Oil usage on 2009 X5 Diesel xDrive35d

[Klepper]

I was under the impression that the miles listed in the Idrive are miles to go until the oil change is required, not total cummulative miles.

[jimsaq]

yes for the oil reading it's 'change in xxxx kilometres' not 'change at xxxx kilometres' according to my australian manual. and logic, once you see the number go below the amount of k's you've put on the vehicle

[Penguin]

> So 11K, 10K and 6K. I wonder why the differences?

The vehicle computer uses some sort of algorithm to determine the appropriate oil change. I believe it takes into account things such as number of starts, fuel used, temperature profile, etc. to adjust the change interval, but it's a proprietary BMW thing no doubt. I believe it may also have a sensor which essentially measure the dielectric constant of the oil as an indirect indicator of contamination.

In any case, the differences are because the vehicle computer adjusts the interval using inputs from the sensors to estimate the condition of the oil.

P.S. Here is a nice link which explains the various approaches so far to monitoring oil change intervals on vehicles:

Determining Proper Oil and Filter Change Intervals: Can Onboard Automotive Sensors Help?

[GoVols!]

Dont worry about not knowing about the dipstick. You have to really search for it on the diesel. Its behind the air intake pipe on the right side of the engine. I have big hands and I dont think I can get to it, much less use it, without getting oil all over the place or unhooking a bunch of parts I dont really want to mess with. Not a good design.

[ALPHA]

You mean there is actually a dipstick on diesel engines too???
After reading several threads on this subject I was under the impression the there is a dipstick only for the petrol engines.... can you please verify .....

[GoVols!]

On my '09 35d, there IS a dipstick.
It is pretty much useless, but it is there.

[AzNMpower32]

FYI: The service intervals till next oil change is determined by how much fuel the vehicle has consumed, not some fancy oil quality sensor. In the 3er, it's 2500 litres of fuel per oil change.

[Penguin]

Originally Posted by AzNMpower32

FYI: The service intervals till next oil change is determined by how much fuel the vehicle has consumed, not some fancy oil quality sensor. In the 3er, it's 2500 litres of fuel per oil change.

FYI

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/att...9&d=1249232544

[AzNMpower32]

They must have changed/updated the design sometime in the last few years.

Explain to me then: Why is it that when one changes the oil, the interval doesn't automatically reset to 25000km?

[FunfDreisig]

Originally Posted by ALPHA

You mean there is actually a dipstick on diesel engines too???
After reading several threads on this subject I was under the impression the there is a dipstick only for the petrol engines.... can you please verify .....

Yes, as others have already posted, our less than 1 month old 2009 X5 35d has an old fashioned dipstick on the right hand side of the engine (as you face the car). But you would need to have very small hands to use it without removing the plastic air intake tube.

BTW Given the reported reliability of the E70's electrical system, an old fashioned oil dip stick is a comfort to this old shade tree mechanic -- even if I never need to use it

Funf Dreisig