Is it just me, or does it seem like 10k to 18k between oil changes on my 2006 E90 325i (or on your bimmers) is just wayyy too long? I know from studying physical and organic chemistry in college that a synthetic oil like Mobil 1 or Castrol Syntec will not break down in a modern day automobile because a modern day automobile's engine isn't harsh enough to break down the small synthetic oil molecules...such breakdown may be possible in a full blown track car that can rev to 10 grand plus.

But i still believe that because the air coming into the engine is never perfectly clean and because the fuel going into the combustion chamber is also not perfectly clean, the whole process of combustion will dirty up the oil enough to make it darker and dirtier. But is that alone enough to make me want to fork up 100 to 150 bucks to change the oil more often? Just wanna see what you guys have to say.

I'm planning on changing the oil myself every 5000 miles regardless of what BMW has to say, and was wondering what specific oil you guys would use, and what oil filter for the 325i? It'll be interesting to see what stuff you guys use, or if you just believe in taking it to BMW every 15k miles or whatever. Look forward to hearing from you guys!

Well, let's see. You're going to get about 2 different trains of thought on this issue.

One side is going to say, hell yes, it's too long, BMW is trying to save costs due to the full maintenance for 4 years/50k. Since they know most cars are leased, they can defer expensive repairs until after the warranty period, when they (BMW) are off the hook for the repairs.

The other side is going to say, who are you to question BMW engineers; don't you think they know what is best for the car; oil technology has greatly advanced since the days of changing your oil every 3k miles/3 months (in fact, it has); who are you to question what BMW's engineers have determined is best for their cars?

My personal opinion is, the truth is somewhere in between. BMW's engineers aren't the only people who make decisions about the cars...it has to clear the corporate bean-counters as well. If I were BUYING a car, I would personally pay for engine oil/tranny/rear diff fluid changes at 1200 miles, as BMW specs for their M-cars, and then every 7500 miles or so afterwards.

Leasing a car? I'm not going to spend a dime more on it than I have to.

Here in the USA we've been brain-washed by marketing and the dollar forever, Europeans have long been on a much longer schedule than here because the don't buy into marketing like us.

Why would they have the potential for major problems in older cars and devalue their name over an oil change.

I wonder when we have hydrogen cars, and other forms of transportation that we'll still think that the same interval we used in 1932 is still valid in 2020....come on.

IMO - I will use BMW recommendations. BMW is willing to extend warranty and offer extended maintenance contracts on this service interval.

I had a MBZ with similar factory recommendations - over 100K miles and no (unexpected) problems as a result of using their service schedule.

IMO - I will use BMW recommendations. BMW is willing to extend warranty and offer extended maintenance contracts on this service interval.

I had a MBZ with similar factory recommendations - over 100K miles and no (unexpected) problems as a result of using their service schedule.


I'm with Briar here... if something happens in between the time my included warranty is good, then it's their dime not mine. If all turns out well, then I may opt for the extended warranty and maintenance contracts. :buttrock

My 2002 Z3 has had it's oil changed on average every 5000 miles because it doesn't get driven a lot. It's had changes once a year. My 330 CI was changed about every 8000 for the same reasons - once a year.

The Z3 has a slight amount a reddish build up under the oil cap and a light red hue on the interior walls of the engine. Nothing serious. The 330 has a thicker amount of sludge. The dealer and one independant shop said it was perfectly nomal and not to worry.

In comparison, I had a 1994 Corvette that ran with Mobil 1 and changed every 12K. The engine was spotless and the oil came out slightly clear when changed everytime. I guess BMWs 6s are harder on oil than american V8s.

Oil changes are relatively cheap as compared to engine rebuilds. It's your choice. I would change it at least once per year or at 8000 miles. Other will agree or disagree and that's fine. It's their cars.

You could change your oil every day, it's what is needed and thought to be needed.

You could change your oil every day, it's what is needed and thought to be needed.


You could change it every 30 minutes as well that is not the point. Once a year means small $ out of pocket (low price of insurance).

Here in the USA we've been brain-washed by marketing and the dollar forever, Europeans have long been on a much longer schedule than here because the don't buy into marketing like us.

Why would they have the potential for major problems in older cars and devalue their name over an oil change.

I wonder when we have hydrogen cars, and other forms of transportation that we'll still think that the same interval we used in 1932 is still valid in 2020....come on.

Like I said.... :D

Anyway, to answer the OP's original question, 5000 miles might be more often than necessary. If you search around you'll find several forum members who change their oil at the halfway point (i.e. 7500 miles), and pay for it out of pocket. If you do this, it is important to remember to NOT have the oil service lights reset. Otherwise, you'll be paying for EVERY oil change, since the dealer will always say it isn't due yet! Then at the 15k point, take it to the dealer (it's free anyway) and have them change the oil & filter, & reset the service lights.

As far as oil & filter...well that's like asking which beer is the best, or who the sexiest woman in America is (Samuel Adams Light and Jessica Alba, natch...ya see what I mean?) :D

Personally, I get my oil and filter from the BMW counter...OEM filter and 5W-30 synth is more than good enough. (Plus if you're a CCA member, you should get a 10% discount....you are a CCA member, right?) :confused