Originally Posted by Robin Casady

The idea is that the initial break-in puts a lot of metal into the oil -- much more than between normal oil changes. So, the first oil change is to get rid of the break-in debris.

Surfblue adds:

Yeah, OK, BUT...what about your OIL FILTER? You're talking metal debris. This stuff is being caught in your FILTER. Don't get me wrong, I'm going to do a change at around 2k miles JUST BECAUSE I CAN. But that FILTER is catching this stuff. BTW, I have a very good mechanic friend with a Ford that has had the synth changed every 3k. He changed oil after 1k when the car was new. He's a fanatic and swears by this. Yeah, I think that's overkill, but HOW can I argue with him when the darn FORD has nearly 300k miles on it and runs just fine? BTW, my car is NOT a daily driver, as I work at home, so it's not on a long drive/commute situation. Given the cost of premium gas out here in CA (nearly $3.70 a gallon as of last night when I filled up), the home oil change, even with full synth and quality filter, starts to pale in comparison to the gas bill.
But back to THE FILTER. It's CATCHING all that debris as your oil rapidly circulates. It's not running and rerunning through the engine system. Someone in this string mentioned blowby of gas during breakin. I guess that's a pretty good point. Hey, ya make your choices, ya take your chances. Love and heavy acceleration, Surfblue

After that, some believe that 15K is too long. From BMW's point of view, they need to get the engine past the warranty period, and they can save money by pushing the interval as long as possible. Those who want the engine going strong after 100K+ miles have slightly different priorities.

Originally Posted by dneal

Real men don't read instructions! lol

Originally Posted by Robin Casady

Where do you get "flip-open" drain plugs that will fit an R56?

Originally Posted by ncdave

Besides, it wouldn't be a complete British ownership experince without getting yourself covered in oil now and then!