[ykb20]

Hi all,

A question...I'm coming up on 1200 miles on my e90. Based on what I've read here I was originally thinking of getting my oil change as the break in period is over. However, my CA said there is a special break in oil that they use and I should not change it out till the regularly scheduled maintenance....which will probably around the 13k-15k mile mark.

Thoughts on what I should do?

Thanks!

[BMWs4ever]

As far as I was told special break in oil is only on the M3. Change the oil yourself at 1200 miles. Your car will thank you !

[sy2767]

I call BS on the special oil also, change it out yourself before the 13-15k interval.

[jopa489]

No special oil in non-M cars. Up to you as to whether or not you change it before the scheduled service interval. It certainly can't hurt.

[roundle]

I did mine at 7,500.

Also, FYI: there are a few Blackstone Lab reports that suggest that the non-M factory oil is not the typical BMW Synthetic (aka Castrol Softec).

[Turkeybaster115]

Originally Posted by TrackRat

If you're really concerned about when to change your oil, a Used Oil Analysis, (UOA) will tell you if the oil is still servicable or not. You will find BMW LL-01 approved oils work as advertised. In Europe they have had up to 30,000 km OCIs for decades without issues.

This statement has no meaning. 18K oil changes is far from advisable. The kid lives in cali, so an example using europe is just way off. You of all people should know this. Different continent, different quality of gas, unstated top off intervals, etc.

[ENINTY]

This is getting boring with you guys. My 2006 E90 got it's first oil change at 17,500 miles, the following changes have all been over 17,000 miles OCI. My car now at 144,000 miles runs as good as the day I bought it 6 years ago. I use BMW's oil and filter. No magic.

So you can discuss oil all day long and oil change intervals, I have REAL data. I'm going to go start it now and drive it to work.

Have fun.

[DieselDiner]

From BMW Operating Fluids dated October 2010:

BMW engines do not require special break-in oils.
All of the multiple grade engine oils can be used, as long as they conform with BMW specifications. (The exception for M3 engines is noted earlier in the document).