Hello, I have been an e46 M3 owner for a few months now--quick question on oil changes. I changed mine already (bought it at a Honda dealership, didn't know what they might have put in the car) and used the Castrol 10w-60 recommended by BMW. I don't put many miles on it (as I intend to) and I am wondering what my rule should be for mileage/period of time between changes. My last car was a 2000 Nissan Maxima (fantastic car, btw--ran great until the day I traded it in with 155k miles) and I changed it every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever came first. Usually, 5k miles came about every 6 months so time wasn't much of a factor. I will average about 5k miles a year (with a quarter of that as city driving) on this car. Should I only change it once a year, or should I change it every 6-8 months? I know I am splitting hairs here, but I want to make sure I do the right thing with regular maintenance. Also--I just hit 40k miles; do I need to bring it in (to a respected indy shop) for the Inspection II maintenance? Thanks Max
Once a year should be fine. If you drive it less over the winter, change it before you park it. There isn't much to do for Inspection I. You should be able to handle it. See this: http://www.bimmerzone.com/category/Tip_and_Tricks_Inspection.html
Ok sounds good--I will plan on changing the oil once a year then. Luckily, I don't deal with winter weather (Houston might get two icy days a year) so that shouldn't be a problem. I will still need to get the Inspection I done at some point soon though--thanks for the link. Max
Email Mike Miller (techtalk@roundel.org) for his "Old School Maintenance Schedule". It has a ton of information in it that you will find very useful. Also valve adjustment is crucial on this engine too... Enjoy your ///M.....
Sending him a note right now--thanks and you enjoy yours too! Oddly enough I got my first ticket in a long time while driving a rental Nissan Versa last week for work (I travel for work), going 67 in a 55. My co-workers have been giving me a hard time....that engine has 122 hp. Funny how life works. I am not a speedster by any means, but I would think that same offense in a M3 might draw more attention from a state trooper than in a Versa. Max
