Service intervals, (again)

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TonyK - 18 Apr 2004 13:10 GMT

'03 E46 325ci sport bought from new in early April with engine run in and
oil / filter changed at 1500 miles despite dealer advising it was not
needed. In the following 12+ months a further 3500 miles covered (total
5004) yet the service indicator says another 8500 miles to first inspection.

I know the interval is calculated on mileage and time but at the rate it is
going it will be at least 2 years for the first service?

Am I right in thinking this is a bit of a long time?

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Fred W. - 18 Apr 2004 13:31 GMT

> '03 E46 325ci sport bought from new in early April with engine run in and
> oil / filter changed at 1500 miles despite dealer advising it was not
[quoted text clipped - 5 lines]
>
> Am I right in thinking this is a bit of a long time?

RTOM (Read The Owners Manual). It says to change the oil at 1 year
intervals if you don't otherwise reach the mileage.

-Fred W

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Huw - 18 Apr 2004 13:39 GMT

> > '03 E46 325ci sport bought from new in early April with engine run in and
> > oil / filter changed at 1500 miles despite dealer advising it was not
[quoted text clipped - 12 lines]
>
> -Fred W

Not in mine. The service indicator will flag up a service-due at two
years irrespective of low mileage here in Europe. For exceptionally
low annual mileage combined with predominantly short journeys then a
yearly change is indeed recommended.
Elsewhere? Who knows. Maybe the traditionalist Americans have their
very own schedule
to use up their spare time and cheap oil :-) Every 3000 miles would go
down well there, and there is nothing stopping anyone from following
such a regime if they have nothing better to do.

Huw

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Dave Plowman - 18 Apr 2004 14:12 GMT

> RTOM (Read The Owners Manual). It says to change the oil at 1 year
> intervals if you don't otherwise reach the mileage.

Does this still apply with fully synthetic oil?

Signature

*I like cats, too. Let's exchange recipes.

Dave Plowman dave.sound@argonet.co.uk London SW 12
RIP Acorn

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Marcio Watanabe - 19 Apr 2004 03:35 GMT

>'03 E46 325ci sport bought from new in early April with engine run in and
>oil / filter changed at 1500 miles despite dealer advising it was not
[quoted text clipped - 3 lines]
>I know the interval is calculated on mileage and time but at the rate it is
>going it will be at least 2 years for the first service?

For low mileage cars, (1) each service should be done no longer than 2
years after the last service, and (2) engine oil should be changed at
least once a year. So after one year, you get a free oil change. The
service indicator is not reset. After another year, first service
(oil service). The service indicator is then reset. After another
year, another free oil change. The service indicator is not reset.
After another year, second service (inspection I). The service
indicator is reset.

This is for the free maintenance program. Of course, if you want to
pay for it, do it whenever you feel like it.

--
marcio at compudimensions.com

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