The green bars lasted 17,924 miles - Is that a record?

[Bigfoot]

Wow. When BMW is paying for it, you can wait 17,924 miles before your first oil change. BMW must use really good oil. [sarcasm]

Yes, I am aware of the "free" oil change available after one year for "low mileage" vehicles. Since there were still 3 green bars when I made the appointment for the annual oil change (it went down to two bars a couple days before the oil change), I insisted the dealer leave the lights alone (no reset) so I would get another "free" oil change within six months. I also wanted to see how long the green bars could last.

Has anybody's final green bar lasted longer than 17,924 miles without a reset?

[motordavid]

BF: That no initial reset puts you on the
longer wait for Insp1, however...you will
have to wait for the greens to disappear
again. Not a huge deal, though.

I suspect 18K miles is right up there.
GL,md

PS: I'd love to see a BF or Yeti or alien.

[Wagner]

BMW 50K scam...although modern oils can easily go over 9000 miles without issue. I changed the oil in my wifes Honda at 6500 miles intervals on a 1999 motor and every time the oil is really clean. Not like when I use to run standard oils on my muscle cars...talk about tar.

[chucker]

go in the shop next time you get your oil change. Find a mechanic. Ask him how many engines they are opening up for gummed up valvetronic
parts. You'll be suprised what will come out of their mouths if they are honest with you. I've known my bmw mechanic for 20 years. They order( by the multiple case quantity) a flushing cleaner you mix with the oil, kinda like the old kerosene cleaners.. but NOT kerosene. he told me last week a 7 made it 22,000 miles, "now were tearing it down for the gummed up valvetronic" . He showed me the cams and bearings on a car maybe a month ago and, again valvetronic gummed up, and you should have seen the gum and varnish deposits.. he says change it every 5,000 max.. do you lease or own, "that is the question" chucker

[vinuneuro]

15k really shouldn't too big of deal, but BMW uses the US made Castrol crap that is actually a Group 3 oil. Europe is using a different formula starting which a much higher quality basestock (made by Castrol in Germany). If you look at their diesel intervals, a lot of them are actually longer than ours, even though the diesel engines are much harder on oil.

EDIT: This is only BMW NA that uses a group 3 engine oil. BMWs in europe get the good formulation.

[Intel55]

I change mine every 7000K. I also plan on changing the tranny oil once she hits 30K. I do not trust what BMW with regard to their oils.

[Mackskibum]

I've been over 18K a couple of times. I usually do a 7500-8500 mile change between dealer visits.