X5 BMW Service Recommendation Changes?

[scollins]

Originally Posted by JCL

Are you sure about that?

http://www.xoutpost.com/763121-post14.html

More certain than uncertain. I know you believe that some little widget in the sump is some sort of oil condition analyzer. In that link, you link to another thread where there is some TIS about an oil condition sensor found in N52 engines. Well, none of us have N52 engines, so that really isn't applicable.

And, if there really was a true oil condition sensor, then when I had my N54 powered 335i, would it not have increased the mileage to the next service when I did mid-cycle oil changes? Clearly the condition of my oil varied significantly, even regardless of miles, based on the Blackstone test. MY CBS never did increase the miles, it only counted down. So maybe there is a sensor, but it doesn't work for shit. If the systems are supposed "that smart", why would they suddenly become stupid and not figure out that the oil quality increased?

Also, my comment about the CBS being based mostly on fuel consumption is lifted directly from SIB 12 25 05 where is specifically states: "It is the total fuel consumption, and not the accumulated mileage, which influences when the next oil service will be forecast as due." And since we are talking about the forecast here (the stupid number in the display until the next service), my statement is accurate. The number may count down faster the closer you get to it, per the SIB, but what do we see every time we start the vehicle? The forecasted mileage to the next service of course!

In addition, that SIB was updated in July 2008, and references CBS4 (as well as models E70 and E90, which were introduced in 2007.) So it is current and up to date.

Regardless, based on my experience with the N54 and oil testing, I'll probably do oil changes between 6,000 and 7,000 miles. After a few tests come back, I may extend the interval based on the results. But I have more faith in Blackstone's report than the CBS.

At least with a dipstick, I may be able to pull an oil sample without having to drain the engine. Any one manage to do that?

[JCL]

Originally Posted by scollins

More certain than uncertain. I know you believe that some little widget in the sump is some sort of oil condition analyzer. In that link, you link to another thread where there is some TIS about an oil condition sensor found in N52 engines. Well, none of us have N52 engines, so that really isn't applicable.

And, if there really was a true oil condition sensor, then when I had my N54 powered 335i, would it not have increased the mileage to the next service when I did mid-cycle oil changes? Clearly the condition of my oil varied significantly, even regardless of miles, based on the Blackstone test. MY CBS never did increase the miles, it only counted down. So maybe there is a sensor, but it doesn't work for shit. If the systems are supposed "that smart", why would they suddenly become stupid and not figure out that the oil quality increased?

Also, my comment about the CBS being based mostly on fuel consumption is lifted directly from SIB 12 25 05 where is specifically states: "It is the total fuel consumption, and not the accumulated mileage, which influences when the next oil service will be forecast as due." And since we are talking about the forecast here (the stupid number in the display until the next service), my statement is accurate. The number may count down faster the closer you get to it, per the SIB, but what do we see every time we start the vehicle? The forecasted mileage to the next service of course!

In addition, that SIB was updated in July 2008, and references CBS4 (as well as models E70 and E90, which were introduced in 2007.) So it is current and up to date.

If you look up the part number for the 2005 model in the SIB, it is the same part number sensor as for the 3.0 twin turbo N54, and the 4.8 V8 in the E70 (I stopped checking parts books at that point) The SIB was just a convenient document to describe the oil condition sensor. It is also described in the E70 technical articles, so I don't think it is correct to say that it doesn't affect the X5.

You have two seemingly contradictory positions regarding your 335. You suggest that if the sensor worked, it would have extended the mileage. You also suggest that the CBS was telling you to change the oil at much too long an interval. Perhaps the mystery sensor was actually doing something and affecting the mileage count-down rate?

You are referencing the initial mile forecast for an oil service and considering it to be one and the same as the time when the oil service actually gets requested. The document you reference states that the initial forecast is based on fuel consumption, which is used to determine the interval for the first half of the said interval, at which point the count-down rate changes. We don't know why it changes, but this fits with owners that have said they changed their oil and the forecast didn't change. However, the eventual change interval does not work out to be linear with fuel consumption, as noted by several posters. So, something else is driving the oil change trigger. It may be the oil condition sensor, as BMW says, or perhaps it is something else entirely, but it is obviously not only based on fuel consumption due to simple observations and calculations.

[XXX555]

Spoke with the BMW service manager today and he confirmed that either the service light had to be on, 24 months passed since no or first oil change, 6500 miles or less in 12 months, or within 1000 miles of the iDrive computer saying service would be due...

He also confirmed that DEF is no longer flush and fill during service, just topped off.

[Armand]

Originally Posted by XXX555

Spoke with the BMW service manager today and he confirmed that either the service light had to be on, 24 months passed since no or first oil change, 6500 miles or less in 12 months, or within 1000 miles of the iDrive computer saying service would be due...

He also confirmed that DEF is no longer flush and fill during service, just topped off.

Thanks for the update.

Another thing I learned recently in a tech bulletin (posted on bimmerfest) was that you should not overfill the def reservoirs as the fluid could overflow and damage some parts. Owners don't have the right tools to know how much to put in so if I had to top off myself for whatever reason, I would play it safe. The more reason to make sure you get a complete fill at service time.

[ard]

Originally Posted by Armand

Thanks for the update.

Another thing I learned recently in a tech bulletin (posted on bimmerfest) was that you should not overfill the def reservoirs as the fluid could overflow and damage some parts. Owners don't have the right tools to know how much to put in so if I had to top off myself for whatever reason, I would play it safe. The more reason to make sure you get a complete fill at service time.

Oh please. Scare tactics to counter a swell of DIY. Do you really think a dealer will be better?

Here is a BIG HINT on how to properly fill and deal with any slight spills:

Garden hose.

Think back to all the DEF issue with people leaking DEF... BMW is surely not replacing other parts of lemoning cars due to 'hidden corrosion damage'

[XXX555]

Guess what light came on today?

When starting my X5d the service light in the guadge cluster where the seatbelt warning usually displays went on upon ignition but does not stay on.

In the iDrive under vehicle information it says oil service due with the engine in orange instead of its usual green.

I barely have 8000 miles but I bet at October 1st it went off. I'd bet this yearly trigger will be deleted as part of the "software upgrade" they will do when its serviced....

[Penguin]

Originally Posted by Armand

Thanks for the update.

Another thing I learned recently in a tech bulletin (posted on bimmerfest) was that you should not overfill the def reservoirs as the fluid could overflow and damage some parts. Owners don't have the right tools to know how much to put in so if I had to top off myself for whatever reason, I would play it safe. The more reason to make sure you get a complete fill at service time.

Both times after two different dealers refilled the DEF, there was residue from lots of DEF under both of the fill ports, obviously it overflowed to the ground and was not wiped off...

Frankly, I don't see how I could have done worse with a jug and a funnel.

[Armand]

Originally Posted by Penguin

Both times after two different dealers refilled the DEF, there was residue from lots of DEF under both of the fill ports, obviously it overflowed to the ground and was not wiped off...

Frankly, I don't see how I could have done worse with a jug and a funnel.

I was at the dealer and asked the SA how they filled the def. he confirmed they pour until it overflows! Clearly that bulletin is full of BS.