How often do you really change your oil
 

I know the system is very smart and monitors and all but are you guys comfortable leaving oil in there for 15K plus? I would like to hear people's opinions. Even with synthetic I have never gone past 10k in other vehicles. Is the added costs savings on free maintainence worth overlooking this very important maintainence? I know what oil looks like after 10K, can''t imagine it after 15K plus, yikes!
Your opinions please and any suggestions.
TIA.

Many members here seem to go about 7500 miles between changes. Basically doing one in between the normal one called for by the BMW engine computer.

I change mine every 5,000 or so.. I don't trust the 15,000 miles they claim...

This is a little off topic, but I can't tell the difference between an oil change and BMW's "Oil Service".... Is the oil service just more thorough?

An oil change is just that - changing the oil and filter.

BMW's "oil service" is supposed to include the following:

1. Drain and refill your vehicle's crankcase with BMW approved oil. Install a new genuine BMW oil filter
2. Check all other Fluid levels, and top off as necessary.
3. Check and adjust tire pressure.
4. Fill windshield washer fluid.
5. Reset oil light
6. Check instrument panel and dashboard illumination.
7. Check all warning/indicator lights, check control.
8. Check turn signals, hazard warning flashers, brake lights, horns, headlight dimmer/flasher switch.
9. Check wiper and washer system(s); wiper blades, washer jet positions.
10. Check condition and function of safety belts.
11. Oil hood, trunk/tailgate, and door hinges.
12. Grease hood, trunk/tailgate and door latches. Check operation of all latches.
13. Check central locking/double lock.
14. Replace microfilter or Acc Cabin Filter.
15. Check heater/air conditioner blower, rear window defogger.
16. Check rear view mirrors
17. Visually examine the SRS airbag units for torn cover, obvious damage or attachment of decals, decorations, or accessories.
18. Road test with check of brakes, suspension, steering, clutch/manual transmission or automatic transmission

RE: "Oil Service"...I watched the last one they did on my X:
the Stlr did #s 1, 4, 5 & 14 Only. They did not crack open, or look at coolant, brake fluid, etc. Tars are fine; I didn't care about that. But as for the rest of that list, Lol! The car was in and out in about 20 mins and 10 of that was the "drain" and the "tech" bsing w/the "tech" next to him. It's a diff fooking world here.

As for frequency: if it's a lease, I wouldn't do an extra. If it's yours, I'd do one "in between" as suggested, or at least 2 changes every 18 months.

Rdatta: if you wanna read a great info post, which will make you more knowledgable than 95% of the people that drive, read this:

http://www.xoutpost.com/articles.php?...icle&artid=208

BR,md

new member chiming in, leaving to pick up my 2002 X5 3.0 in an hour :)

if you are concerned about the condition of your oil, get it tested. http://www.blackstone-labs.com/

i have a modified WRX wagon (+300hp) and had an analysis done after one of my oil changes and the results were that my 7500 mile changes were fine and i could actually run the oil for a little longer.

i'll take a sample on the X5 after 7500 and send it in to see how it looks.

:welcome: to X5world!!!

RE: Oil Service consists of 1,4,5,14, checking the brake pads with special tool and checking park brake actuation.

I do mine every 7500 miles also with an oil extractor.