Sludge and extended OCI

[rich mds]

Im curious does anyone have statistics with car manufactuers and sludge issues?

I know some european makes such as BMW will swear up and down that an oil change and other maintenance is not needed for 10-15k miles but they dont emphasize type of oil. Leading the layman to possibly think that dino oil would work.
There is always a great debate on these BMW boards where some will change at 3-5k regardless and others will flat out refuse until the odometer or some other sensor tells them too. Plus recently I believe their 330 engines were catching fire and exploding, but that may not be related to oil.

Just wanted to see if anyone on here can add more.

 

[friendly_jacek]

Acctually, most euro makers have their own specifications for oil (for example VW's 505.00/505.01 for TDI engines) and servicing with out of spec oil voids the warranty.

Nevertheless, I have heard that some dealers "are not aware" about these specs when they use the cheapest dino they can get for oil changes...

 

[JustinH]

interesting post.

If a automaker requires a specific oil spec, such as VW, mercedes, BMW, then they should have tested for sludge buildup with oils of this proper grade.

If someone is dumping cheap dino into a mercedes and running it for 10k miles, of course sludge is going to buildup. Many people just don't know oil from anything else, they just assume the dealer is going to put in the right stuff, but at many shops it is often the cheapest dino they can buy by the barrel.

I have been checking out the service intervals for alot of european cars and import cars in general, and many of them have a much longer oil change interval than american cars do.

It seems like the big three from detroit is sticking with the 3k mile for severe service, and they just recommend API spec oil, which is mostly anything under the sun.

I am breaking this pattern in my 4.6 f150, and am running castrol SLX oil for about 7k miles before I change it. I'll get the UOA and see if I can go longer, maybe with lube control.

Anyway, back on topic. I think that the american car makers may be in bed with the oil companies, thats why they recommend these quick oil changes. It could be that, or it could be the fact that the general American public absolutely will not accept paying 5 dollars a quart for a high quality synthetic oil.

Whatever it is, 3k oil intervals are downright wasteful of resources.

 

[Dr. T]

I really think there's a fine line between manuf. recommended oils and specs. and the dealer's interest (as well as the manuf) in selling more cars.

Free service for the first 3 years and ensuring that the cars can be re-sold 'certified with an additional/extended warranty' has helped some...

Otherwise, even then there's OEM issues...for eg. BMW 5-30 supposedly approved for 10k intervals has been proven to not be able to handle the interval.

 

[frankpc]

VW/Audi has recently been bit by this too. They have a sludge issue that is discussed here:

http://autoweek.com/news.cms?newsId=100717

Frank