Oil Changing and Maintenance Plan

[Flux]

I have a 330xi on the way and was told that it needs an oil change every 15k miles or so, depending on when the service indicator says so. I plan to keep the car for a long time. Should I change the oil more often myself and take it to the dealer only for scheduled service (covered by the maintenance plan)? Or should I just trust the indicator and change it only when it says? what would you do?

If I do end up changing it myself, should I use the same oil and filter the dealer uses?

Thanks for any input.

[bjchacha]

Changing oil frequently is the cheapest insurance you can buy on the longevity of your engine.

I change oil between 3000 and 5000 miles, depending on use, season, etc. I think you can go longer if you use synthetic oil, but I'd never let it go 15,000 miles under any circumstance.

I don't think there's a lot of difference between filter brands - use what you can find. I buy them on the web 1/2 dozen at a time.

[redimpss5]

i live out west where we dont really get cold, but i have been using redline for years now, and i change it every 15k. redline says it can go 18 k, but i can remember 15 easier. i use the k&n oil filter and change it every 7500. my engines dont even burn oil, and pressure is a tad higher. plus the 9 horsepower on the rear wheels (on the dyno) is a plus) i do have one car i dont drive much and it gets a change every year.

[badboy325is]

i wouldnt let the change go longer than 5 to 7k. you can get the filter at autozone or anywhere really. i have a suggestion if you are gonna change your own oil. get you a code reader and reset tool from bavarian auto. they are sweet because you can reset your lights yourself and also check for fault codes in your beemer