When should I get my first oil change?
 

I have had my 4.8i for a bit over a month now with around 1400 miles of non stop fun on her! I get in her and dont want to get out I never thought a SUV/SAV could be so much fun to drive especially in the twisties! I know the normal service oil change interval paid by BMW is 15,000 miles but when normally do most X5 owners get their first oil change since this is the time when the most amount of sediments will be in the oil? Also on my 04 330ci I do it every 7500 miles after I did the first oil change can I keep that the same or should it be done sooner in the X5? I know there are always debates and arguments that doing oil changes it btwn intervals is not needed since BMW uses synthetic oil so its just a waste of money but wanted feedback from current owners.

Don't know if it's necessary, but it makes me feel better to get the first oil change right after the break-in period at 1000 miles or so. If I were you, I'd do it now. Just my $.02...

15,000 interval is fine, if you feel inclined you could change it every 7,500 (but IMO not necessary unless you do a lot of towing).

my Tech (he works on my track car) recommends every 7500 miles.

I always do the first oil change in the 1,000 - 2,000 mil area. I have done some oil analysis and, as you suspect, the engine wear in the first 2,000 miles duting break-in is considerably higher than subsequent miles.

I then change the oil every 7,500 miles.

Now, if it is a lease vehicle, or if you plan to get rid of it before it gets 75,000 - 100,000 miles on it, the BMW-specified oil change intervals will do just fine.

But if you plan on keeping it for many years and more than 100,000 miles, the BMW spcified oil change intervals will shorten engine Life.

:iagree: Engines aren't run in the factory anymore with fluids intravenously fed through. Break-in actually happens in the vehicle now, and as Penguin pointed out wear-metals are at the highest concentration the first 1000miles. If it were me, I'd do the trans now too.

So at 1k-2k miles (if you don't do this yourself), we'd have to pay the dealer service guys because we're not technically due yet, correct? Or do you guys actually bring it to independent shops?

Mine is leased... I'll do it when the service indicator will come up... My brother has 06 X5 (also leased), I believe he changes it per BMW recommendations (every 15K mi), so far no problems with the engine.

knowing a reputable independent BMW mechanic is always a good thing.

i do most of my own oil changes, but for at least the first one prior to dealer service i will take the X to my guy. he will throw it up on the lift and just give it a once over and i will feel better about it. nothing against the dealer, i just prefer a trusted second opinion.

If you leased it, don't waste your money and just go with the free oil changes.

As for me, I bought mine, and got a oil change at around 5000 miles. I plan on changing once between each service interval from now on 7000 mi.