When should the oil be changed after initial 600 mil service

[LeonardoNYC]

I had my initial 600 mile service done last september and am at around 3,000 miles now...For some reason my owners manual is MIA (though it WILL turn up) but I remember the dealer who did the 600 mile service reccomending another change at 3K miles. Does this sound right?
Thanks in advance.

[eisen]

First service @ 1000km
Next one is @ 10,000km

No need for a service in-between - except topping up the oil (if needed)

Strangely enough, neither my R12R nor R12RT used a single drop of oil between the initial service and the 10k service.
I did not baby either engine during the running in period. I was only gentle with them during the first 10mins of warming up.

Hope this helps...

E

[NeilS]

The book says 6000. Many dealers try to pad their bottom lines by recommending oil changes at half the factory specs. You probably paid about $300 for that initial 600-mile service, maybe more since you're in NYC I wonder how much they want for that "extra" oil change.

[deilenberger]

I had my oil tested after my 12,000 mile service - with 5,500 miles on the oil. The test report (which if you search my posts is linked here someplace) came back saying not only was the oil fine - it still had miles left on it. I use BMW Synthetic while under warranty - and can't see any reason at all to short-change the oil.

[LeonardoNYC]

Thanks for the info..try about $450 for the break in service and I went to Jersey for that...Cross Country BMW ...though I will say they were very professional and friendly will do the work the same day you bring the bike in...what a concept! Though in Manhattan you need to leave your bike for two days no matter what the service is.

About a week ago I was out on Long Island and noticed I was a bit low and probably added a little over half a qaurt of automotive oil from a Hess Station...so that's why I am thinking a fresh oil and filter change might be good for the upcoming summer?

[Bill Stevenson]

Wow the prices are high up there. A 600 mile service in Ft. Lauderdale at 441 Cycle runs about $200.00. I change my own oil and filter in between the 6,000 mile intervals required in the manual. Oil and filter cost less than $25. In my opinion the extra oil change might not be necessary in most climates, but here in South Florida it is hot. Real hot. Oil is cheap insurance. Your results might vary and Don's point is well taken. If you use synthetic then it makes no sense to drain the oil at shortened intervals.

Bill

[lewellen]

I had my oil tested after my 12,000 mile service - with 5,500 miles on the oil. The test report (which if you search my posts is linked here someplace) came back saying not only was the oil fine - it still had miles left on it. I use BMW Synthetic while under warranty - and can't see any reason at all to short-change the oil.

Good to know.

My bike went through about half a quart between the 600-mile service and 1800 miles ... and from what I can tell (now at 3300) has used little if any.

My dealer told me, though, that using synthetic oil before the 10k mile point would void the warranty...?

Good roads,

- Lewellen

[NeilS]

My dealer told me, though, that using synthetic oil before the 10k mile point would void the warranty...?

The actual recommendation (from the owner's manual) is to not use synthetic oils for the first 6,000 miles (10,000 km).

The general rule is to read your manuals (and warranty contract if you have any question about coverage) and not believe anything your dealer says.

Also, remember that your warranty cannot be voided in its entirety because you failed to follow a recommendation. For example, if you use the wrong engine oil and your brakes have a problem, you're still covered. If you use the wrong engine oil and your engine blows up, then you're on your own.

[deilenberger]

I had my oil tested after my 12,000 mile service - with 5,500 miles on the oil. The test report (which if you search my posts is linked here someplace) came back saying not only was the oil fine - it still had miles left on it. I use BMW Synthetic while under warranty - and can't see any reason at all to short-change the oil.

Good to know.

My bike went through about half a quart between the 600-mile service and 1800 miles ... and from what I can tell (now at 3300) has used little if any.

My dealer told me, though, that using synthetic oil before the 10k mile point would void the warranty...?

Your dealer is an ass and FOS (full'o'sh!t). You can change to synthetic as soon as the engine stops using oil, and no BMW oil is going to void the warranty, synthetic or dino. It amazes me some of the crap dealers will say to customers sometimes. Amazing..

My bike stopped using oil around 3,500 miles after a nice few days riding West Virginia (heading back in 2 weeks for my annual "birthday ride" - 5 days of twisties!) and I changed to synthetic at the next oil change.

Good roads,

- Lewellen