2004 530i Oil Changes

[surfmountie]

The manual calls for oil changes at 15000 miles or one year on the new 530.
I'm on my 3rd BMW and have always changed the oil at 3000 miles regardless of the recommended mileage and have run the cars beyond 150000 with few if any engine problems.
Do the new engines require more frequent changes then the recommended or am I wasting my $$$ ?

 

[Bmw 325i 7803]

If you care about the car and intend on keeping for a long time you can change it every 7500 miles. This question has also been asked before, you might want to check the archives.....

 

[tool fan]

The reason it is 10,000 miles is that the engines are made in "clean" rooms. There is no dust, dirt or grime that gets in the engines, so the oil lasted alot longer. This was explained to me by a BMW technician here in Germany. Your i-Drive should tell you when you need your oil change.

 

[Sweetwater]

That may be, BUT

then the cars get to live in the real world where all the oil and air filters known to man cannot prevent some infiltrates from that real world of dust, dirt and metal vs metal shavings. Also, the factor of heat comes into play, and while I believe in the high quality of modern oils, I also believe that heat will break them down.

Change your oil.

 

[tool fan]

Here is a FUN fact for ya.....I just went to the local BMW dealership/shop to make an appointment for and Oil change...the first one. After I made my appointment I asked the lady about what it was going to cost. GRAB YOUR PANTS........200+ euro!!!!!!! That is 240+ dollars. Oil over here is 22 dollars a quart....so guess what? I bought my own oil. Just thought I would tell you that. Owning a car in Germany...for a German is freakin EXPENSIVE...any car.