Oil Change

[iantosca]

After how many miles should I get an oil change?

I drive a 328i 6 cylinder ... i went after 3000 miles but the guy told me that I didn't need one. I got one anyway ... I'm just curious.

[camnipotent]

What kind of oil do you use? Standard oil usage will require a change every 3000-4000 miles. If you use synthetic, it could go to 8000-9000, but I wouldn't recommend that. How many miles on your car?

[iantosca]

98,000 ... im pretty sure its standard oil. I'm just really curious as to why the guy told me that I didn't need it after 3000 miles ... im just making sure that i should.

[d3ity]

change it every 3000 miles or whenever you have a free sunday.

[Kevin325i]

He probably looked at the interval lights.

Kevin

[camnipotent]

Yeah, those interval lights seem more appropriate for synthetic. If you have synthetic, it's made to last at least 7000. If not, change every 3000.

[CiscoKid]

i have synthetic (mobil 1)

its like $35 for oil and $10 for the filter. should i go like 6 or 3k miles?

[mikester328]

If you use synthetic, it could go to 8000-9000, but I wouldn't recommend that.

Why wouldn't you recommend synthetic? Also, I'm currently using standard oil and am about to get an oil change. I was wondering if synthetic has anything over standard oil (besides being able to change it less often) or helps the engine in any way. I rev the engine a little aggressively.

[Kevin325i]

Synthetic really only is needed if you plan on changing at long intervals, or you drive hard (like track racing, or very hard street driving) it's also pretty expensive.

The call is yours. There is nothing wrong with mineral oils. If you go that route I like Castrol GTX.

Kevin

[jack cass]

also depends on where you live. synthetics leave a better coating on the parts, so when you start in the cold the next morning, it's got more oil already there.

i'm trying to find a few articles i've read lately on the advantages of synthetic oil, but i can't find them.

[kb8wch]

I have been an Amsoil user for many years, I have a '95 325i that I am putting on 30,000 mi a year. I use Amsoil's 0W-30 oil http://www.amsoil.com/products/tso.html that I use for 25,000 (twenty five thousand) miles to an oil change. Filters changed at 12,500. It is expensive oil @ $8 a quart, + $15 filters, but it sure saves me allot of time under the car! My engine is in really good shape so I only need to add 1-2 quarts during the 25,000 to top it off.

I bought the car with 80,000 and currently am currently on my 2nd extended drain interval with the engine running strong!
With a high-end synthetic, the key is to use common sense, if it's an older tired engine, or tends to leak stick to the 3,000. If you have a good engine, oil technology has come along way from the 3,000 quick lube places if you are willing to look around.

[camnipotent]

Originally posted by mikester318@May 17 2004, 09:37 PM

Why wouldn't you recommend synthetic? Also, I'm currently using standard oil and am about to get an oil change. I was wondering if synthetic has anything over standard oil (besides being able to change it less often) or helps the engine in any way. I rev the engine a little aggressively.

Oops. I meant I wouldn't go to 8000-9000 miles. I am all for synthetic, I just don't think anyone should wait that long (8000-9000) to change the oil. Maybe 6000-7000 at the most. That's the plan I would be on.

[camnipotent]

Originally posted by CiscoKid@May 17 2004, 09:31 PM
i have synthetic (mobil 1)

its like $35 for oil and $10 for the filter. should i go like 6 or 3k miles?

You can wait to 6000 if you want. If you drive hard, highway, racing, etc. I'd go for 4000 or maybe 3000. You don't need to, but it wouldn't hurt. Well, it may hurt the wallet.

[heifetz17]

Synthetic oil is pretty good, but you shouldn't switch to synthetic in a high mileage car, UNLESS you're absolutely positive there aren't any teeny tiny leaks anywhere. If you switch to synthetic, it will find all the leaks you may not know about and begin leaking. Mobil 1 is a great oil, and so is Castrol GTX. If there aren't any leaks, I'd go for Mobil 1. As for how often to change. My dad uses Castrol in his Range Rover and changes every 2,000 miles. Just to be sure to always have fresh, clean oil in. It's never a bad idea to pamper the car a little!

[camnipotent]

Pamper like a baby, agreed. True, if you switch to synthetic at high mileage, you may have leaks. Only use synthetic on high mileage cars if you know synthetic has been used for a long while.