how often should I change oil?

PuShAkOv

PuShAkOv

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#1
This question was probably asked here many times but how often do I have to change oil / filter in my car? Last time I changed it was 7.000 miles ago... I should probably make an appointment at my dealer soon.. right? [rolleyes] I also drive hard. [B)]
 
PuShAkOv

PuShAkOv

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BMW changed my oil for free when I had rattle fixed (with warrenty). They must have put synthetic oil since THEY were doing it. I will make an appointment next week.
 
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codex57

codex57

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If they don't use synthetic on mine, that's definitely a phone call to BMWNA and all 0s on their service survey. Synthetic is required (by BMW) on their newer cars to handle the longer service intervals they have now.
 
B

Big Daddy

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Actually my 91 318is came from BMW with a sticker on the engine cover that said, "Mobil One Oil Only". BMW has used synthetics on and off for years. However what I am saying is that I know people who have discovered that their dealer has used other than synthetics. I am suggesting that you confirm with your dealer that they are in fact using synthetics, do not assume this.
 
mallards

mallards

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Sorry mayn ... wasnt trying to correct you or anything ...

to me your post sounded like it would be ok if they accidentally use reg. oil

Ben

Big Daddy said:
Actually my 91 318is came from BMW with a sticker on the engine cover that said, "Mobil One Oil Only". BMW has used synthetics on and off for years. However what I am saying is that I know people who have discovered that their dealer has used other than synthetics. I am suggesting that you confirm with your dealer that they are in fact using synthetics, do not assume this.
Click to expand...
 
P

paddyLV

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"oil changes"

[wave]

Clearly, the one most improtant thing you can do for your engine is change the oil/filter...

Ideally it should be changed approx. every 5-7k.

And the only way to go is MOBIL-I...


Happy [driving] (ing)
 
codex57

codex57

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Big Daddy said:
what I am saying is that I know people who have discovered that their dealer has used other than synthetics. I am suggesting that you confirm with your dealer that they are in fact using synthetics, do not assume this.
Click to expand...
How did they find out? Just curious? It would piss me off ROYALLY if I found out my dealer wasn't using synthetic? I feel pretty safe in the LA area though. The only dealer around here sketchy enough to try that is McKenna.
 
B

Big Daddy

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The car owner is a chemist and he had an oil anyalsis done on his car and mine at the time. We were just curious and not suspecting anything, just seeing the difference in our cars and their oils. I was using Mobil 1 at the time and he thought he was getting BMW synthetic.
 
asashoryu

asashoryu

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My e36 has indicator lights that tell you when you should change your oil. It will last longer if you don't drive it as hard. It assumes you are using synthetic oil, which lasts longer and is required to maintain the warranty. Don't the newer cars have this? Or don't you trust it? If you drive it hard, it is supposed to be able to take that into account.
 
codex57

codex57

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Heh, my service computer keeps dropping. I'm now in the 13000s. Pretty soon, it'll tell me to take it in after only 10,000 miles. I've only got abotu 1100 miles too.
 
Kirby

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Big Daddy said:
Actually my 91 318is came from BMW with a sticker on the engine cover that said, "Mobil One Oil Only".
Click to expand...
I asked at the parts desk a few weeks ago at my dealer, they said they use BMW Synthetic Oil for all their shop work. Now, we all know that BMW does not make the oil but it is private labeled for them.

I looked under the hood of my '04 330cic a few weeks ago. The molded filler plug says to use Castrol Synthetic Oil.

I plan on changes every 7500 miles - oil and filter.
 
flashinthepan

flashinthepan

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I plan on changes every 7500 miles - oil and filter
Click to expand...
I mimic that, I dont mind paying for every other oil change.

Is the BMW synthetic oil Identical to the Castrol synthetic ? I notice in the owners manual they endorse Castrol ????

[burnout]
 
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B

Big Daddy

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They change their endorsement considering whom ever is packaging their oil for them at the time. The last I heard is that Castrol is producing BMW's synthetic oil at this time. I use Mobil 1, because I always have.
 
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