i am an idot!

 

At least you were about to buy something that's actually a good product, just not necessary. Think about all those people who bought the "ECU chip", the Turbonator, the Fuel Line Magnets, Slick 50, Duralube and Prolong. Or those with brand new cars who install the Grounding Kits.

 

[QUOTE=xviper,Jan 25 2006, 10:05 PM] At least you were about to buy something that's actually a good product, just not necessary.

 

I have a question to whoever wants to answer. My cousin has a BMW Z4 3.0L. When he bought it, the dealer told him with synthetic you don't have to change the oil until 10,000 miles everytime. He never even specified about a date period. He has had the car now for a year and a half to two years now and hasn't had an oil change. Is this true, because it doesn't seem right to me?

 

that oil needs to be changed. i can't even imagine the condition it's in. while synthetics may not break down as quickly as conventional over time, they still break down.

it's ALWAYS xxxxx miles or xxxx months. if something happens to his engine, sounds like the dealership owes him a new engine.

 

OK, Twizted. I just had to cross off your cousin's Z4 from my prospective used car list.

 

for the amount that it costs, royal purple is crap. you can get much better oils for that kind of money or less.

 

Bob is the Oil Guy
...is your friend

 

When I drove Saabs, Saab recomended the oil be changed every 10,000 miles. This is from the company itself. My dads Mercedes dealer tells him to change the oil only when the "change oil light" comes on.

 

Nevermind what the dealer guy tells you. It what the dealer's warranty guy is willing to tell you and write in stone that matters (if it varies from the owner's manual). If the owner's and maintenance manual says you can wait 5 million miles before an oil change, then you're covered. You are still required to prevent the level from going below the acceptable level. If you have a major engine claim, it'll be the manufacturer's national rep who will approve or deny your fix. Unless you can prove you've done your maintenance on time and at the right mileage OR unless the warranty guy wrote it on paper and signed it that you can ignore the manual, you may be screwed.
10K, 15K and 20K mile oil change interval sound very attractive to some people but make sure you have that in print. How much does a high end Benz engine costs? (Well, if can afford that, I guess paying for the fix out of your own pocket won't be a big deal.)