500 miles driven a year and oil change

wigner · #1 08-09-2016, 04:34 AM

My X5 (4.4i 2004) has been driven about 500 miles since I made engine oil changed with Mobil 1 full synthetic 1 year ago, so 500 miles for a year!!. I am not using this X5 nowadays since I am driving another car more frequently. Today I checked the oil and the oil color is just like brand new and oil level is almost the same.

Do you think I can keep using this car without an oil change in 3~4 months?

Once I drive mine, I usually make more than 10 miles each time at least. and keep it in the garage.

Thanks for your opinions!! and I am not getting rid of it since Carmax guy offered me $3k though I paid $4.5k for some engine repairs a few years ago.
My son will use it for his first car.

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spadge · #2 08-09-2016, 05:16 AM

I won't change teh oil since it's completely new...

BMW definition: change at least after 2 years.

jsoto · #3 08-09-2016, 08:41 AM

Given you location and mielage, I wouldn't be too squeamish on the frequency.
Easy every 2 years minimum. Figure roughly $50 for a Oil Change/ $10 for a filter, $22 each for a 5 quart jug of Castrol 0w40 (LL rated). Cheaper if you go with other options I suppose.

I would change one thing. Instead of the 10 minute drives, how about a spirited 30 minute on 74, PCH just to get the oil up to TEMP to burn off any residual moisture, which is never a bad thing

StephenVA · #4 08-09-2016, 04:58 PM

+1
Every 18-24 months is perfect for low mileage and very little temp flux in your area season to season. If your drive cycles are lots of idling and little mileage, then every year would be prudent just due to the contaminants in the oil that never get burned off or evaporated.

For domestic cars with little oil pans (5 QTS) replace annually. Cheap insurance.

I am sure a frustrated chemical engineer will chip in with a few pointers shortly on advantages/disadvantages (oil viscosity breakdown charts, drive cycle temp swings etc). It is your vehicle and only you get to decide on care and usage since there is no warranty period or oversight at this point.

Joshdub · #5 08-09-2016, 06:41 PM

I have always heard 8-12 month intervals due to breakdown but I don't have and science to back that up. Realistically it'll probably be ok.

electricalserv x5 · #6 08-09-2016, 07:01 PM

Crap I change my oil with Castrol titanium every 4k mile with new bmw filter. when it hot here in NY I check it every gas fill up.Also check the psi on tires too.

jsoto · #7 08-09-2016, 07:06 PM

I used to be that guy.....dumping $12 qt oil. Regardless, I still would not have dumped it out till at least 5-6K miles, given driving/operating conditions.

Oil has come a long way...the TI oil is along the lines of HM oil, loaded with ZDDP...

Hell, if I was the OP and was giving it long hot runs, I would not even squeam at changing it every 3 years, without even giving it a second thought.

Granted oil is cheap, so if you've got the time or dime, do whatever makes you comfortable

StephenVA · #8 08-10-2016, 08:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by electricalserv x5

Crap I change my oil with Castrol titanium every 4k mile with new bmw filter. when it hot here in NY I check it every gas fill up.Also check the psi on tires too.

I personally change mine every year which is anywhere from 1200 to 3000 max. Once again, cheap DIY as every owner gets to decide their own service level comfort. I choose annually plus or minus a few months.
I am getting ready to break 60K this summer. Hate to see that number roll over. "Under 60K sounded so nice".

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