Is it important to change engine oil after break in (1200 mls)?

 

I'm thinking of doing an oil + filter change before 5000, too.

 

Welcome to NAM.

There has been much discussion regarding initial and subsequent oil change intervals here. Try the Search function (upper right side corner); type in something like "first oil change" and see what threads you get. Some threads probably won't even be relevant, but others will. In fact, there's a 6-page thread entitled "First oil change" started in 2007. Some report Blackstone analyses of their used oil.

Even after reading everything you can find, you still might not know what's best for your own case because there are so many conflicting claims. Maybe I'm old school, but I changed oil at the end of my break-in period with my last new car (not a MINI). I'd probably do the same on a new MINI, just to put my mind at ease, although some claim that such an early first oil change is completely useless.

 

It seems as though all the BMW engines I have had (528e, 525i, 328i, MCS, R1200RT) don't really feel "broken-in" until around 10,000 miles or so. As the parts "wear-in" during the break-in period and in subsequent miles, the tiny metal particles do not evaporate nor do they just disappear; they're suspended in the oil and, perhaps, trapped by the oil filter (hopefully). I have always changed my oil after the break-in and then at 3K mile intervals until I reach 10K. After that, I let it go to every6-8K miles.

Yes, I could go longer between changes. Yes, I know I am adding waste to the planet (oil filter only -- I recycle all my oil). Yes, I know I am wasting money by doing this, but I'm buying a sense of well-being when it comes to my vehicles. Plus, I like to do it myself and examine all the crap that sticks to the magnetic drain plug!

YOCMV,

 

Check out my Oil Analysis at 1212 miles and decide for yourself.



https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...-analysis.html

 

Thanks for the data, Hobie!