Hi everyone. This is my first post here and I know this topic has been discussed, but I'm not finding help with my searches. I am a pretty experienced self-help guy on my two older bimmers (91 318i, 97 328i, both purchased used). But now I have my new baby -- a '08 328i....without a dipstick ?!? and a factory service plan. I have dumped the break-in oil on every car I've ever owned, foreign and domestic, and there have been 15 or more of those. My question is this: even though the service guy will try to talk me out of it, should I pay to dump the break-in oil and filter on my new pride and joy...or is this overkill? My instinct says do it...but I'm taking a straw poll to see how many of you actually did ignore the factory service recommendation and do what your heart told you to? As I said, I'm the new guy here, so don't kill me for bringing up what I'm sure has been bantered around already. Thanks!
I have never owned a new BMW. But if it was my car I would change the oil at 1200 miles. I would also follow BMW's service recommendations from back when they use to actually recommend service. If you email Mike Miller at Tech Talk he will send you the service recommendations. Also read this months tech talk in Roundel, Mike talks about this a little. GR
I've struggled with the same thing. Check out bavarian autosport: Portsmouth NH. They are great for information, parts, conversation, etc. www.bavauto.com In thier previous newsletters that you can pick up on line, they go into this in detail. In fact, you can see their reccommended service intervals by model. I just got an 08 328 i convert. I plan to change the oil at break in and every 5000. Also, the manual transmission early, like probably 2500. Where are you from? There may be good local BMW specialists.(More enthusiests than corporate mechanics)
I'm in San Antonio, TX area. I believe my tendency is to go with my instincts and change the break-in oil. I'm sure that I'll be abused by the service department, but in the end they will gladly take my money, I'm sure!
Tanker Toad, have you thought about changing the oil yourself? It really does not take too long. If you have never done it before, just be slow and diliberate about the process the first time. Unfortuantly it looks like Bentley has not published a repair manual for your car yet. I guess since you don't have a dip stick you will want to take care with the amount of oil you put in. If you plan to keep this car for the long term I think you are making the right decision about changing the fluids after breakin. GR
Yes, I have thought about it, and I have changed oil many times on a variety of foreign and domestic autos. For years, I wouldn't have ever let a mechanic perform the task. But...in the era of complex warrenties and such, (not to mention the fact that I have recently relocated and my tools/workspace is in flux) I have deferred to having the job performed by techs. I think I'll have the first job done by the BMW techs since it is brand new and under warrenty. Thanks.
Given the warranty and not currently setup for the job, I think you are right in having the dealer do it. Best of luck. GR
Thanks for anticipating my question. The 14000 mile point set up for an oil change in my '08 X5/4.8i seems too long. There is bound to be stuff left in the engine from manufacturing. I currently have 1200 miles and will have the oil changed as well. Plus, there is a local testing lab who, for $25, will tell me what was in it. I'll let you know the results. Dave Hawkins
Have been struggling over this myself...but for a slightly different reason. I have a 2008 550i with manual transmission at almost 1200 miles. If I owned the car, I would definitely do the break-in oil change out-of-pocket. My dilemma is, since it is a lease, should I still do the break-in oil change at 1200 and manual transmission at 2500...or follow the BMW schedule? Thoughts?
Larswolf. I think the first question is what are you going to do with the vehicle when the lease is up? If you are just going to lease another vehicle then don't do anything extra. I feel sorry for the next guy, but that is the risk of buying a used BMW these days. However if you think you are going to buy the car after the lease is up and keep it for the long term, I would change it. Not only in the engine, but trans and diff. GR
Granthr...good point. Had planned on not purchasing the car after the lease (first lease...have always owned). Just doesn't seem right to not change the fluids.... larswolf
larsworlf. Glad to help think out the options! Not quite sure what you meant here though. Are you planning on keeping the car after the lease is up? Unfortunately anyone buying a newer used BMW has to just assume that the car has gotten BMWs new minimum maintenance plan. Those who invest in more maintenance probably are not going to sell their cars anytime soon. So if you are not going to keep the car, I wouldn't really worry about it. I know now I am going off on a tangent. But it is in BMWs best interest to have older cars on the road. It helps build the cache of the brand. I know they are aware of this, but to me these long maintenance schedules are not going help keep these cars on the road for the long term. Sounds like you have a really nice car! I really like the new 550i. Do you have the one which has M5 like bumpers? If I were buying today, I would want the 550i over the M5 Enjoy the car! GR
I agree with granthr, if you are turning it in, go with the program. If you're going to keep it, do a 1200 break in - engine, tranny & rear gear synthetic change, then every 5000-7500 miles for the engine.
Thanks granthr and beemrr My plan is not to keeo the car past the lease...however I have a tendency to not want to part with my BMWs . I will most likely just follow the lease maintenance schedule...even tho I feel I'm doing the car an injustice. I completely agree with your assesment of BMW's 'new and improved' maintenance sched granthr. I guess as long as the sales numbers keep going up...they aren't going to listen to the complaints of those that like to keep cars for the long haul. Thanks! Yep...has the M5 trim and wheels. Had a Dinan 1999 540i before this one . Guess I'm stuck on the 5 series lol.
Best to do the oil and manual trans oil at 1200 miles. Oil changes can last up to 7.5k to 10K ( and that pushing it). Manual trans every 30K miles for a 300K mile drivetrain Don't forget the differential fluid but I think no drain plug on the new BMW's .
I just bought a new 750i and did the engine and differential oil at 1,400 miles. The dealer gave me quite a difficult time about this, even implying that it was not BMW approved. I also wondered about the automatic trans, but didn't do that--means pulling down the pan just to drain it. What do others think about the trans (6-speed ZF)? Incidentally, there is a differential drain plug on my car. I really dislike this lease/minimal service attitude that BMW is caught up in--no respect for the machinery, just the money. Walt
Personnally, I think the automatic is more problematic over time than a manual. Given that, if I planned to keep the car past the 50k mileage point, I'd absolutely be doing the fluid change. (And, perhaps more importantly, the automatic trans filter!) You'll have to pay for it yourself, but, if you plan to keep the car, it may in fact pay for itself.
Another point anyone doing oil changes yourself, check out United BMW on line. Great prices, great service. Still more resaonable than buying local. Right now free shipping on BMW oil & filters.
If there was any manufacturing material left in the motor, it would be toast by 400 miles. I have seen this before. Also, there is no brake in oil used anymore. I have been doing 15 to 20 thousand mile oil changes for 15 years now and no problems. Now if you do short distance driving and track/beat the car up, then change it sooner.
