Do you trust the service indicator in your vehicle?

[GenXer]

In my BMW I never question its validity and always take it in when the vehicle calls for service since it's free for a while. My first oil change being just over 5000 miles.

Using the same rule in my late model Chevy 5.3L V8 truck, I read that it was safe to change the oil when the oil life reaches 15% This means the service interval can be 5000 miles to 10k miles depending on set algorithm based on driving conditions. One particular dealer told me that it is imperative that I change my oil every 5000 miles or less no matter what. (Unfortunately GM only gave me 2 free oil changes)

My question is how does a brand new small block V8 consume 1 quart of synthetic oil every 1000 miles as suggested by the dealer when there are only 6 quarts of oil in there. I usually change oil at 25% life or around 7500 miles in my driving situation.

Based on their assessment, there would be negative 1.5 quart of oil in the crankcase.

I would like my vehicle to last but I also don't want to be duped.

Every website I read including GM indicated that the indicator is pretty accurate. Is there something I'm missing here?

[Alfisti]

If I am keeping the vehicle long term i change oil every 6 months.

[AnOldBiker]

With every vehicle I've owned, I read what the manufacture recommends, then plan what I feel is best never going past the recommended mileage or time. Then do 'MY' plan service time schedule. Never had any problems.

[zx10guy]

There was some video I saw about this. The jist was many dealerships are suggesting short intervals so they can make a quick buck off of you. The use os synthetic oil has stretched maintenance intervals. It's up to you on what you feel is safe. Certainly doing frequent oil changes won't hurt anything except your wallet and the environment.

If you're that concerned about the condition of your oil and what is appropriate based on your driving situation/engine condition, send off a sample of your used oil to get analyzed. This is the only way to know 100% what is going on in your engine.

[KennyFSU]

I send my used oil samples to get tested and they let me know how much "life" I have left in my oils.

[Conissah]

I do my own changes at my own intervals. Got the M2 break-in done at 1000 miles, so the next BMW covered oil change will be at 11,000. I don't like to leave my oil in for that long, so I will be changing it at 6,000 miles total, or in 5,000 mile intervals. BMW will take care of it at 11k, but I just don't like 10k intervals. I do 5k intervals in both my cars and motorcycle. Only vehicle I went over that on was my Grand Cherokee, and it was changed 7500-8000 miles, simply because it was a slow daily driver that was never beat on.

[MADBMWX5MC]

Originally Posted by KennyFSU

I send my used oil samples to get tested and they let me know how much "life" I have left in my oils.

Which lab to you use, if I may?

[KennyFSU]

Originally Posted by MADBMWX3

Which lab to you use, if I may?

https://www.blackstone-labs.com/

[FuriouslyFast]

Originally Posted by Alfisti

If I am keeping the vehicle long term i change oil every 6 months.

what? Only if you drive 5k miles or more every 6 mo

[Alfisti]

Nope. Every 6 months, i drive about 6000 miles a year.

I take my car in for a tyre/wheel swap every October and every March. I just get it done on those visits, the weather here sees massive shifts in temp so i like fresh oil to cope with changes. Cheap insurance. My car also lives outside and i do extremely short trips, neither of which an engine is particularly happy with. So a fresh, nice and viscous oil is the least and i can do for her.

10 years so far and no issues .... fingers crossed.

[allinon72]

Oil change intervals and oil consumption are not fixed data points, meaning that there are a lot of variables that factor into it, many are engine dependent. Speaking specifically about american V8s, oil consumption will vary widely, and most cover their ass by saying an engine may consume UP TO 1 quart of oil every 1,000 miles, but most don't. The Ford 3.5L Ecoboost, for example, has had oil consumption issues on certain vehicles.

There's no reason to believe that the S55 won't make it to the recommended interval, as it's not known as an oil burner. We have several years of production to prove that. However, if it makes you feel better, certainly go ahead and change it every 5k.

[arashir]

Blackstone told me that it won't be worthwhile to use 5k oil change interval versus 7.5k on the S55

[5.M0NSTER]

Originally Posted by arashir

Blackstone told me that it won't be worthwhile to use 5k oil change interval versus 7.5k on the S55

I've gone 7500 miles including 3 track days on 5W-50 Castrol Syntech in my Mustang. Blackstone said plenty of life in the oil, plenty of life left in the additive package, low wear metals, no coolant or fuel, extend to 8500 and try again.

Oil has gotten SO GOOD in the last decade. I think for a daily commuter anything under 10,000 is way too soon assuming you use full synthetic and an extender range filter.

[GenXer]

I drive 2000 miles per month all of it on the highway so changing my oil every 5000 miles seems overkill. I would think 7500-8000 miles schedule using full synthetic was sufficient.

[tony55343]

I change my oil every 5k miles on both my 335i and my honda fit (daily/winter car) I'm not sure I trust the oil monitor in the Honda. I went 5k miles and it still showed 70% oil life , not taking that risk lol .

[GenXer]

I'm doubtful the dealer will change the oil in my BMW unless the indicator tells them to do so especially when it's still under free maintenance agreement.

[DanG]

I change my oil when the service indicator says to. Synthetic oil is good for 10,000 miles or one year. I never have had a problem following BMWs service intervals.

[DanG]

Originally Posted by GenXer

I'm doubtful the dealer will change the oil in my BMW unless the indicator tells them to do so especially when it's still under free maintenance agreement.

My dealer will change my oil anytime I request. But they would charge me if the service indicator says it wasn't required.

[GenXer]

Originally Posted by DanG

My dealer will change my oil anytime I request. But they would charge me if the service indicator says it wasn't required.

What I meant to say is they will only change it for free when the indicator said it's required. My first oil change on the B58 440i was 5500 miles. Surprisingly low but then I only drive on 10-15 minutes trip with this car.