Oil Change Opinions

ImolaRay · 09-26-2021, 09:06 PM

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So, I've always changed oil at about 5000 on other vehicles. But never drove many highway miles - always commuting to work.
Now that I'm retired, with this X7 I had the first oil change at 7500 miles (1 year). Just after the first oil change I took a 4500 mile trip out west - 90% highway miles. I now have 12000 miles on the car.
I will probably drive another 1000 miles before taking another long trip to FL in February - about a 4000 mile round trip. Which would at that time put me at about 10,000 miles since the first change.
Also - the iDrive never shows any oil consumption on the level check.

So what do you all think? Oil change before heading to FL (on my dime) or wait until I return and get the next BMW scheduled service?

CGJ999 · 09-26-2021, 09:27 PM

IMO - Oils these days are designed specifically to meet the long service intervals. Take advantage of the oil technology and save some money. And enjoy your trip!

crackerjack15 · 09-26-2021, 09:49 PM

When I first started driving it was normal to change the oil every 3000 miles. Now, on our other cars that I'm changing the oil myself, I usually do it at 5000-7500. On the X7 I only change it when it says to, which is around 10,000 miles. We mostly use it for trips, so lots of highway miles. I won't keep the vehicle long term, so I'll never really know if it makes a difference. And in reality how will any of us know?

I say if it gives you more peace of mind, just change it. But also, I think it will be fine if you don't.

Oil questions are more divisive than politics or religion. Lol

jmciver · 09-27-2021, 05:17 AM

I am a bit old school when it comes to routine maintenance like this. Oil is cheap, I like to DIY, and I prefer the extra protection with fresh oil and changing every 10k miles never sat well with me as I believe it is more of a cost savings and marketing thing by car manufacturers, than an oil technology thing. I also keep my cars for the long haul as well. For my newer cars (the M3 and X7) I change it every 5k miles, for the older ones (X3 and 128i) I change every 7500 miles. All synthetic oil in accordance with factory specs.

I am not much of a believer in anything that is "long lived" or "lifetime" when it comes to any vehicle fluids…

djbonsu · 09-27-2021, 08:09 AM

No matter the the usage, city or highway mileage, Every 5000 miles it is for me. The long interval oil changes just never sat well with my conscious especially since I keep my cars for a while. All synthetic oil changes are simple and easy. Other than that, I take it to the dealer when the car tells me to for the oil.

unfoundnemo · 09-27-2021, 08:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ImolaRay

So, I've always changed oil at about 5000 on other vehicles. But never drove many highway miles - always commuting to work.
Now that I'm retired, with this X7 I had the first oil change at 7500 miles (1 year). Just after the first oil change I took a 4500 mile trip out west - 90% highway miles. I now have 12000 miles on the car.
I will probably drive another 1000 miles before taking another long trip to FL in February - about a 4000 mile round trip. Which would at that time put me at about 10,000 miles since the first change.
Also - the iDrive never shows any oil consumption on the level check.

So what do you all think? Oil change before heading to FL (on my dime) or wait until I return and get the next BMW scheduled service?

I've always had CBS reduce the mileage to well below the recommended interval, but I drive around town quite a bit, and tend to drive both cars fairly hard (I just had my 4th oil service on the F92 in 9 months/10,000 miles). Based on this, I figure the CBS does a decent job of determining oil life, and would assume you'd be fine if you have hit the time or mileage limits previously... worst case, your maintenance plan is good at all dealerships in the country, and you'll have a 1200 mile warning to plan a stop convenient to you, so you could get it done in FL or along your trip.

Enjoy it!

thenew3 · 09-27-2021, 08:46 AM

When I first started driving 30+ years ago, my father always told me 3k mile oil changes and I used to follow that religiously.
Then as I got older and life started to get more complicated, I didn't have time to do the 3k changes anymore so I decided to follow manufacturer recommendation. My E46 328i had a 15k mile oil change interval (per BMW) and I followed the on board computer for oil changes, Sometimes it would go as long as 18k miles before it would tell me an oil change was necessary.

In 175k miles on that 328i following BMW oil change recommendations, I never had any engine issues caused by oil. In fact, I had blackstone labs analyze the oil every other change and they said it was in good shape and suitable for continued use. An independent shop wanted to test my engine compression and take the oil pan off at 175k to see what condition it was in, they found no compression leak and said no sludge build up in the oil pan, they were extremely surprised.

So for the last 20+ years I've been following manufacturer recommended intervals and have had zero issues. (and have had the oil tested regularly by blackstone, always comes back good for continued use).

