Welcome your thoughts on oil change

[DOrtiz]

BMW Dealer $90 vs DIY

Guys.

At the suggestion of folks here and looked down the oil fill hole, saw the timing chain and the oil looked relatively new. It had a semi-dark yet clear honey color. In fact, I extracted some oil on my finger tip and the oil felt good, I could also still see through the oil to my finger. It wasn't dark/dirty at all.

However, my only concern was "time" not necessary mileage. For example, the oil was changed on this vehicle at 26,788 miles (see image of Davis Report). This was done in February (8 months ago) and the car now has 30,500 miles. Therefore, it's only really been 3,712 miles since the last oil change. As mentioned, my concern was an 8 month lapse but assume based on my findings, that's OK?

Here's a list of work performed with dates, before I purchased the car early last month.

I decided against changing the oil since I'm taking the car for a checkup in January 2019

I welcome your thoughts and suggestions.

[0w40X1]

I have an RX8 Mazda with 6.5 years and 7500 miles on Mobil 1 0w40.

I drive about 1000 miles a year, just enough to keep it alive.

I'll change oil and send in a sample to Blackstone.

I was an industrial oil dealer, and I don't think time is that critical as long as engine is working some.

I run my X1 s28i about 5k miles a year, and will change it at 10k miles and every 2 years.

[sayemthree]

I like to change mine sooner. 5000 to 7500 miles. Oil is relatively cheap compared to a engine rebuild

[Chicone]

I would love to see the service history. Did the dealer just print it for you? All I have seen is the Carfax. That said I’ve always changed oil myself to save money. On my last car I found a bigger filter than stock fit as well, I’m assuming that can’t be done on the X1. Personally I would not go more than a year between oil changes regardless of miles.

-Steve
2015 X1 35i MSport // BMS Intake

[DOrtiz]

Thank you for the information and feedback. I gather it's safe to say, time is not a concern as compared to mileage.

On our MINIs (even under maintenance free), I change the oil every 5k. I do this because Florida is sooooo darn hot 🥵. MINI does one on their dime (every 10k) and I pay for one in between.

Another thing I noticed (I looked under the car), is my xDrive i28 has the metal drain plug. However, the crush washer I received with my filter appears small. The drain plug "looks" like it has a large washer behind the plug, larger than the hex head. Unless that's just part of the plug and the crush washer is under that. Strange.

Any xDrive folks care to enlighten me in this?

Thanks again.

[DOrtiz]

Originally Posted by Chicone

I would love to see the service history. Did the dealer just print it for you? All I have seen is the Carfax. That said I’ve always changed oil myself to save money. On my last car I found a bigger filter than stock fit as well, I’m assuming that can’t be done on the X1. Personally I would not go more than a year between oil changes regardless of miles.

-Steve
2015 X1 35i MSport // BMS Intake

Yes, I obtained this printout because I asked for it when I purchased the car.

I put about 15k a year, so I'll certainly hit the mileage mark before I reach the year mark.

The issue here is whether I change it every 5k like I do with our MINIs. The location of the filter on this BMW is far easier to get to than the MINI. So I pay MINI for every other oil change since they're still under 3/36 maintenance free.

However, this bimmer is no longer under the 3/36 and I have to show I've maintained it (purchased extended 5 yr warranty). And so, I'd pay for every oil change but have BMW do one for the maintenance compliance record, and I do the other (5k x 2/year).

However, I purchased the oil and filter for $43 and BMW charges $90+tax for an oil change here. I wonder if $57 savings is worth it, or if I should just have them do both @ 5k and pay the $200 a year. Decisions decisions.

I'm somewhat at a loss with this crush washer issue.

[sayemthree]

I do The same with my BMWs that have had factory service I change my own oil in between the dealer oil change

[hooligan_G01]

Well, I've only put about 4K miles on my X1 since I bought it, but it's been just over a year since it had the oil changed, so I'm going to have that done before the end of the month. I'm not comfortable going for much longer than that.

[Supercar Sean]

Its a doable DIY, all depends on how much your time is worth. I like to do both, sometimes the dealer, when its cold out and I have no time, and my own oil changes when you can have a couple beers and enjoy wrenching on your car.