Synthetic change for 4,000 mile/year 4WD SUV....

[rearviewmirror]

My 2000 4Runner 4WD averaged 6,000 miles per year for the first 5 years, now it's even less than that due to me riding my bicycle to work every day. With that being said how often should I change the oil? It does get driven on the weekends, often on the highway to parks for mountain biking. But it sits all week, so at 6 months I might only have 2,000 miles on the oil.

So if mileage isn't a factor, how often should it be changed? I use 5w30 German Castrol I get at my local BMW dealership.

 

[Texas Aggie]

I think you would be okay with annual oil changes using a quality conventional oil. With synthetic, 1 year is certainly no problem. Although, unless it's 0w-30, it's not German Castrol.

 

[rearviewmirror]

I get it at the dealership, it says Made in Germany on the case and bottles, and is definitely 5w30.

 

[TR3-2001SE]

Maybe a new oil from Castrol!?

 

[rearviewmirror]

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Maybe a new oil from Castrol!?

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I started buying it in 2001.

 

[AndyH]

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My 2000 4Runner 4WD averaged 6,000 miles per year for the first 5 years, now it's even less than that due to me riding my bicycle to work every day. With that being said how often should I change the oil? It does get driven on the weekends, often on the highway to parks for mountain biking. But it sits all week, so at 6 months I might only have 2,000 miles on the oil.

So if mileage isn't a factor, how often should it be changed? I use 5w30 German Castrol I get at my local BMW dealership.

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I would probably change the oil once per year.

 

[Old Mustang Guy]

I believe that is the 5W30 Castrol made for BMW and sold at dealerships. It is an excellent oil, is reputed to be a group 3 rather than PAO.

 

[rearviewmirror]

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I believe that is the 5W30 Castrol made for BMW and sold at dealerships. It is an excellent oil, is reputed to be a group 3 rather than PAO.

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I am sure it is group III, it's nothing fancy, and the only reason I buy it is because I have a friend in the parts department so I get it for less than $4/qt. But I do like the fact that it is made in Germany.

 

[Gene K]

This is Castrol TXT Softec BMW LL-01. Its primarily Group III. It is imported as a shop oil for BMW dealers. At less than $4 a qt you cant beat it.

12 month oil changes with a quality oil filter. Some of the cheaper filters are suspect past 6 months.

 

[rearviewmirror]

Quote:

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This is Castrol TXT Softec BMW LL-01. Its primarily Group III. It is imported as a shop oil for BMW dealers. At less than $4 a qt you cant beat it.

12 month oil changes with a quality oil filter. Some of the cheaper filters are suspect past 6 months.

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Thanks for letting know what the oil actually is!

Like I said I just buy it because it's made in Germany and it's cheap. I use only OEM Toyota Filters, they are suppose to be the best for this engine. (3.4 liter V6)