[nhhiep]

I just changed the oil after 3K miles all highway driving. I was shocked when I see the oil and filter, it was so black (even darker than 5k miles on a regular oil on my Camry). I thought because I never go over 4K RPM or 100mph and all highway. I feel so bad of waiting until 3K miles, I should have done it right after 1200 miles. So, a tip for new owner, please do your car a favor, change as soon as it hit 1200 miles. I feel so bad, so here letting you all know about this.

I will change it again around 9 or 10K miles to see how black it is.

it costs me $80 for parts(6 qt, 1 filter), $20 for labor at outside shop. anyone know where I can get oil/filter for cheap?

[MoreCowbell]

..That doesn't sounds good.

Anybody else seen this?

[txusa03]

This topic has been discussed before. Basically, you are free to change the oil anytime before your schedule maintenance come up. If you choose to do so, you pay out of pocket. For some folks this might be a good thing to do if they plan to keep the car for a while. For those who lease, they might not care. Do whatever makes you feel comfortable.

[Scarabeo]

I pulled this interesting info from http://www.chris-longhurst.com/carbi...il_bible.html: All oils, no matter what their type, are made of long-chained molecules which get sheared into shorter chains in a running engine. This in turn means that the oil begins to lose it's viscosity over time, and it uses up the additives in it that prevent scuffing between cams and followers, rings and cylinder walls etc etc. When this happens, fresh oil is the key. And don't worry about the engine oil turning black. It will lose it's golden-brown colour within a few hundred miles of being put in to the engine. That doesn't mean it's not working. Quite the contrary - it means it is working well. It changes colour as it traps oxidised oil, clots and the flakes of metal that pop off heavily loaded engine parts. Just don't leave it too long between oil changes.

Nevertheless, good idea to change out the break-in oil within 3,000 miles...

[E90Fleet]

Oil color has nothing to do with how well its holding up

[chazmtb]

Originally Posted by E90Fleet

Oil color has nothing to do with how well its holding up

WERD

To really understand oil, you will have to get it analized. Oil gets dark because of combusion. Doesn't mean it's breaking down to a level that will damage your car. If you don't like dirty oil, change it every 1000 miles.

[Dukenole]

I think he's an oil racist. :-)

j/k...yankin' your chain.