Break in oil change

[Thunder22]

I never changed the oil before the scheduled intervals... BUT, it's not the oil that I would be concerned about, it's the filter... oil longetivity is getting better and better, but has the filter kept up? I would assume so.

[vinuneuro]

Originally Posted by gresch

I never changed the oil before the scheduled intervals... BUT, it's not the oil that I would be concerned about, it's the filter... oil longetivity is getting better and better, but has the filter kept up? I would assume so.

That's what I used to think too, and you are right to a certain extent. The filter def doesn't hold up for sure. The oil doesn't either. Talking to techs at multiple dealers and oil analysis confirms this. An ex-BMW employee actually told me the 15k oci is indeed a marketing gimmick tailored to people who lease their vehicles. Since a lease is more lucrative than a sale, and since most lessees don't want to put much effort into maintenance, BMW sweetens the incentive to lease by stating (approximately) 15K intervals. On top of that, think of how much dough BMW saves by essentially cutting the number of free oil changes they give away.

[xx3]

Originally Posted by JCL

Does anyone know for sure? I have never toured a BMW engine plant, but would like to.

The products that my employer sells include premium diesel and natural gas engines, manufactured in the US and around the world in a variety of plants. The last time I toured a plant (In Peoria, within the past month) I watched every single engine get tested. The engines were mounted on test beds, and rolled into dyno cells. All got a full load test, with a thermal cycle, leak test, and specific fuel consumption test. That is before they were cleaned, received final paint, were flushed for oil and coolant, and were shipped to the machine assembly plants. This is prior to any testing of the completed vehicle/machine.

The above also excludes random tests for extended periods, and other random tests for full load runs, with subsequent disassembly and analysis. Both are regularly scheduled per the ISO quality routines.

Why do people think that BMW engines are assembled, put into vehicles, and shipped to customers without similar, or some type of testing? Just wondering. Maybe they aren't tested at all. Just seems strange to me...

At least in Germany all the cars that exit the plant are put on rollers and drive up to 120-130mph...

What I meant, is that a few random engines, get pulled off the line and put into a dyno-like machine. Where they must run for a while under varying load to test quality... If these engines pass they are returned to the line. These engines have basically been broken in...

I have no idea about the U.S. plant... But at least thats the way it works in the German plants...

[vinuneuro]

Originally Posted by BUCKBEAK

Just took delivery of our X5 at the Performance Center in S.C. This
is a must do trip. The driving school, delivery process & Factory tour are
great!
.
On the factory tour, I saw and was told that EVERY X5 does a HOT Test - up to about 70mph. I witnessed 3 consecutive X5s being tested. However, the tour guide did state that the Z4s were only randomly HOT tested. Testing of every X5 will continue until enough data is collected and analyzed ~ meeting quality standards. Approx 4-8 miles are run. Not every X5 passes the test - according to the tour guide - tranny sync. Final Quality inspection of the X5 is done on a random basis.
.
In addition, the engine & tranny are tested at the supplier - prior to delivery in S.C.
.
I can also tell you the prior post here comparing the X5 to an MDX is CRAP. After spending time in the salom , breaking & the high speed course at the driving center - I am so convinced that the X5 is SUPREMELY SUPERIOR - CAR & DRIVER is full of bull. Now as a mommy mobile carrier - the MDX is a good choice - but if you are a true driver - the X5 is the real champion. The ONLY reason to choose the MDX would be for extra cargo.
.
I DID CHECK OUT THE NEW DIESEL TO ARRIVE IN THE US AS AN 08 - THE ONLY CHANGE I WOULD MAKE HERE.

OH YEA - CHANGE YOUR OIL EVERY 7.5k or 6mos. Your investment will love you for it.

Please describe the details of this 'hot' test.