I am a member of the old school "change the oil at regular intervals" group. I like to go at 5K miles with the synthetic oil. Obviously, this is much more often than the dealer and the dash indicator would recommend.

My question is what impact, if any, will having the oil changed by a shop other than the dealer affect the warranty?

For the record, the dealers out here (So CA) want about $125, give or take, for an oil/filter change!

(...while we're at it, any recommendations for a trust-worthy independent shop for between-warranty oil changes, located in the greater Irvine area?)

Thanks!

 

As long as they use the OEM Mann filters and synthetic fluid, how would they know you had it changed more often, unless you told them. I seriously doubt a reasonable service writer would have issues with you taking better care of your car than the average owner. And considering what LDG and others have had to say about the factory intervals, I think you are on the right track.