Oil Change - BMW Forum

Seth · 07-01-2004, 08:01 PM

Hey everyone, I was just curious about the oil changes in these BMWs. I know that some Mercedes dont have to change the oil for like 10,000 miles, and I was just curious if you can do the same with the BMWs? Or is it every 3,000 or 5,000 miles? My car is a 97 528i. Thanks for any replies!

Seth

njtech · 07-03-2004, 07:41 AM

Seth,
the newer BMW's have a recomended service interval of 15K miles. I think your 97 is 7500 miles. At our shop we recommend to our customers an in between oil service, most are happy to do it being that fresh oil is the main defense to engine damage. Same with the Mercedes cars. Have you ever seen what oil and filter look like after 10-15k miles? pretty scary. I change the oil & filter on my 01 e39 every 4k. HTH

Steve

Seth · 07-05-2004, 05:53 PM

Thanks for the info! I was always kinda wary about the "10,000 mile oil change" that Mercedes has. Im sure they could go that long without damage, but I would feel better with every 4,000 miles or so.
Also, what gets checked at the recommended service at 7,500 miles? Thanks for the info!

Seth

nshape8 · 07-05-2004, 07:38 PM

[SIZE=7]I do mine every 3k regardless. Some say sooner, depends on the driving condition e.g. dirt roads, rush hours traffic (stop & go high temps), etc...Might also look into a filter with a one way valve to stop backflow of oil.

Torque · 07-05-2004, 08:20 PM

I do mine every 3k as well... no matter what they recommend it's better for the engine.

CiscoKid · 07-05-2004, 10:48 PM

i do mine when half of the oil lights are out (about 3200 miles)

97528 · 07-06-2004, 11:06 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by CiscoKid@Jul 5 2004, 11:28 PM
i do mine when half of the oil lights are out (about 3200 miles)

I have a 97 528, and i change the oil every 3000 miles. I usually alternate between changing the filter.

silverlea · 07-07-2004, 02:02 AM

I am of the opinion an oil change more often must protect the engine more than long intervals..............BUT I would also change the oil filter as well.
Short driving around cities is more stress on an engine so you work out whats best for your individual case.
Good Luck.
SILVERLEA.

Bob_T · 08-01-2004, 01:13 PM

I've always used the old rule of thumb I was taught.. EITHER every 3000 miles OR every three months.. whichever comes first.

Tons of short trips can put a lot of wear on things without necessarily racking up a lot of miles.. so it's always seemed a sensible thing to include the *two* variables in the equation.