How Often Do You Change Oil?

[zjuyyhu]

My 2012 E70 X5 has 120k miles and I have been changing oil every year (10k miles). However, during the past year I noticed the oil level had dropped to only 45% when I changed oil. Not sure where the oil went but I am considering to change oil sooner now. I am always using Mobile 1 0w-40. Any suggestions would be appreciated! Thanks!

[StradaRedlands]

I always go with 10k changes on normally aspirated cars, but am new to the turbo world. I think 5k is better for anything with forced induction from what I read.

Clarifying question for you: When you say 45% loss, are you talking about the min/max bars on the oil status screen like the one below? If it just drops ~half way there, you're okay. Yes it's a bit of a loss, but within reason. Just half a quart out of the seven in the system. Especially not a problem if that loss is over 10k, miles. That's actually great! You don't need to top off or anything until it drops to the bottom of that range.

[Daytonawim]

I change the oil on mine 3.5i around the 10K Km. After a topic about oil here and on advice from the tuner i use 5w 40 full synthetisch oil.
The engine needs 6.5 liters of oil ( with filter change) then it will be at max on the display.

[StradaRedlands]

Originally Posted by Daytonawim

I change the oil on mine 3.5i around the 10K Km. After a topic about oil here and on advice from the tuner i use 5w 40 full synthetisch oil.
The engine needs 6.5 liters of oil ( with filter change) then it will be at max on the display.

I've changed over from 5w30 to 5w40 due to the heat 3/4 of the year here. 90F to 110F (32-43C) much of that time. It's going to be 80F/27C tomorrow mid November! That plus a hot-running engine, just seems like it's better with a slightly thicker oil. LL-01 only of course.

[zjuyyhu]

Originally Posted by StradaRedlands

I always go with 10k changes on normally aspirated cars, but am new to the turbo world. I think 5k is better for anything with forced induction from what I read.

Clarifying question for you: When you say 45% loss, are you talking about the min/max bars on the oil status screen like the one below? If it just drops ~half way there, you're okay. Yes it's a bit of a loss, but within reason. Just half a quart out of the seven in the system. Especially not a problem if that loss is over 10k, miles. That's actually great! You don't need to top off or anything until it drops to the bottom of that range.

Correct, halfway to the bar. Ok, thanks for letting me know this is safe! I thought probably 3 quarters oil were gone. :-)

[StradaRedlands]

Originally Posted by zjuyyhu

Correct, halfway to the bar. Ok, thanks for letting me know this is safe! I thought probably 3 quarters oil were gone. :-)

Great! Yes, that measurement is just for one quart (liter?). You could top off, but it's fine to wait till an oil change or see if it goes any lower.

[Serf27]

Every 5k miles with Castrol Euro 5w-30 full synthetic, oil flush before it’s drained and synthetic oil treatment added with the oil.

My clean valve train agrees.