jes0331

I haven't even gotten my 535i yet, and already I'm wondering about whether to do a break-in oil and filter change. On all my past cars I've done an oil and filter change around 1500-3000 Miles, assuming that would flush out any metallic material given off during the engine's initial use.

But with BMW's first oil service interval being around 15K, I think thats too long to go - at least for the 1st oil change.

I'm thinking I should do a change at 3K to 5K miles just to be safe, even though BMW will probably not cover it under Maintenance.

This is probably not the first time this topic has been discussed, so apologies for starting yet another one, but I didn't find any threads on my first search.

Opinions?

GP550iSport

Welcome to the board. Yes if you plan on keeping your car for the long term, if not, save the $$$$ and do the recommended BMW maintentance. A bunch of us have changed our engine oil between 5000 and 7000 miles between the 15k intervals.

jes0331

I figure it can do no harm, right! and cost is not the issue.

My current ride is going strong after 11 years... So yes I do plan to keep the 535i a long time (if the reliability gods are with me ).

I would expect to do the oil/filter change myself, assuming its not a PITA. I've done both minor and semi-major repairs on my Volvo, so I'm capable... I think.

HotLap

Jes - congrats on the new 535i - I'm really enjoying that twin turbo! I'm just getting to the 3K mile mark and will be changing it before I hit 4K miles. I agree the 15K interval is too long between changes. I do need to find the oil change instructions for an '08 535 as the OM jsut referes you to the dealer. If you have yours changed by the dealer see if you can get them to NOT reset the oil change interval so the next one is on BMW. I'll be doing my own changes for that reason.

Good luck with the wait...well worth it though

luigi524td

An in-between oil change should help ensure long engine life (esp with any turbo motor). And you can purchase "BMW oil" at your dealer for about $6 a quart if your heart is set on using it. Otherwise stick to the grade and weight recommended in your owners manual.

Heed the post about not resetting the on-board oil service indicator.

beaker

Here you go: http://forums.e60.net/index.php?showtopic=49786

HPIA4v2

Changing oil @1500 is just cheap insurance, for around $70 bucks (7 quart of oil + $15 buck filter).

The tech editor of Roundel, Mike Miller, says it all that 15000/1 year interval is just asking for it. I always suplement oil change on my cars @7500 or 6 mo whichever comes first.
FYI, on 2 ocasions, the oil filter paper on my X5 4.4i broke down already even @7500 miles. BMW is cashing-in on the latest trend of leasing where owners never keep their cars pass 3-4 years. Unless the engine is lemon it'll survive 4yr/50000 even with this stingy maintenance but after that ...

jes0331

Thanks for all the responses.

In my '98 T5 Volvo, I've been changing the oil & filter every 7500 mi (service light comes on at 5000. So I take it in to the dealer to have them reset the light when I do the change and just drive it an extra 2500 after the service light comes on). But I have always used Mobil 1 5w30 since 1st OC and to me 5000 mi is just too soon for a change given the nature of premium synthetics.

I assumed I'd follow a similar regimen with the 535i, but I see Mobil 1 0w40 is the recommended grade for the Bimmer. I like the idea of going 7500 and not resetting the OC interval. I don't mind paying for every other O/C out of pocket, given my intent to keep the car for the long haul.

So whats the difference between Mobil 1 0w40 and the BMW branded oil? I saw somewhere (can't remember where) that BMW recommends Castrol... In my entire life I've never used a Castrol product. I'm a diehard Mobil 1 user since it was first offered for retail sale.

MiamiPhill

As long as the car is under warranty, I would use BMW oil if you plan to DIY, so if something goes wrong and they try to weasel out of fixing it or give you $hit, you will have your BMW receipts to show you used their oil & filter. BTW 5W30 it the recomended grade.

Luis A.

There's a thread about this on www.bobistheoilguy.com