Oil change on 08 550i
12-01-2007, 05:50 PM
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Hey guys, today my iDrive indicated that I need new Oil for the engine and the oil level is low. I only have 5000 miles on the car so far, so I'm a bit surprised that I need to add/change the oil so soon. (I think it's because of my lead foot 
)
So my question is should I replace the oil myself or bring to the dealer and have them do it for me?
I'm aware that engine oil isn't that expensive, if I could do it myself it'll save me the time of having to bring it all the way to a BMW dealer.
If I were to change my engine oil myself what type of Oil should I get? My friend told me to go with Mobil1's Oil even though BMW recommended Castrol's. Also is the oil type for the 550i the 5W-30 Full synthetic?
Any type of advice or information would be greatly appreciated, thanks.
)So my question is should I replace the oil myself or bring to the dealer and have them do it for me?
I'm aware that engine oil isn't that expensive, if I could do it myself it'll save me the time of having to bring it all the way to a BMW dealer.
If I were to change my engine oil myself what type of Oil should I get? My friend told me to go with Mobil1's Oil even though BMW recommended Castrol's. Also is the oil type for the 550i the 5W-30 Full synthetic?
Any type of advice or information would be greatly appreciated, thanks.
12-01-2007, 06:16 PM
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My Ride: E46 330, E60 550 on order: Carbon Black/Natural Brown, 6MT.
Whatever you choose, use an oil that meets BMW's long life requirements (LL). Not all synthetic oils are equal.
12-01-2007, 06:18 PM
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If it says low you can just add it in, if it says change I would have the dealership do it. I had the same issue on mine around 5000 miles as well. I happened to be near the dealer and they topped it off for me and said that it was common for a little oil burn on these.
12-01-2007, 06:40 PM
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Originally Posted by silver2000stang' post='501628' date='Dec 1 2007, 09:18 PM
If it says low you can just add it in, if it says change I would have the dealership do it. I had the same issue on mine around 5000 miles as well. I happened to be near the dealer and they topped it off for me and said that it was common for a little oil burn on these.
12-02-2007, 05:01 AM
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My Ride: 2013 M5 - Sakhir Orange / Black Leather.
Originally Posted by aznunknownx' post='501634' date='Dec 1 2007, 10:40 PM
Where can I check what type of Oil the 550i Engine use?
12-02-2007, 05:07 AM
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Originally Posted by pa550' post='501738' date='Dec 2 2007, 10:01 AM
I change my own oil, and purchase it from the dealer. Castrol private labels for BMW. Not sure what the weight is. Check the owners manual.
12-02-2007, 06:49 AM
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My Ride: 2008 535i, 6spd mtx, Monaco Blue w/Beige interior. Sport, Preimum, Logic 7/HD/I-Pod/USB, Nav sys, rear sunshade, HUD, PDC, Split seats,
Originally Posted by WindycityBMW' post='501741' date='Dec 2 2007, 06:07 AM
Just out of curiosity, why would you do this? Your car is still under the free maintenance warranty yet you choose to pay for the oil and do the work yourself as opposed to having them do it for free?
I plan on doing the same thing (every other oil change) as I believe 15K miles/12 months is too far between oil changes. I'm buying mine so I want it to take good care of it. Just my reasoning anyway....
12-03-2007, 02:01 PM
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My Ride: 08' 535xi, White/Black, Premium, Cold Weather, Navi, Logic 7, iPod USB
Originally Posted by HotLap' post='501765' date='Dec 2 2007, 10:49 AM
I plan on doing the same thing (every other oil change) as I believe 15K miles/12 months is too far between oil changes. I'm buying mine so I want it to take good care of it. Just my reasoning anyway....
1. I trust BMW's judgement on how freq to service their cars,
2. I don't see how more freq oil change can create any any obvious difference on a car that's 4 years old.
3. More oil change = more money from pocket and time spent
Since I'm a first time bimmer owner I would like to hear from the veterans to see if my logic makes sense. Thanks.
12-03-2007, 02:37 PM
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My Ride: My 1st was an '06 530xi, Titanium Silver w/ gray dakota leather, sport pkg. & Nav.
Now my 2nd is an '08 650i CP, Space Gray, Blk Dakota, Sprt. Auto, HUD, Sprt. Pkg., Prem. Sound, High Beam Ast. & Comfort Access
Not a bad idea to split the recommended oil change interval. I have a private tech, who used to be a senior BMW service tech, who told me that he has seen engine sludge problems due to the extended oil change intervals. A fifty dollar investment in an oil change at around 7k miles is a sound investment in my opinion.
You cannot go wrong with Mobil 1 or Castrol full synthetic in 5w-30 San Fran. If you spend a major amount of time in a hot climate then you might want to use 10w-30.
You cannot go wrong with Mobil 1 or Castrol full synthetic in 5w-30 San Fran. If you spend a major amount of time in a hot climate then you might want to use 10w-30.