Chuck,
BMW uses a synthetic oil, not dino oil. Syn's are not supposed to have a
15,000 mile life. I am not sure of the filter, but they supposedly make an
oversized oil filter that will last the 15,000 miles. BMW really is
interested in quality that will have a long life, they believe most owners
will be updating every 3 yrs anyone. Their used cars are in demand because
most owners perceived them to be a quality product.

That said, I am still concerned about those who drive short trips building
up moisture in the oil, or acid being left in the oil.





wrote in message
oups.com...

UglyDan®©T wrote:
wrote: Tom
So you are suspicious of claims of oil additives, but buy into the oil
company hype about 3,000 mile oil changes.
Interesting.
Later,
Tom


I could careless about oil company recommendations, but rather what
manufactuers recommended lubrication intervals are, and mine says every
3,000 miles. UD


Mrs. G has decided to upgrade her car, and we've been doing a bit of
shopping.
We came across one model, (a European nameplate assembled in Alabama),
where the recommended oil change interval is "once a year, or every
15,000 miles." When pressed, the salesperson confessed that the going
rate for that oil change in the shop is just under $200, but countered
quickly with "but you're not really spending any more, since you only
have to deal with it once a year." Yeah, right.

As a battered old warhorse with an extensive background in the auto
industry, I believe that auto manufacturers are primarily concerned
with getting a vehicle up to or slightly beyond the warranty period
with a minimum of costly repair incidents. After that, they either
couldn't care less or actually hope that things begin going gunny sack
fast and frequently enough to inspire a trade in.

We have the technology to build gasoline engines that will routinely
run 1/4 million miles in passenger car service, but we don't have the
desire to do so.

When reviewing the manufacturer's recommendations, it may be good
practice to consider, "What does the manufacturer really want? Does he
want this car to last me the rest of my life so I won't need to buy
another one, or does he want me back in the market
just after the warranty runs out?"

I change oil on all my vehicles at 3000 mile intervals, and change the
oil and filters on my boat every 50 hours.