Hello,
Have a simple question. What is the average interval for the first oil change service in a 545i? I have about 14K miles on mine and so far the "computer" tells me I have 8000 miles to go?? Has anyone have their first service at 20K plus miles? I am a little surprised, as my previous car (an M3), needed much more frequent oil changes/top-offs. Thanks in advance.

 

Oil change indicators are a product of BMW's computer softwear that take in to account many factors such as over all mileage, time, type of driving, number of start and stops ( how often the engine is started and stopped). For instance, if one drives only on an open highway with no stop and go driving, and no frequent engine re-starts, the oil change intervals will be extremely long by computer warnings. Conversely if all one did was to drive short trips with little engine warming and lots of stop and go, and frequent engine restarts, one would have sooner and more frequent oil change warnings.
I change my oil at 3-4,000 mile intervals because I plan on keeping my car for a long time. Contrary to popular opnion, any oil ( conventional or synthetic) has a finite ability to neutralize acids and other byproducts of combustion, and to keep fine particulates in suspension. Antiwear additives also have a shorter life than the somewhat shear resistant oil molecules. It is simply ludicrous to expect true full protection from any oil for 15,000 miles , or, in most drivers car use profile, even 7,500 miles. Metallergy, and engine design and quality have greatly improved the longevity of our cars, but the relatively cheap and easy oil change can significantly boost long term safety and reliabilty of most engines.
Lastly, manufacturers in an attempt to lure customers with full maintenance ploys know full well that most owners keep their cars no more than 2-3 years. For short term ownership you could never change oil and would be no worse for it. The manufacturer looks good, spends little money in " free upkeep", and never looks bad even if the vehicle in question doesnt do well in the long run!

 

Thanks--I guess that is normal, although still pretty surprised at the length of intervals!

 

The manual says to get it changed at least once a year. Take it to the dealer.

 

Yes, take it to the dealer. Mine is in for an oil change right now, and the shop forman mentioned they had seen some cars that had not been scheduling the maintenance properly. Your maximum milage between oil changes should be 15k.

 

Had mine changed at 1yr. (time) last Dec. 9,000mi. did not reset computer, my SA said to bring it back when the service notice (milage) comes on and it will be changed again, looks like it will be around 11,000.

 

This subject has been visited and re-visited like no other. But, in my opinion, it is ludicrous to go 15,000 miles between oil changes. With the cost of an oil and filter change which is insignificant in comparison with other types of service, as well as the fact that nothing is more important to engine longevity, change the oil regurlarly(around 6500to7500 miles. It is no coincidence that the advent of long oil change intervals and BMW's rediculous"lifetime fill" fluids coincide with the "free scheduled maintenence". Nothing costs less and contributes more to engine and component life than regular fluid changes, regardless of today's superior lubricants and technology. Thank you. My column can not be found regularly in this publication.

 

When my car was pretty new, I was driving it gently and it said to do it about 15k miles.

Once I got my Remus, I started driving it harder and it has dipped down to 10k miles.

 

Same here. But I changed my oil at iniitial 3000 mile after the harder than average break-in. I'll change it every 6K miles or when the bimmer tells me to change, which ever comes first.

 

Yeesh. Talk about beating a dead horse.