So I would not worry about your up coming trip. Go on the trip, enjoy yourself, then when you get back, if the computer tells you an oil change is necessary, then schedule and take it in on their dime.

jmciver · 09-27-2021, 11:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thenew3

When I first started driving 30+ years ago, my father always told me 3k mile oil changes and I used to follow that religiously.
Then as I got older and life started to get more complicated, I didn't have time to do the 3k changes anymore so I decided to follow manufacturer recommendation. My E46 328i had a 15k mile oil change interval (per BMW) and I followed the on board computer for oil changes, Sometimes it would go as long as 18k miles before it would tell me an oil change was necessary.

In 175k miles on that 328i following BMW oil change recommendations, I never had any engine issues caused by oil. In fact, I had blackstone labs analyze the oil every other change and they said it was in good shape and suitable for continued use. An independent shop wanted to test my engine compression and take the oil pan off at 175k to see what condition it was in, they found no compression leak and said no sludge build up in the oil pan, they were extremely surprised.

So for the last 20+ years I've been following manufacturer recommended intervals and have had zero issues. (and have had the oil tested regularly by blackstone, always comes back good for continued use).

So I would not worry about your up coming trip. Go on the trip, enjoy yourself, then when you get back, if the computer tells you an oil change is necessary, then schedule and take it in on their dime.

So for every story where I have heard of people going long oil change intervals with no issues, including sludge, etc (like what you have mentioned) I have also seen seen pictures of engines with similar oil change intervals with noteworthy sludge build up. The combustion process is very dirty by its nature and I would never want to go that long between oil changes. Even after 5k miles the oil is noticeably "dirty" IMO.

But, at the end of the day, it is all about your comfort level for your car (and engine) when it comes to what you want to do to maintain it. And apparently, YMMV, literally….

dmanb2b · 09-27-2021, 04:50 PM

I went just a touch under 6,300 on factory fill (b58). I was expecting high wear metals, but not a remaining TBN of 1.5. I have switched to 0w-40, like all my other BMW 6cyls and will stick to 5K oci. It may be overkill and I may not keep the car past warranty, but I am an enthusiast and prefer leave the motor in the best shape possible, for whatever comes next. I also DIY, so oil changes through FCP euro are very very low cost, other than my time and I enjoy garage time.

G39x · 09-28-2021, 10:07 AM

I usually do my oil changes every 7k-7500 miles, and for when times get rough and I don't get the time to change the oil, I will usually try to get it done at a good cheap place that does good work and then change it after 5k miles after.

I like to keep my vehicles long term and is the reason I bought the x7, hopefully the oil change isn't too different as far as checking the level goes.

