Hello everyone, I just joined the group and want to say this looks like a very informational and helpful site. Why I was hunting for such a place is that I recently picked up a new car and hope to keep it for a good long time, much like my previous Prelude that I drove for 16 years and 245k miles.
Anyhow, I now have an '02 BMW 330Ci with a 5 speed manual. The owner's manual and the car's maintenance system recommends oil changes at 15K, including the very first one. BMW pays for all maintenace for the first 3 yrs/36K and I'm very suspicious about them not wanting to pay for more maintenace than they can get away with. To me, the cost/effort of oil changes are small compared to the cost of a car. I hope to keep this car for a good long time. My questions are for recommendations for:
1) First oil change at what point? (car has 1K miles now)
2)Recommendations on oil. I drive moderately, though sometimes may be more performance oriented. Live in N. VA where we get winters but not severe, hot summers.
BMW recommends synthetic only with 5W-40 and 5W-30 and I believe "their" brand of BMW Oil is Castrol.
3) Oil filters? Same qualifications.
I used Castrol dyno for the entire life of the Prelude changing oil at 3K regularly. I guess this is why being told 15K seems so hard for me to accept.
Thanks in advance for your help.