Oil change at 1,200 miles?

[EnderE89]

I bought a sDrive35i this past July and have just finished up the 1,200 mile break-in period. Although my scheduled maintenance should take place on July 2010 or at 12,500 miles, I heard from other BMW owners that drivers should change their oil and filter for their cars at 1,200 miles.

Have any drivers followed (or plan to follow) this early oil change for their E89? I'm not aware of the advantages or disadvantages for this early oil change, but any comments will be appreciated.

[Z4 Beemer]

i thought that it was only M cars that needed the 1200 service...

[yabbanoname]

Originally Posted by EnderE89

I bought a sDrive35i this past July and have just finished up the 1,200 mile break-in period. Although my scheduled maintenance should take place on July 2010 or at 12,500 miles, I heard from other BMW owners that drivers should change their oil and filter for their cars at 1,200 miles.

Have any drivers followed (or plan to follow) this early oil change for their E89? I'm not aware of the advantages or disadvantages for this early oil change, but any comments will be appreciated.

No plans, will do it at 30kkm (or 16kmls)

[teagueAMX]

Originally Posted by EnderE89

I'm not aware of the advantages or disadvantages for this early oil change, but any comments will be appreciated.

The only advantage would assume that very small metallic particles resulting from the break-in are circulating in the oil, and requires an immediate filter change. Some people recommend you do this as a matter of practice when building high performance engines.

12500 miles does seem like a long interval for the first change. However, BMW seems to have a very specific break in plan, which is a good thing considering that some manufactures have dropped their break in plan all together, so I would assume they have taken this factor into consideration.

The key is the filter traps the metallic particles so they are not circulating in the oil. Someone else would need to speak to the quality of BMW's oil filters since I'm not familiar with their construction (i.e., are they typical industry standard or better?). The bottom line is how fanatical are you about protecting your engine?

Considerations:

Lease vs own ('til wheels fall off)?
How hard do you drive it? Do you redline it very often?
Typical driving conditions: hot, dusty, idling in traffic, or, lots of easy cruising freeway miles?

[richard in NC]

All good points. I was told that no 1200 mile oil change is necessary and I didn't feel the need for one. And that's not just because its a lease.

Many folks with standard BMWs split the scheduled maint in half and pay for their own change at 6k miles. That's probably a good idea for a car that sits or drives frequent short trips, or goes to the track. If you drive less than the scheduled miles in a year you can get it done then at no cost.

[Vintage]

I will drop the oil at about 1,000 miles to make sure that the metal from the break-in period, if any, is gone. I do this with all of my motorcycles and cars even though the E89 may or may not need it - we own the car and are planning to keep it for a very long time. Better safe than sorry for $100, but I know I could just be wasting money.

[juhap]

Don't manufacturers already do some sort of break-in at the factory before they put the engine in the car (or deliver the car)? That should take care of most of the metallic particles. Then again I'm not sure if they change the oil after the break-in...

[Vintage]

maybe on the break-in by BMW but I do not know as my car had ZERO miles on it when we picked it up in Munich - BMW must run the engine at the factory before dropping it the car but this doesn't mean it is necessarily broken-in by BMW

[sinnet112]

I did it, as I have done with all my prior BMWs. I just figure it can't hurt, so why not. Splitting maintenance time in half isn't a bad route either.

[willysp]

I'll likely change my 35i Z4 oil after 1000 or 2000 myself at my own cost ($50 or $60 USD for oil and filter)

[vividracing]

It was done on my M, and I've done it on my other BMWs. If the BMW engineers want it done for their prized M engines, why wouldn't it be a smart move for all engines. I figure it's a small investment for some peace of mind.

[jannisa]

Originally Posted by vividracing

It was done on my M, and I've done it on my other BMWs. If the BMW engineers want it done for their prized M engines, why wouldn't it be a smart move for all engines. I figure it's a small investment for some peace of mind.

Totally agree. I have mine changed at 2000km and will change again after every 8000. In my saab 9-3 viggen I have them changed every 5000km, by now I have covered 250.000 and the engine is like new. The cost is sure an issue, I payed 200 euros, but you will see the results in the long run and if you intend to keep the car like forever you will be glad you made a smart decision when the time comes.