I requested an oil change at the dealer at about 5,700 and paid for it (because I am uncomfortable with the "computer" based intervals). I've driven about 500 miles since then and happened to check my oil last night and it appears "brownish." Is this normal? The synthetic in my BMW looks gold and clear after being changed... I'm just wondering. Should it look this way after 500 miles? It was definately reading the at the max. on the dipstick.

 

Oil will change to black fairly quick. So there would be no way to know by looking at it. The new oil picks up the old oil left from the oil change. Do you have a reason not to trust this dealer? If yes, then I would be concerned, and I would find another place or do it yourself in the future.

 

If it's still brown, it's probably new - however "probably" isn't what you're you're looking for!

 

If it's much darker than honey color, I'd personally be suspicious. I generally change my own oil and often will check it about 1K miles in to make sure the level is accurate, and it is never very much darker than when I check it to get the level correct at the change. On the other hand it's a relatively easy and cheap service costwise for the dealership and I'd hope they wouldn't risk alienating a customer by telling them it's been changed when it hasn't. One other thought, they may have change the oil but not replaced the filter.

 

IMO it should still look like new (golden). I change my own oil on my other cars and when I check them after more than 1000 miles the oil still looks good (not brown). Can you tell if the filter was changed?

 

Send a sample to Blackstone for analysis for $25.
Note on the test form that you're wondering whether it looks like 500 mile old or 5,000 mile old oil.
They'll usually try to answer simple directed questions if you ask.

http://www.blackstone-labs.com/free-test-kits.php

 

+1

 

thanks guys. yes, i requested the filter also be changed and that is reflected on the receipt.

 

On a turbo car you will not get all the oil out on an oil change. There is oil in the turbo and in the lines to the turbo. It is a minor amount, but it does not take much to discolor the rest of the oil.

 

Like Braminator pointed out, the color means nil.
Synthetics are designed to last a loooong time. Today's engines are built with smaller tollerances. Depending on your driving conditions, oil changes should be well beyond 7,000 miles. Although, less than 10,000. That said, its never a waste of money to have fresh oil at 6, 5, or even 4,000 miles. Whatever your wallet can afford. (personally, 7,500 miles is a good number)

 

On my 2012 MCS the computer interval is like... 15,000 miles. Would you recommend getting it changed much earlier than that?

 

Change it every 7500 miles as most of us do. Never allow it to go 15000 as the dealer states. There are more issues related to this on this forum. Do a search.

 

Check the oil level every week or 500 miles.
Change the oil every 4500 miles:

 

Here's a thought on how to tell if the oil/filter was changed (but there are probably better ways):

Before you go in for your next oil change, slightly loosen the screw to the coolant reservoir (or put a small sharpie mark on the screw position). After they finish the oil change, see if the screw position has changed. The logic being that in order to physically remove the oil filter, they have to move the reservoir out of the way. So they will have to end up tightening that screw.

Alternatively, you could try putting a touch of white paint (or White Out?) on the filter cap and noting its position before/after the change.

J