Oil Change???

[jenny1941]

I have a 540 - 2003 BMW - the owners book says change the oil when directed by the computer lights - that's about 30,000 miles - seems an extremely long time between oil changes - I bought the car 5/2004 with 13,000 mi. on it and the oil was changed 5/2004. It's now 5/2005, and I'm still a long way from the second oil change. I do very little stop and go driving - mostly distance driving. Does anyone change oil more often that directed. Thanks - Jenny

 

[Kirby]

BMW's recommendation is 15,000 miles between oil changes, that should be in your manual. Many of us change it more frequently, using a synthetic oil, usually 5,000 - 7,500 miles, because we think 15,000 is too long.

 

[epj3]

BMW's recommendation is 15,000 miles between oil changes, that should be in your manual. Many of us change it more frequently, using a synthetic oil, usually 5,000 - 7,500 miles, because we think 15,000 is too long.

Plus, even if it IS good for 15k miles, its not like it'll hurt anything on the car long term by doing an oil change every 5 - 7k.

 

[rjp325i]

I too believe 15K is too long. I usually keep my cars for the long term so I prefer playing it safe. My 2004 330i with the Performance Pkg has just over 20K miles on the odometer. I have changed the oil and filter twice on my own and once via the free maintenance program at the dealer. In other words once in-between each computer recommended change.

BMW CCA member since 1985

 

[Tom]

Plus, even if it IS good for 15k miles, its not like it'll hurt anything on the car long term by doing an oil change every 5 - 7k.

Agreed

 

[Big Daddy]

Plus, even if it IS good for 15k miles, its not like it'll hurt anything on the car long term by doing an oil change every 5 - 7k.

I too agree