Oil change interval -- 23,700km/14,500miles?

[tedmacwpg]

I`m driving a 2005 325xi, and just took it in for it`s first oil change at the 23,700km/14,500mile mark, as directed by the computer.

I still have a hard time wrapping my head around such a huge oil change interval, synthetic oil or not. I drove the car for over a year before that first change. The dealer assures me that it`s nothing to worry about, but as someone who used to change the oil about every 8,000km/5,000miles on my previous car (turbo Subaru, granted), it irks me. Any comments from anyone?

[BAVARIANM]

Originally Posted by tedmacwpg

I`m driving a 2005 325xi, and just took it in for it`s first oil change at the 23,700km/14,500mile mark, as directed by the computer.

I still have a hard time wrapping my head around such a huge oil change interval, synthetic oil or not. I drove the car for over a year before that first change. The dealer assures me that it`s nothing to worry about, but as someone who used to change the oil about every 8,000km/5,000miles on my previous car (turbo Subaru, granted), it irks me. Any comments from anyone?

Don't worry about it. Seems like a lot, but they really aren't having any problems

[whataboutbob1234]

in the US bmw will do a courtesy oil change if the computer doesnt indicate one due by 1 year (instead of miles)

[Tuffdrvr88]

I'll let you in on a little tip here. In Germany BMW's are meant to be driven to 80,000 miles and then thrown away. They are sports cars...toys. I always recommend 3-5,000 mile oil changes and a tune up every 6 months...if you want to keep it past 80,000 miles that is. Oh, and another thing...ALL BMW's are allergic to power steering fluid...its retarded.

[tedmacwpg]

Originally Posted by Tuffdrvr88

I'll let you in on a little tip here. In Germany BMW's are meant to be driven to 80,000 miles and then thrown away. They are sports cars...toys. I always recommend 3-5,000 mile oil changes and a tune up every 6 months...if you want to keep it past 80,000 miles that is. Oh, and another thing...ALL BMW's are allergic to power steering fluid...its retarded.

Really? I'm surprised to hear that. That doesn't seem like very many miles for a car that appears to be so rock solid off the dealer's floor!

Regarding routine maintenance, what kind of attention does the air filter require? (not the climate control microfilter, but the engine's filter)

[Tuffdrvr88]

Usually the dealer has the engines filter replaced at ever "MAJOR" service. I personally would change it at every oil change (If your going with the 7,000 mile interval). If you are changing it every 3-4,000 miles, i would say every other oil change. Some dirt on the filter actually helps the engine, but too much chokes it. A lot depends on how you feel your doing as far as performance and gas mileage.

[Tuffdrvr88]

Usually the dealer has the engines filter replaced at ever "MAJOR" service. I personally would change it at every oil change (If your going with the 7,000 mile interval). If you are changing it every 3-4,000 miles, i would say every other oil change. Some dirt on the filter actually helps the engine, but too much chokes it. A lot depends on how you feel your doing as far as performance and gas mileage.