Oil changes for low mileage E39 540i

[counterofbeans]

On average I'm only doing around 3500 miles a year in my 2002 540i sport, roughly conisisting of 1000 miles commuting (20 mile round trip) and 2500 miles of longer journeys.

I've had the car 5 years and current mileage is 65000.

Is an annual oil change a good idea or will good quality modern oil comfortably last 2 years / 7000 miles?

Thanks

CofB

[E30M3SE]

BMW's recommendation will be oil service at least every 2 years, even on low annual mileages.

There should be a bit on this in your service/owners manual.

[sparks_E39]

Follow the lights on the dash or every 2 years.

[counterofbeans]

Two years looks ok then.

Cheers

CofB

[Sump]

If you're not tight on cash, change it at least once a year though.

[Max M4X WW]

What a nice way to be using a 540i. What age/spec is it?

[Neil.D]

I'd say if you're using a good quality oil then every 2 years will be fine. Personally if be doing it every year.
With cars I like I halve the service intervals.

[counterofbeans]

Max M4X WW said:

What a nice way to be using a 540i. What age/spec is it?

It's a 2002 540i sport auto in Imola Red with red/black leather "Individual" interior. We use the wife's Polo to pootle about in and I generally cycle or bike to work as it's only 10 miles. Therefore the 540 mostly gets used for holidays or visits to freinds and parents.

Here it is:-

[Pickled Piper]

Sump said:

If you're not tight on cash, change it at least once a year though.

This. I have always advocated the inbetweeny oil change.

pp

[Max M4X WW]

counterofbeans said:

It's a 2002 540i sport auto in Imola Red with red/black leather "Individual" interior. We use the wife's Polo to pootle about in and I generally cycle or bike to work as it's only 10 miles. Therefore the 540 mostly gets used for holidays or visits to freinds and parents.

Here it is:-

Ah, yes, I've seen it on here elsewhere (possibly when profile stalking). Very nice!

[roofer]

Superb looking car

[hornetrider]

Imola suits the E39 so well. Lovely car.