<misc>RE:SI Intervals

[Ron Browne <r_browne@xxxxxxxxx>]

Randall wrote:

Ron . . . Ron. . .  Ron

With the cost of changing oil being one of the least
expensive things you can do to insure a long life for your Bimmer, why
would you
not?  

<snip>
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Randall:

    You must have misunderstood me.  I DO change my oil. With Mobil 1
synthetic..everytime...and always using a BMW O.E. filter from the
dealer.  I contribute a part of that rigor to the 112,000 miles I've
put on that high-revving, hard working 4 cylinder which has given me
perfect service over the past 7 years, and still runs fine.  (ok, lets
ignore the Profile Gasket issue) :-0 I based my decision to go by the
SI lights on several factors. My driving style, my environment, the
overall efficiency of the combustion process of modern engines vs. old
pushrod Detroit iron, and most of all, one of life's best teachers:
the true-life experiences of others!  I've encountered an overwhelming
number of owners who have cars with well over 200,000 miles on them,
who have gone by the SI lights, some DOUBLE past what the SI lights
suggest.  I cant recall a SINGLE person who has suffered an oil-change
(or lack thereof) related failure.  

  Still, no smoke at all, NEVER a misfire, sputter or stall. Never.
Just replaced the plugs the other day, with BMW OE Bosch's from the
dealer.  Know what?  They had about 31,000 miles on them, and were all
in great shape.  Tannish-grey look to them, very dry..no oil, no
chipping, and not much of an electrode gap difference between the new
ones.  All indicators of a well-running motor.

I think the 3,000 mile thing is some American propoganda.  Seriously. 
I've communicated with dozens of digesters from the UK, Germany, and
other parts of the world, and most of them laugh at us Yanks for this
3,000 mile thing.  They always have gone by the SI lights.

I ask again.  Where does this 3,000 mile thing come from?  Why not
4,000?  Why not 2,000? Why not 5378? Im truly curious as to the
origins of this American-based 3,000 mile interval that seems to apply
to every car, in every condition. 

As always, it comes down to an invidual decision.  No matter how much
technology improves and changes, some people will still stick to the
suggestions of their quick-lube pamphlets. And I will still continue
to wonder.  Why 3000?  If someone, somewhere, will give me hard proof
that my 9500 mile interval changes will NOT get me to my estimate of
175,000 miles(I gotta get a 6 or 8 cylinder car at some point, right?)
, and only a 3,000 mile interval will, I'm like the boxer in the
Snickers commercial...all ears. 

Ron Browne
1992 318is (not for sale any time soon)
Bowie, MD 


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