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1200 mile oil change

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Old 06-25-2006, 08:32 AM
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On the M models their is a 1,200 mile service. After reading Mile Miller's Tech Talk feature in the June 2006 issue of Roundel (at p. 117) discussing his recommendation to change the oil in the engine, gearbox and differential. Long story short, post-break in oil changes rid the engine and drivetrain from metal shavings and one would assume, prolong their life.

Of course, this is not scheduled maintenance and comes out of our own pocket.

We all have parted with lots of money to drive these wonderful cars, is this early maintenance a step that we should be taking even if BMW NA doesn't pay for it?
Old 06-25-2006, 09:24 AM
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Not be abrupt, but it has been dicsussed to death..."Search" !!

Not required according to BMW - no harm to do it anyway....has been the ultimate conclusion.
Old 06-25-2006, 11:27 AM
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I did... I did it at about 3K miles... just the engine oil tho not the other stuff.
Old 06-25-2006, 12:16 PM
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The M-engines are especial, and in so many ways.

The use differant oil (10W 60 Racing for the M5) compared the non-M-engines.

Normal E60 engines runs on 0 30W Long Life oils.
Old 06-25-2006, 02:58 PM
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Originally Posted by Ricracing' post='302972' date='Jun 25 2006, 01:16 PM
The M-engines are especial, and in so many ways.

The use differant oil (10W 60 Racing for the M5) compared the non-M-engines.

Normal E60 engines runs on 0 30W Long Life oils.
Understood, but the point is to flush out the junk (metal shavings, etc) after break-in.
Old 06-25-2006, 04:53 PM
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Where do people get the idea that a new engine's crankcase fills up with "metal shavings"? These things are built to very tight tolerances, and I can't imagine any significant "shaving" or "grinding" that takes place once a new engine is put into service. At the most, I can imagine some microscopic particles of metal, but the oil should be able to suspend them, as it is meant to do... The filter would safely remove any larger pieces, as it is meant to do... Experiences from engines many generations ago do not necessarily apply to modern machines, I think...
Old 06-25-2006, 06:04 PM
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I split the difference and changed the oil at 6000 miles. May not be needed but I feel better.
Old 06-25-2006, 06:06 PM
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Originally Posted by jmdhuse' post='303068' date='Jun 25 2006, 05:53 PM
Where do people get the idea that a new engine's crankcase fills up with "metal shavings"? These things are built to very tight tolerances, and I can't imagine any significant "shaving" or "grinding" that takes place once a new engine is put into service. At the most, I can imagine some microscopic particles of metal, but the oil should be able to suspend them, as it is meant to do... The filter would safely remove any larger pieces, as it is meant to do... Experiences from engines many generations ago do not necessarily apply to modern machines, I think...
If you are reference to "people" is me, I got my information, as indicated in my initial post, from Roundel magazine. I am certianily not a mechanical expert, that is why I asked the question.
Old 06-26-2006, 06:51 AM
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I have followed the BMW break-in instructions to the letter, and my N52 engine hasn't needed a drop of additional oil in over 14 months and 9500 miles. The on-screen oil check only recently dropped from the top indicator to the next one down - at around the 1 yr mark. The car is going in soon for a 1 year oil service and for my initial list of repairs. It still hasn't been back to the dealer.


Many many many many people here have had to add oil to their N52s, so I figure I must be doing something right.
Old 06-26-2006, 08:02 AM
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Originally Posted by jmdhuse' post='303068' date='Jun 25 2006, 05:53 PM
Where do people get the idea that a new engine's crankcase fills up with "metal shavings"? These things are built to very tight tolerances, and I can't imagine any significant "shaving" or "grinding" that takes place once a new engine is put into service. At the most, I can imagine some microscopic particles of metal, but the oil should be able to suspend them, as it is meant to do... The filter would safely remove any larger pieces, as it is meant to do... Experiences from engines many generations ago do not necessarily apply to modern machines, I think...
Yep, machining operations are far more advanced today than years ago. Same holds for lubricants and additives.


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