Low Mileage Oil Service

[x3ronnie]

My '07 X3 turned a year old this month so I brought it in for an annual oil service. The odometer has about 12k. The service rep let me know that they would change the oil and not reset the service indicator. Ok fine. Well when I started the car tonight, I noticed that the countdown shows about 15kmile to the next service. I forgot to see what service was displayed. The invoice reads "annual low mileage oil service". The paperwork goes on to indicate that the oil and filter were changed, as well as the wipers (per my request). My question is, what's the difference between a 'low mileage' oil service and a regular oil service. What should I do now, it's too late to return the countdown to where it was. I will call the dealer tomorrow, but thought I would ask for feedback here as well.

[AzNMpower32]

When I brought my mom's 325i in for a low-mileage oil service back in 1/08, they did NOT reset the service intervals. Thus, I let it run 900mi over the recommended service before getting another oil change done last week, along with the brake fluid service.

[b-y]

My '07 X3 turned a year old this month so I brought it in for an annual oil service. The odometer has about 12k. The service rep let me know that they would change the oil and not reset the service indicator. Ok fine. Well when I started the car tonight, I noticed that the countdown shows about 15kmile to the next service. I forgot to see what service was displayed. The invoice reads "annual low mileage oil service". The paperwork goes on to indicate that the oil and filter were changed, as well as the wipers (per my request). My question is, what's the difference between a 'low mileage' oil service and a regular oil service. What should I do now, it's too late to return the countdown to where it was. I will call the dealer tomorrow, but thought I would ask for feedback here as well.

This is precisely what is supposed to be done. If you drive fewer than 15K miles (see note *) per year, you are entitled to a "free" oil change after 12 months. The count-down should be reset at this time.

*NOTE: The oil change interval is nominally 15K. The monitor adjusts for the number of times the engine is started, as there is more contamination to the oil from a cold start. So, go for the oil change at 12 months or when indicated, whichever comes first.

PERSONAL COMMENT FROM AN OBSESSIVE OWNER: I paid for a second oil change at the 6-month point, paying for it myself. Oil is still relatively cheap; engines are expensive.

[bmwadam]

15k b/w oil services is crazy. It costs me 40 bucks to change the oil with the OEM Filter and BMW Castrol. I change my oil every 6 months, I avg. about 6500 miles b/w changes. So thats 80 dollars a year. Its a small price to pay for confidence and peace of mind.

[eboch]

Hi;

I'd like to change my 2007 X3si engine oil myself .. in between the BMW-defined changes. Can anyone tell me exactly how much oil goes into the 3L engine in this SUV? (... the owners manual doesn't seem to have this [basic] information).

Thanks
eboch

[AzNMpower32]

Hi;

I'd like to change my 2007 X3si engine oil myself .. in between the BMW-defined changes. Can anyone tell me exactly how much oil goes into the 3L engine in this SUV? (... the owners manual doesn't seem to have this [basic] information).

Thanks
eboch
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=254116

Short answer: 6,5 litres

[rivercity]

I agree with "bmwadam" 15k on oil change intervals is a bit much. I try to stick around 7,500K or so.

It's to cheap and easy for a change then to let it go that long.

[eboch]

AzNMpower32;

..thanks for this info & the link. I have this table but I don't know how to find out what kind of engine ID I have ... I need to know this to use the table. I have a 225HP 3L ... any idea how to find out what its code/ID is?

Incidentally ... the 6.5L number you provided may indeed be correct .... but it's the third different oil capacity info I've received (the dealer told me 8L). I'd therefore like to use the table you provided.

eboch