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04-03-2009LAST POST
dcstep wrote
Great post Jaimie.

You covered all the classic arguments; however, I can't understand why BMW would recommend a wider interval if it's harmful. They seem to have gone to a lot of trouble with oil selection, yet here we are worrying about their suggested OCI. Even if their obligation ends after the warranty, they don't want M3s failing prematurely, no matter what mileage. At least that's what I suspect and believe.

Maybe a few of us need to write to Roundel, C&D and R&T to see if we can get a rise from BMW. They're probably not going to come on here and address our concerns, but they might answer the phone from one of those publications and have their scientists weigh in. What do you think?

Dave
You don't need scientists or anyone else to confirm what I have said. All Independant Shops and Tuners that I am aware of as well as technical editors from Roundel and Bimmer magazine have shown their disapproval of the extended drain intervals BMW is now recommending.

You can draw your own conclusions if you wish but since i intend on keeping my M3 for a long time I know what interval I will be using.
BMRLVR wrote
You don't need scientists or anyone else to confirm what I have said. All Independant Shops and Tuners that I am aware of as well as technical editors from Roundel and Bimmer magazine have shown their disapproval of the extended drain intervals BMW is now recommending...
Roundel technical editors, independent shops and tuners, in general, don't have the resources of BMW to develop meaningful tests for these type matters.

I'm a financial services risk manager and a firm believer in "The Madness of Crowds". Just because everyone believes it and says it doesn't mean it's correct.

I'm not saying you're wrong, but I'd like to see some "real" testing results.

BTW, my partner has an AMG CLS 55. It's supercharged and uses synthetic with a recommended interval of 12,500 he says. It seems like BMW is not alone.


Dave
Would you guys recommend the Castrol 10W-60, and do you know how many litres I need at least? Thanks.
Speedtrap wrote
Would you guys recommend the Castrol 10W-60, and do you know how many litres I need at least? Thanks.
So you're thinking about changing the change-interval AND not using the oil recommended by BMW?? I'd stick with the oil recommended by BMW. Shortening the interval certainly won't hurt anything, other than to possibly waste oil.

Dave
dcstep wrote
So you're thinking about changing the change-interval AND not using the oil recommended by BMW?? I'd stick with the oil recommended by BMW. Shortening the interval certainly won't hurt anything, other than to possibly waste oil.

Dave
Yes I do want to, as I have always broken the intervals due to track days, etc. with previous cars. I thought the recommended oil from BMW is 10W-60?
Speedtrap wrote
Yes I do want to, as I have always broken the intervals due to track days, etc. with previous cars. I thought the recommended oil from BMW is 10W-60?
Here's the thread with the exact oil and quantities:
Fluid Quantities Thread
dcstep wrote
Here's the thread with the exact oil and quantities:
Fluid Quantities Thread
Many thanks and appreciate the great help.:D
Just had the oil changed at 4000 miles guys. There are 2 nuts where you have to drain the oil; firstly a nut to take off at the main sump, and one at the vanos (where it contains near about 1 litre of oil). I am really surprised at how dirty (think from emissions, etc) the engine oil is even at 4000 miles, and I am really glad now I have changed it. Hope this helps.