Oil Change

[britlad]

My '99 2.8 dash shows 4 green bars, orange dash and space when I start the engine and this has not changed as far as I can see. I have had the car for two years, 8,000 miles and I grew up in the 60s changing oil and filters regularly. BMW tells me 18000 miles oil change on my X3. Whether synthetic or not I feel more comfortable changing after a couple of years or just the filter to clean it up? What do you do to keep the engine pampered?
Michael

 

[Ianmc]

Mine gets changed each year, whatever the mileage. For the cost, it's not worth not doing so IMO. Woops, double negative.

 

[Dennis in Colorado]

I have a question about that as well. Those lights, do they really tel you when to change the oil? I just added new spark plus and oil change, and reset the oil in the computer. I used royal purple. I was going to change it after 5,000 miles, or maybe one a year. Not sure about this part.

 

[Ianmc]

In theory (and practise I believe) the countdown lights reflect the BMW service intervals. These are dictated as to how the car is used.
Notwithstanding, I change the oil annually as well as when required by the service indicator. Likely overkill, but can't do any harm in an older car.

 

[Rudyrov]

I change my oil and filter every 5000 mile "block" of the odometer, so 5000, 10000, 15000, 20000 etc. That way I know when my change is coming up with plenty of anticipation and can shop for sales.

 

[Dennis in Colorado]

Thanks!

 

[gookah]

Mine gets changed each year, whatever the mileage. For the cost, it's not worth not doing so IMO. Woops, double negative.

for what its worth, its definitely worth not not doing.

 

[mwpe]

The lights will gradually go out and then tell you if you are due an oil service or inspection but I always do an oil change every spring and most of the basic inspection items.
The sevice booklet does say that if you do a low mileage you should still change the oil annually.

 

[5harp3y]

Small advice as above.

Just change the oil yearly regardless of mileages

 

[Howard]

I just change oil & filter every year automatically, often the car has done less than 5k.

 

[Ryan]

I change my oil before it goes away for the winter, this way when it starts up for the first time in Spring, it's with fresh oil and not something that has been sat for 5/6 months

 

[gookah]

I change my oil before it goes away for the winter, this way when it starts up for the first time in Spring, it's with fresh oil and not something that has been sat for 5/6 months

But it has been sat for 5/6 months? unless you change at the start of spring....

 

[Ryan]

But it has been sat for 5/6 months? unless you change at the start of spring....

I meant its clean oil thats been sat in the engine for 5/6 months that starts it and not the dark/dirty oil that has been building up. I see it like starting the day with a fresh coffee, not what is still in your cup from last night haha

 

[Dennis in Colorado]

Here in Colorado, good months is like 9 out of 12. I'm driving 180 a day, work moved 90 north. So, it seems that I could change the oil when I start to drive it, and if the lights say to. It's not too bad a drive, I can take three ways; high country plains; foot hills or the dreaded freeway.

 

[N4LLY]

Dont forget a Diff and gearbox oil change

 

[mwpe]

I change my oil before it goes away for the winter, this way when it starts up for the first time in Spring, it's with fresh oil and not something that has been sat for 5/6 months

Mine doesn't go away for the winter, they are meant to be driven.

 

[Dennis in Colorado]

Just had the trans oil changed and new seals done. The dif, yeah, on the list.

 

[Howard]

It funny how things have changed with oil technology. My 1956 MGA has a 3k oil/filter interval using 20/50.
Where as fast forward to the Z3(3.0) that uses 5/30 oil and the car tells you when it’s needed. Personally im still of the opinion that a regular oil change even if low mileage usage pays long term in low emissions, reliability and better fuel consumption as well as less wear.
I’m sure there will be folk that disagree but this is how Iv always treated my pride and joy.
H

 

[Rudyrov]

Oil is the life blood of your engine, it cools, lubricates and cleans. When oil is worn out it does those things less efficiently and creates friction.
Happy oil = happy car.

 

[t-tony]

Oil is the life blood of your engine, it cools, lubricates and cleans. When oil is worn out it does those things less efficiently and creates friction.
Happy oil = happy car.

Well said Rudy I sometimes use additives such as Foster's or Kronenburg etc.

Tony.