Oil Use

[motordavid]

Originally Posted by noncom23

...Is the filtering system in place good enough to qualify 15,000 mi by BMW?

Doubtful, imo, from cutting open filters I've pulled, DIY, at
7-8,000 miles. Maybe BMW "knows" something we don't.

From a common sense perspective, I doubt it even more.

OTHO, if it's a lease, it is the next guy's worry; if you
own it/plan on keeping it more than the payment length
I would rec'd a filter change sooner than 15K.
My 2Cts...
GL,mD

[JCL]

Originally Posted by noncom23

Yeah. Once a month seems about right. Is the filtering system in place good enough to qualify 15,000 mi by BMW?

Proof that there are lots of different opinions (see MD's good post, above).

Yes, IMO, but a filter is going to fail on time, not just on mileage. If you have low annual miles, do it every year as the book says. Doing it at 7500 can't hurt, doing it more often than that is a waste IMO. If you can get 15,000 miles accumulated in a year or so, you are likely driving on the highway a fair bit, easy miles.

The 15000 mile limit refers to the ability to still filter the oil and not get clogged. The one year recommendation refers to a filter maintaining its structural integrity and not collapsing. It isn't going to collapse at a year, but I wouldn't leave it in there for several years.

As is noted above, the biggest problem with long oil changes is not the long change interval, but the tendency of owners to not check the oil regularly. Checking it and keeping it topped up is more important than the change interval, within reason.

[Ajogu]

Interesting post. I've done 42k km (approx. 26k miles) on my X and I drive my X HARD! I check oil every 3 months and does not need a drop. I've checked this at the dealers too. My 3.2 V6 Opel Vectra GTS needed a liter every 3 months
Oh well, I just LOVE my X

[noncom23]

Originally Posted by JCL

Proof that there are lots of different opinions (see MD's good post, above).

Yes, IMO, but a filter is going to fail on time, not just on mileage. If you have low annual miles, do it every year as the book says. Doing it at 7500 can't hurt, doing it more often than that is a waste IMO. If you can get 15,000 miles accumulated in a year or so, you are likely driving on the highway a fair bit, easy miles.

The 15000 mile limit refers to the ability to still filter the oil and not get clogged. The one year recommendation refers to a filter maintaining its structural integrity and not collapsing. It isn't going to collapse at a year, but I wouldn't leave it in there for several years.

As is noted above, the biggest problem with long oil changes is not the long change interval, but the tendency of owners to not check the oil regularly. Checking it and keeping it topped up is more important than the change interval, within reason.

Good point. I also noticed with my 2003 that it turned out to be about every nine months.

[mtmnet]

Originally Posted by noncom23

Yeah. Once a month seems about right. Is the filtering system in place good enough to qualify 15,000 mi by BMW?

I don't think so....not if you want the engine to last a long time. I would change it every 7,500 miles

[sageriders]

Just returned from a 5005 mile trip across the mid west to and thru the front range of the Rockies. When I left, there were 1865 mi. on the clock, and I had carefully broken in the engine, as I have with all my cars. That consisted of no more than 3000 revs for the first 500 mi, then no more than 3500 up to 1000 mi. Then, an oil change to clean out the break-in oil.

My trip consisted of apx. 4200 miles at 70-75 actual mph on interstates and the balance in/up/down the Rocky mountains. Passing interstate traffic at up to 90 mph, and up to 90 on some of the high mountain passes . . ., so I ran the thing fairly hard. My engine used ONE QUART for the full 5005 mi. Personally, I think that's da-- good. I firmly believe the secret is in the break-in. I've followed the same break-in rules for 40 years, now, and have never had an oil burner.

Those who burn even a quart in 1000 have two problems: 1) poor break-in, and 2) running up to 5000-5500 rpm on every shift.

These engines are as good or better than any built, and if you're getting poor oil mileage, it's because of these two possible problems.

I change oil every 7500 mi., and have never had a problem with my Bride's 330 or my previous 3.0 X5, now totalled.

Good luck, all, with your rigs. My own opinion is that this is a phenomenal car!! and it meets all my expectations.

[avo8686]

I took today my mom's X to the dealer to get 2 qts of oil added, cuz the X was super low on oil. They said that is because the x was purchased on february and to date it has done 11,750 miles and that the oil goes depending on gas consumption and the way you drive it.. they say it is just normal

[noncom23]

Originally Posted by avo8686

I took today my mom's X to the dealer to get 2 qts of oil added, cuz the X was super low on oil. They said that is because the x was purchased on february and to date it has done 11,750 miles and that the oil goes depending on gas consumption and the way you drive it.. they say it is just normal

Interesting. I bought mine in June 06' and have 8000mi now. Not really driving it that hard. Average 75mph on 20 min drive to work. Sometimes I high reve because of hesitation problem. Abought a 30min drive to work, mostly highway.