I am new to this forum and new to the world of BMW's. Two weeks ago, I traded in my '04 Corvette convertible for an '07 335i convertible. So far, I am very pleased with the BMW. I thought that I would miss the Vette, especially when I saw one on the road. However, I do not miss it at all. The BMW seems to more than take its place.

My question is about frequency of oil changes. The dealer said that I get one free oil change per year or 15,000 miles whichever occurs first. I have always had oil changes done every 3,000 miles in the many cars that I have had in the past. So, I was thinking of changing it at my cost at the 5,000 mile mark and then every 5,00 miles thereafter. How often do you aficiandos change your oil? I want to take very good care of the car but do not want to overdo it. I look forward to your advice from the experts.

There have been many heated posts on this topic. Some people believe in BMW and their recommended intervals and quote the use of synthetic oil and its longevity, others believe this is just a way for BMW to save $$ on its freely offered scheduled maintenance, while other would like to stick to the old oil change frequency similar to what you quote. The jury is still out on this, but do a search on this forum and you'll find lots on interesting opinions.
Oh btw, I always followed the BMW recommended intervals on my 318ti (synthetic and in its case every 9-10k miles) and after 10 years, no engine trouble whatsoever.

Your car will also indicate an oil change sooner if you drive it in "certain ways". BMW will change the oil at no charge if your indicator comes on.

I am new to this forum and new to the world of BMW's. Two weeks ago, I traded in my '04 Corvette convertible for an '07 335i convertible. So far, I am very pleased with the BMW. I thought that I would miss the Vette, especially when I saw one on the road. However, I do not miss it at all. The BMW seems to more than take its place.

My question is about frequency of oil changes. The dealer said that I get one free oil change per year or 15,000 miles whichever occurs first. I have always had oil changes done every 3,000 miles in the many cars that I have had in the past. So, I was thinking of changing it at my cost at the 5,000 mile mark and then every 5,00 miles thereafter. How often do you aficiandos change your oil? I want to take very good care of the car but do not want to overdo it. I look forward to your advice from the experts.


Welcome to 2007 :) European cars have been using higher class oils for much longer. Every European car has at least 10K for oil changes. My bosses 911 C4S is 20,000 miles....100K car. They would NOT ruin resale or reputation over a $40 oil change.

marketing in the US has lead us to believe that 3K or your engine will be ruin. Truth be told the manual suggest 3K on cars if they tow or are to be used as a cab...the rest of us realistically fall in the longer schedule.



You can change your oil every 15 feet if you want. Waste is another topic.

Your car will also indicate an oil change sooner if you drive it in "certain ways". BMW will change the oil at no charge if your indicator comes on.

The oil change interval is determined by how much fuel you burn through. The interval cycles every ~600 or so gallons of gas. You can drive very slowly and conservatively, it'll cycle through just as fast as if you have a lead foot, if the majority of your driving is short, stop and go driving when the engine has never warmed up.

Contrary to popular believe, BMW's oil change interval hasn't been based on your driving habits in a very long time.

If it's based on gas consumption, a lead foot would lead to lower mpg which would lead to shorter oil change intervals.

If it's based on gas consumption, a lead foot would lead to lower mpg which would lead to shorter oil change intervals.

That's what he stated above...fuel consumption not driving habits. Lower MPG means you're driving hard which one can claim if you drive more aggressive it will reduce the oil change interval.

I changed the oil at my expense during break in at 2500 miles and again at 9,000. The dealer will change every 15,000 miles. I plan on paying for one change in-between the dealer changes at 7500 from now on.

Hey Mikey, (LMAO)

How much does it cost for this supplemental oil change?