Oil change every year?

[silverfishZ4M]

I drove my m coupe about 500 miles since the last oil change a year ago. How often should I change the oil even though I don't drive it?

[Steeler]

I change my oil every 3000 km or at the end of summer before storage
You don't want used oil with all the acidity sitting idle for too long

[XMetal]

But where would all the acidity comes from if it's only been driven 500 miles?

[Steeler]

Originally Posted by XMetal

But where would all the acidity comes from if it's only been driven 500 miles?

Firstly I am no chemist or particularly smart but my understanding is that blowby combustion gases containing Sulfur combined with water(condensation) creates Sulfuric Acid.

With only 500 miles driven it makes sense the OP drives short distances and so condensation will be more present due to the operating temps not being elevated and able to burn off the condensation.

Just my take and for me cheap insurance is to change oil often

[WestCDA]

BMW's recommendation is to change the oil every two years for low mileage cars.

[GriffBrew]

Originally Posted by dbarton62

With only 500 miles driven it makes sense the OP drives short distances and so condensation will be more present due to the operating temps not being elevated and able to burn off the condensation.

No. The OP did not state short distances are part of his routine. Maybe the car gets out 5 times per year, 100 miles per trip. You're making a sweeping assumption about the driving habits of OP.

[Steeler]

Originally Posted by GriffBrew

No. The OP did not state short distances are part of his routine. Maybe the car gets out 5 times per year, 100 miles per trip. You're making a sweeping assumption about the driving habits of OP.

That's fair I did assume.

Maybe OP can enlighten us to his driving habits.

[silverfishZ4M]

Her...
It's mixed. A couple trips up north combined with some short city trips. My BMW dealer sent me a coupon for a $79 oil change, usually it's $130 so I thought I should get it.

[Steeler]

Sorry"........

I honestly believe you can' t change your oil enough
If I only drive 500 miles in a season I would still change the oil before storage for the reasons I stated before

GL with your car.

[PLCZ4MC]

I change my so far ones a year at the dealer around 8,000-10, 000 miles. The Z is now at 50,000 miles. Dealer changes my oil and says that ok. Should I start changing more often now that my free oil change is about to expire?

[David70]

Originally Posted by silverfishZ4M

Her...
It's mixed. A couple trips up north combined with some short city trips. My BMW dealer sent me a coupon for a $79 oil change, usually it's $130 so I thought I should get it.

I would be surprised if the above really applies to our car. Based on what they charge for the oil I can't see this being possible. I would verify they are going to use 10W60.

I change my oil once a year regardless of miles. I would also prefer to buy a car that has had the oil changed once a year. For the overall investment of car, maintenance, repair and insurance I can't see it adding much to my overall cost of the car.

Same with waiting 8k-10k miles, I wouldn't do it based on not wanting to push it and crank bearings are already enough of a problem without making it worse.

Both are just my opinions.

[accent]

I have changed my oil every year since I bought my Z4.
When I told my friend, who was a VW Master Mechanic, he told me to save the oil from my car because he would put it in his car. He was sure that the oil would be good for another ten thousand miles.
I still change my oil every year, even though I drive 3000 miles per year.

[chickdr]

I too drive very low miles as well. I change it yearly. i second what the person said above about the $80 oil change. I don't believe they are using the correct 10W60 oil for that price as the oil alone is more than $80.

[silverfishZ4M]

It didn't mention anything about excluding M-models and it was personalized: "your M Coupe is due for an oil change" but you're probably right. Doesn't hurt to ask for a discount though. They take really good care of me there, and even if I have to pay full price, it's OK.

[silverfishZ4M]

edit- coupon does not apply to me, but i do get $18 off instead!

[StickMon]

I get these from time to time and always figured "if it seems too good to be true ..." and throw them out.
Toyota used to send me service coupons with fine print saying "Does not include MR2 or supercharged models", which mine was both.

[chickdr]

If it is real and they use the correct oil that is a screaming deal. Please let us know if it turns out to be true.