Do anyone know what type of oil the dealer puts into my 06-530i during scheduled maintenace? Is it synthetic? My car just reached 1700miles and wondering if I should get the oil changed.

thanks

 

Not sure about hte oil, but it should be synthetic. At 1700 miles it is a bit too early to change the oil. unles you meant 17000 miles, then yes, you should change it as soon as possible.

 

It'll be Castrol synthetic 5W-30

 

Castrol it is; just like it says right on the filler cap (pretty tacky in my estimation).

I can't help but wonder what kind of deal BMW got from Castrol to go to these lengths. Probably right along the lines of the Bridgestone and Dunlop RFTs (read: near free, just for the brand association).

Cheers,
Ray Hull

 

i wondered about that too....porsche associates with mobil and ferrari associates with shell...

 

Sometimes a company like Castrol will perform extensive R&D services ,which normally would be at great costs to a car manufacturer, at a reduced rate because of the association.

 

Some change their oil at 1k miles and then every 3k afterwards. Doing so is not covered under BMW's "free" maintenance program. I just change mine when BMW says. I think BMW wants what's best for our cars even though not changing at 1k might keep a few owners, including future owners, from having engine problems "now" or "later."

 

I change once after break in... actually like 2500 miles and then in between recomended oil change. No need for ever 3K. but 15K is waaay too much for my blood. 7K sounds about right..

 

Ditto. Before synthetics I used to have my oil/filter changed every 3,000 miles. Now, I do it after break in (~2,000 miles, to get rid of the break in gunk), and then mid way between mfg's recommended interval, so every 7,500 miles.