2003 525i Oil Changes and Maintenance

[REWYNN]

My wife just purchased a 2003 BMW 525i with ~65k miles on it. She did not receive an owner's manual with it. Does an internal light advise when it is time to change the oil, and if so, what is the interval for changes? Lastly, what are the costs for standard oil change type maintenance, and if high - how can they be lowered without drastically cutting quality?

[LOS]

There is a set of green and one yellow light on the dashboard. You should be able to see them when you first start the engine. The number of green lights will diminish the more you drive, yellow means oil change. I don't wait for the yellow light. I always replace the oil once a year since I hardly drive the car. I only put around 1300 miles per year.
The oil change will probably run about $90-100 since you'll be using synthetic oil. The stealer charges $130 in my neighborhood.

LOS

[marti5]

I change mine regardless of the lights every 7000 miles, with full syn, if you DIY its around £45 (UK) with some oil left over for the next one which will cut the cost down to around £30.

[REWYNN]

Thanks LOS - helpful info.

[REWYNN]

Thanks Marti5 - much appreciated. Good pasta joke.