[younghov85]

I ahve had my car for 8 months and have driven for 11500 miles, and my maintainence indicator is saying that I STILL have another 9000 miles til my first oil change. Earlier this week I went ahead and changed the oil on my own, and it seemed very dirty, along with a very bad odor. I felt that BMW sets the cars cpu to stretch the oil to the very max it can be stretched, and maybe even more. If this means i have to wait for an oil change every 20,000 mi., then this free maintainence deal is really not worth it, in my opinion. Anyone else had their oil in for 20,000+ miles?

[RichReg]

Originally Posted by younghov85

I ahve had my car for 8 months and have driven for 11500 miles, and my maintainence indicator is saying that I STILL have another 9000 miles til my first oil change. Earlier this week I went ahead and changed the oil on my own, and it seemed very dirty, along with a very bad odor. I felt that BMW sets the cars cpu to stretch the oil to the very max it can be stretched, and maybe even more. If this means i have to wait for an oil change every 20,000 mi., then this free maintainence deal is really not worth it, in my opinion. Anyone else had their oil in for 20,000+ miles?

I believe that the computer basically tells you when the oil needs to be changed based on your driving style. If you have driven 12 months and the monitor still doesn't say you should change the oil, BMWNA will give you a freebie. Only once every 12 months though.

[younghov85]

Originally Posted by RichReg

I believe that the computer basically tells you when the oil needs to be changed based on your driving style. If you have driven 12 months and the monitor still doesn't say you should change the oil, BMWNA will give you a freebie. Only once every 12 months though.

I never knew that, well i most likely will be getting a freebie cause i have 9000 left and 4 months left. I do mostly highway driving so I know that has something to do with it. Do u think if your oil lasts longer, that your engine maybe running cleaner? Or that it is in good condition?

[longtran]

its 15k miles for free oil change. so when you hit 15k call in for an appointment.

[RichReg]

Originally Posted by younghov85

Do u think if your oil lasts longer, that your engine maybe running cleaner? Or that it is in good condition?

Honestly, I really don't know for sure.

Many have stated that before the free maintenance program, BMW was recommending more frequent oil changes than once a year. Then again, synthetic oil does maintain its viscosity for quite some time vs conventional oil. I know 'cause when I was a youngster I used it in my Ford Thunderbird & that thing ran terrific for at least 10,000 miles between changes.

I have about 7900 miles on my E90 330 & I just did my own oil change about 400 miles ago. The oil looked fine.

[younghov85]

The thing that really was getting to me was the smell of the oil. I dont know if u have ever had this happen, but when i smelled the old oil it almost smelled burn, and the new oil smelled actually good. So im wondering what would of happen if i allowed that oil to stay in there for 15k+ miles?

[rebelfocus]

On delivery, my 320d said 30,000kms (18,640 miles) to the 1st service and 11/07. Since then it has increased to 31,000kms (and I have 2800kms on the clock) bringing it to 33,800kms (21,000 miles). So the car thinks I am a nice driver :-)

The date of 1st service is still the same at 11/07 (2 years from the date of actual production).

So, it some European countries, the 2 year, 30,000km service is becoming the norm.

Of course, I had to buy 'service inclusive' for 900 Euro to cover the cost of servicing for 5 years. Suddenly, the dealers are recommending long service intervals as they don't get paid per service anymore. Interesting that...

Not too long ago they were insisting on 15,000km (10,000mile) services even on a car even with synthetic oil and contrary to what the manual said and the on-board computer. On my last car they told me to ignore the computer totally. Of course they charge around 300 Euro (350 USD) for an oil change here so you can see why. I didn't take their advice then and listened to the OBC.

Now that they offer a flat rate here for 'service inclusive' on BMW, their attitude has changed a lot.

Having said all that, I think BMW know what they are doing and I plan on obeying the service computer.

[StevoSEA]

Originally Posted by RichReg

I believe that the computer basically tells you when the oil needs to be changed based on your driving style. If you have driven 12 months and the monitor still doesn't say you should change the oil, BMWNA will give you a freebie. Only once every 12 months though.

Also your are "entitled"to a brake fluid flush every 2 years and coolant flush every four years, just remmember to make the service appointments at the appropriate times (neither the dealer or the computer will remind you)

[StevoSEA]

Originally Posted by longtran

its 15k miles for free oil change. so when you hit 15k call in for an appointment.

It is once a year, if you have not driven enough miles for the computer to remind you. ie at 12 months the computer says you have 6000mi left before the oil service and you have driven 10,000mi the time interval (12months) trumps the onboard computer per the bmw maintenance warranty (read the warranty in detail)

[DeadBroke]

Interesting, an old guy here in Germany told me to get an oil change at 1200 miles so if I had metal shavings my engine would be safe. I did not do it, but my boss has a 2002 3series (he really tricked it out) and he bought the software to reset the computer when he does his oil change. He thinks I should do the same to save money, I thinking about it.....