Just turned 1000 miles should I get oil change?

[djfrankie]

Hi guys,

My 2006 BMW 325i just turned 1000 miles. Should I get an oil change or follow the recommended maintenance schedule? This car runs synthetic oil rated, I believe, to 15K miles.

If I go with the oil change what am I looking to pay for this "oil service" ?

thanks,
djfrankie

[JeffW]

Can't speak for BMW's but each car that I've owned had specific requirements for the first so many miles plus the number of miles before the first oil change. Check your owners manual and follow their recommendations.

[Statman]

I would change at 3000.

[norahcrv]

Originally Posted by JeffW

Can't speak for BMW's but each car that I've owned had specific requirements for the first so many miles plus the number of miles before the first oil change. Check your owners manual and follow their recommendations.

It is my understanding that vehicle manufacturers (Japanese anyhow - can't say for sure about others) now use a "special" break-in oil for the initial fill and you should follow their recommendations on when to do your first oil change. After that, I'd listen to your local shop/dealer as they have a better feel for the work your oil has to do in your climate/driving conditions.

[joyriide1113]

Having owned BMW's and having my first car (mini) misbehave due to these type of maintenance, I would wait another 500 or 1000 miles. So that you've pasted the break-in period. Then treat the car to an oil change. This won't be covered by BMW's service warranty, but after that I would just let the car run until the car states it needs it or until your next service appointment is due. After that, change again after 7500 miles and then next 7500miles should be covered by the warranty.

Sort of a every other time type oil change out of your pocket.

[joyriide1113]

Originally Posted by norahcrv

It is my understanding that vehicle manufacturers (Japanese anyhow - can't say for sure about others) now use a "special" break-in oil for the initial fill and you should follow their recommendations on when to do your first oil change. After that, I'd listen to your local shop/dealer as they have a better feel for the work your oil has to do in your climate/driving conditions.

Norah makes a good point as to try to follow the recommended chedule, but one thing that has always been a problem is that not everyone drives the same. Driving more conservatively can easily extend the life span more than someone who would redline his car more often than not.

Trying to explain this to the dealer or service manager is always gonna be an issue.

Can your car run up until the computer oil check or 15000 mile indicator lights turns on? Yes!

Will your car lug around a lot more during those last 5000 miles? Along with your fuel consumption? Yes and Yes!

If I were you, I'd be happy that BMW offers free oil changes every 15000 miles or anytime your "oil light" is on. Take advantage of their free service but also opt to pay it yourself everytime in between.

[norahcrv]

Good points, Joy.

According to American Honda, the oil in my CR-V is good for 10,000 miles between changes, but due to the extreme heat here in AZ & my short commute (10 miles), my dealer has recommended that I change it every 3750 miles & I do. Even though I have to pay for it myself, I still think this is cheap insurance against problems "down the road".

Given that I'm in the process of selling my '85 Civic Wagon with 154K miles (oil changed every 3,000 miles) for "well over" KBB, I think it has paid off (Yeah, it doesn't hurt that it looks really good, too )

[joyriide1113]

Originally Posted by norahcrv

Good points, Joy.

According to American Honda, the oil in my CR-V is good for 10,000 miles between changes, but due to the extreme heat here in AZ & my short commute (10 miles), my dealer has recommended that I change it every 3750 miles & I do. Even though I have to pay for it myself, I still think this is cheap insurance against problems "down the road".

Given that I'm in the process of selling my '85 Civic Wagon with 154K miles (oil changed every 3,000 miles) for "well over" KBB, I think it has paid off (Yeah, it doesn't hurt that it looks really good, too )

Exactly. No doubt your car will run for 10k miles easily with no serious problems. But many things begin to hurt including mileage and power.

Retreating with fresh oil often is like topping with Nattys Blue monthly. Your shine and protection will be awesome all the time despite the fact that nattys will easily last 2-3 months on its own.

[DFTowel]

I don't believe for one second what they say about these high mileage oils. Just because they claim the oil won't break down for 15,000 doesn’t mean it won't get dirty, build up metal particles, , water, etc. It's just another way for the oil companies to make money by selling to people who don't change their oil often anyway and don't keep their vehicles long enough to have problems. IMO using these oils is asking for trouble.

3000 - 5000 miles maximum, then change your oil and filter. Use a standard synthetic like Mobil 1 or premium dyno.

Oh, if BMW says to change at 1000 then do it, it can't hurt!

[audiboy]

I would definately change it after the first thousand miles. Your engine should be broken in by now and changing the oil will rid it of any metal flakes that have built up. I use synthetic Mobil 1 and change oil and filter every 4,000 miles.

[jaybs02]

Different manufacturers have different recomendations.
I remember that some manufacturers used to put in break-in oil, but now I hear that many don't. I would check with the dealer and see when they say the first one should be made.

After that I would change my oil every 3-5 thousand miles.

Good Luck
"J"

[rabbi]

I'm with audiboy. Change it after 1000 miles. I too use Mobil1.

[BLACKWRX]

yeah, leave it in for over 1000 miles..........and change the oil yourself, bmw has a cartridge like filter mounted right at the top of the motor you unscrew it with your hand and unscrew the bolt on the oil pan drain it and fill it your done
bmw says 15000 miles for an oil change but the oil will get dirty before then....i use synthetic and change every 6 months or when needed.........i would change it every 6 months......bmw's are very nice cars enjoy it

[lbls1]

As long as you are not consuming oil where you are adding, you should take it up to 2500 to 3000 max. before changing. My motto (was when I had oil consuming cars) was to add up to one quart after using a quart of oil before 3,000 miles, then change the oil when that quart runs down, regardless of the mileage. These days, my current fleet doesn't use oil to the point where I have to add before 3k. With Car #1 I actually end up changing the oil after 6 months because (its a garage queen) it is hard getting 3k out of it in a year's time. My daily driver, however, gets its oil changed on 3k on the dot, whether any oil has been spent or not (not!).

Edit: If this is the first 1,000 and you have yet to change it, then (depending on your recommended service intervals) I would change that oil immediately, and then take the new oil up to either 3000 miles or the recommended oil change mile interval.

[Maxima Lover]

All engines are built differently. Follow your manual on recommended change intervals. It should specify how the break-in period should be handled.