the 15,000 miles, at ever 7,500miles. (I pay for one, and then in essence BMW maintenance plan pays for one)

In conclusion: now I could be mistaken, but I do not believe that Mr. Chris Bangle or any of his design team or any BMW mechanic would run and risk their own $60,000.00 plus personal BMWs every 15000mile for a synthetic oil & Filter changes....by the way a BMW mechanic friend tells me that: Mobil 1 and Castrol Synthetic oil are both excellent Synthetic oil's for our Bimmer's.

Sincerely,

Presley348

[Antiburn]

Save your money, 15k miles might seem ridicilous but its a fine amount of time. Just rmemeber you own a BMW so everything becomes more complicated then a honda. Also it costs more, but just go with they the dealer says, 15k miles and get it changed. Becides oil doesnt loose its lubicating properities, it just gets dirty. And the filter cleans it if you can belive that.

[Filehorse 525i]

First, the BMW dealer oil changes are not 'free', you paid for them when you bought your car. Second, you can go 14-15,000 miles between changes; but, for those of us who plan to drive our BMWs well past 100,000 miles, I'm not convinced the 15,000 mile intervals are in my best interest. Most of the guys over on the Roadfly E39 forum typically let the dealer handle the pre-paid oil change based on the service indicator lights and we do our own oil/filter change around 7,500 miles using the BMW Synthetic oil and filter. For a car that costs this much, spending $50-60 on oil and filters between the dealer changes seems like very cheap insurance for the most expensive component in the drive train.

[Presley348]

Originally Posted by Filehorse 525i

First, the BMW dealer oil changes are not 'free', you paid for them when you bought your car. Second, you can go 14-15,000 miles between changes; but, for those of us who plan to drive our BMWs well past 100,000 miles, I'm not convinced the 15,000 mile intervals are in my best interest. Most of the guys over on the Roadfly E39 forum typically let the dealer handle the pre-paid oil change based on the service indicator lights and we do our own oil/filter change around 7,500 miles using the BMW Synthetic oil and filter. For a car that costs this much, spending $50-60 on oil and filters between the dealer changes seems like very cheap insurance for the most expensive component in the drive train.

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Hi Filehorse 525i:

I agree with you, our Bimmer toys cost way too much for us BMW owners to just be doing the pre-paid 15,000 miles synthetic oil and filter change thing!

I personal believe, and also with some BMW Mechanics here in Atlanta GA, it will cost us way more down the road for BMW engine problems...if we cheapen out now, and don't change our dirty synthetic oil & Fitler at the 7,500 mark, for just: $70.00! (Besides, that is Cheap Insurance)

Presley 348