09-26-2021, 09:06 PM	#1
ImolaRay Private 35 Rep 93 Posts Drives: 2021 X7 M50i Carbon Black Join Date: Feb 2021 Location: MN iTrader: (0)	Oil Change Opinions Featured on BIMMERPOST.com So, I've always changed oil at about 5000 on other vehicles. But never drove many highway miles - always commuting to work. Now that I'm retired, with this X7 I had the first oil change at 7500 miles (1 year). Just after the first oil change I took a 4500 mile trip out west - 90% highway miles. I now have 12000 miles on the car. I will probably drive another 1000 miles before taking another long trip to FL in February - about a 4000 mile round trip. Which would at that time put me at about 10,000 miles since the first change. Also - the iDrive never shows any oil consumption on the level check. So what do you all think? Oil change before heading to FL (on my dime) or wait until I return and get the next BMW scheduled service?
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09-26-2021, 09:27 PM	#2
CGJ999 Enlisted Member 123 Rep 45 Posts Drives: BMW X5 M-C. And X3 X-Drive 30e Join Date: May 2021 Location: UK iTrader: (0) Garage List 2022 BMW X5M Compet ... [9.00] 2022 BMW X3 XDrive 30e [0.00]	IMO - Oils these days are designed specifically to meet the long service intervals. Take advantage of the oil technology and save some money. And enjoy your trip!
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09-26-2021, 09:49 PM	#3
crackerjack15 Captain 840 Rep 993 Posts Drives: 2024 X5 50e Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: West Virginia iTrader: (0)	When I first started driving it was normal to change the oil every 3000 miles. Now, on our other cars that I'm changing the oil myself, I usually do it at 5000-7500. On the X7 I only change it when it says to, which is around 10,000 miles. We mostly use it for trips, so lots of highway miles. I won't keep the vehicle long term, so I'll never really know if it makes a difference. And in reality how will any of us know? I say if it gives you more peace of mind, just change it. But also, I think it will be fine if you don't. Oil questions are more divisive than politics or religion. Lol
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09-27-2021, 05:17 AM	#4
jmciver ///M SubDriver 1836 Rep 2,783 Posts Drives: 2017 M3, 2020 X7 40i Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: DMV iTrader: (0) Garage List 2017 BMW M3 [10.00] 2020 BMW X7 [0.00] 2019 BMW X3 [0.00] 2009 BMW 128i [0.00]	I am a bit old school when it comes to routine maintenance like this. Oil is cheap, I like to DIY, and I prefer the extra protection with fresh oil and changing every 10k miles never sat well with me as I believe it is more of a cost savings and marketing thing by car manufacturers, than an oil technology thing. I also keep my cars for the long haul as well. For my newer cars (the M3 and X7) I change it every 5k miles, for the older ones (X3 and 128i) I change every 7500 miles. All synthetic oil in accordance with factory specs. I am not much of a believer in anything that is "long lived" or "lifetime" when it comes to any vehicle fluids… __________________ ///M3 *COMPETITION 6MT* - 2017 F80 Smoked Topaz Metallic BM3 / MP-HAS / GC Camber Plates / Carbonstructure Interior X7 XDrive 40i ///M-SPORT - 2020 G07 Arctic Grey Metallic X3 XDrive 30i - 2019 G01 Mineral White (wife's) / 128i 6MT - 2009 E82 Jet Black (son's)
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09-27-2021, 08:09 AM	#5
djbonsu Private First Class 113 Rep 195 Posts Drives: 05' L322 Range Rover Join Date: Dec 2020 Location: Chicago, IL iTrader: (0)	No matter the the usage, city or highway mileage, Every 5000 miles it is for me. The long interval oil changes just never sat well with my conscious especially since I keep my cars for a while. All synthetic oil changes are simple and easy. Other than that, I take it to the dealer when the car tells me to for the oil. __________________ 2020 X7 xDrive40i Mineral White//Ivory White Full Merino//Piano Black Trim//Cold Weather//Driving Assistance//Luxury Seating// Executive//Style 755-22" Y-Spoke Wheels//Space Saver Spare//Leather Dash//Ambient Air//Harmon Kardon//Extended Shadowline//Alcantara Headliner//
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09-27-2021, 08:46 AM	#7
thenew3 Lieutenant Colonel 639 Rep 1,587 Posts Drives: 2020 X7, 2016 X3, 2021 MME Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: Central coast CA iTrader: (0)	When I first started driving 30+ years ago, my father always told me 3k mile oil changes and I used to follow that religiously. Then as I got older and life started to get more complicated, I didn't have time to do the 3k changes anymore so I decided to follow manufacturer recommendation. My E46 328i had a 15k mile oil change interval (per BMW) and I followed the on board computer for oil changes, Sometimes it would go as long as 18k miles before it would tell me an oil change was necessary. In 175k miles on that 328i following BMW oil change recommendations, I never had any engine issues caused by oil. In fact, I had blackstone labs analyze the oil every other change and they said it was in good shape and suitable for continued use. An independent shop wanted to test my engine compression and take the oil pan off at 175k to see what condition it was in, they found no compression leak and said no sludge build up in the oil pan, they were extremely surprised. So for the last 20+ years I've been following manufacturer recommended intervals and have had zero issues. (and have had the oil tested regularly by blackstone, always comes back good for continued use). So I would not worry about your up coming trip. Go on the trip, enjoy yourself, then when you get back, if the computer tells you an oil change is necessary, then schedule and take it in on their dime.
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09-27-2021, 04:50 PM	#9
dmanb2b Banned 2125 Rep 3,368 Posts Drives: G07, F97, F30, E90, E46, E30 Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: NY iTrader: (5)	I went just a touch under 6,300 on factory fill (b58). I was expecting high wear metals, but not a remaining TBN of 1.5. I have switched to 0w-40, like all my other BMW 6cyls and will stick to 5K oci. It may be overkill and I may not keep the car past warranty, but I am an enthusiast and prefer leave the motor in the best shape possible, for whatever comes next. I also DIY, so oil changes through FCP euro are very very low cost, other than my time and I enjoy garage time.
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09-28-2021, 10:07 AM	#10
G39x Private 11 Rep 82 Posts Drives: BMW x7 Join Date: Jun 2021 Location: Tennessee iTrader: (0)	I usually do my oil changes every 7k-7500 miles, and for when times get rough and I don't get the time to change the oil, I will usually try to get it done at a good cheap place that does good work and then change it after 5k miles after. I like to keep my vehicles long term and is the reason I bought the x7, hopefully the oil change isn't too different as far as checking the level goes.
	Appreciate 0 Quote