Oil changes?

[brosnan6]

Hey,

Got a question about oil changes. I have been getting my oil changes done on my 98 318ti every 3000 miles, well I have only got one done and now its getting time for 2nd. I have never had my oil service light come on during my ownership of the car, I have had it since 60K miles and now I am at 67K. The little color bars on the service screen is at a yellow bar now (my inspection light is on, but im not worrying bout that in this post). But today i was reading up on a few websites and they say that the oil service light comes on at about 7500 miles.

My question is: Isnt that bad for the engine? I thought you should always preform an oil change every 3000 miles or 3 months no matter what? Yes, I realize that the oil service computer in the car takes into account driving conditions and such, and not just mileage, but even then, doesnt the oil get old regardless?

[Furious]

well to be honest the car automatically counts down untill your oil changes are needed and when your inspections are needed. its a referance IMO not a thing to go by (if your car is new id follow it but with our cars which are past the 5 years old mark its ok to keep mental track)
changing your oil every 3k is only gonna benifit you more, i change mine every 5k using synthetic.

[Mattitjah]

Same here Furious. Every 5k or so with Mobil 1.

[Andrewsd1985]

All depends on type of oil used and driving conditions. Synthetics last longer, and easy driving like long stretches with out stops make it last longer. Many factors affect the oil changing intervals, but changing it every 3 months or 3000 miles won't hurt a thing (except maybe the wallet).