Oil change on 08 550i

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Dec 4, 2007 | 06:33 AM

#11

monacobmw

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From: Miami, Florida

Quote:

Originally Posted by aznunknownx' post='501619' date='Dec 1 2007, 09:50 PM

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.

It is usually a "time" issue for many. The dealer will handle the issue, but you may not have the time to make a formal appointment. Why not just put an extra quart in for now until your next regular visit? Both of your 5W-30 choices are fine, but I think that 0W-30 or 0w-40 may be better. Some here have posted the official BMW list of approved oils. I do not think that the 10w-30 (suggested by a previous post) is suggested on that list.

Dec 4, 2007 | 11:00 PM

#12

pinguhk

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From: Hong Kong

My Ride: Mini Cooper

well your cars only has 5000miles and the dealer will not cange the oil all they do is top it up.
So I would just change it your self.
when the idrive say you need a change then go to you dealer it free.
I change my every 7000km my self it cheeper and better. this is in HK only

Dec 5, 2007 | 06:00 AM

#13

HPIA4v2

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From: Seattle, WA

My Ride: E53 E60 E92

Quote:

Originally Posted by aznunknownx' post='501619' date='Dec 1 2007, 09:50 PM

I bet you have engine oil low message not oil change @5000 miles (unless you are sitting idle on bad traffic day-in-day-out). The oil change message pops up after you burn xyz amount of fuel(not related to time, rpm, engine temp etc) it's very simple algoritm.

If you want to change the oil, stay with BMW castrol 5W-30 at dealer or Mobil-1 0-40W (this one meets LL-1 and ACE A3/B3).

Though I think Mobil-1 0-30W offers both ACEA A5/B5 minus LL-1 (which is a combo of ACEA A1 + A3 which meets both europen economical and high performance grades) So unless you need to change @15000 intervals Mobil-1 0-30 may offer better fuel economy over Mobil-1 0-40.

Dec 5, 2007 | 06:35 AM

#14

Heloha

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From: Southern California

My Ride: 2006 550i SMG

Quote:

Originally Posted by pa550' post='501738' date='Dec 2 2007, 09:01 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.

How much does this cost you and do all the electronic sensors and reminders get reset? I'm fast aproaching 50K and and need to decide soon on extended maint vs. do it myself.