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Message: <blockquote data-quote="ciklee" data-source="post: 638543" data-attributes="member: 22701">thanks for the replies guys. really appreciate it.most quoted the dreaded sludge problem to justify changing the oil at frequent intervals. I do agree that frequent oil change does help minimize the risk of oil sludging by removing contaminants and replenishing those needed additives/detergents. but it seems different people have different opinions on what "frequent" should mean. some say 10k km, some even say between 5k to 8k km. i believe it all depends on our driving style and proper car maintenance/routine checks, thus why BMW introduce the CBS i.e. fancy electronics with mumbo-jumbo algorithms that recommends service interval based on usage and/or condition of the serviceable items. Plus, doesn't the latest synthetic oil formulation and advanced engine design and metallurgy help minimize the sludge problem and extend service interval? I used to own a honda civic. compared to the beemer, the civic was relatively thrashed i.e. start and go (didn't warmup the car) and mostly short stop-go trip around town. I owned the car for 3 years and accumulate about 30k km, quite low because i only use it for short trips. only change the oil once, after about 20k km from the last service before i sold the car off. even then i felt membazir changing the oil because it was still relatively clear when i drained the oil (i changed the oil myself). although the oil change was only done once, i routinely check and monitor the health of the car. i make sure the engine oil level and condition are good (oh how i miss the trusty dip stick), coolant level is ok, check all hoses and engine for coolant and oil leaks, always monitor the engine temp gauge while driving, listen to weird sound/rattle/knocks coming from the engine/gearbox/suspension, etc. i believe with routine inspection you know if something is wrong. during my ownership, the car was faultless. honda does make good and reliable cars.my point is, with the advanced technology, electronics, sensors and algorithms that BMW is putting into their cars that takes the hassle of doing vehicle inspection from users plus using good quality synthetic oil, do we need to be feeling overly cautious and change the oil too frequent, wasting money and perfectly good oil while contaminating the environment? btw, does anyone know where I can send the used engine oil for analysis here in Malaysia? I guess the only way would be to have the oil analysed every 10k, 15k and 20k to draw meaningful conclusions. if yes, do you know how much per analysis?</blockquote>

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