Hello,
Newbie here with basic question. I have an '05 c230k with 26k miles. I have put on 10k since I bought it from the dealer with 16k on it. Can I wait until the B service is due to have the oil changed (approx 4k longer)?

Thanks in advance.

 

Your options are to do it MBZ's way - wait for the car to tell you when, or your way. It is up to you.

My '06 is at 1100 miles so I have not crossed this bridge yet. I know with my 2 previous BMW's I changed the
oil when it told me to and once in between. The BMW had a series of lights that would go out as the interval approached so you could easily judge when you were 1/2 way there.

_Eric

 

Thanks for the info. It just seems like 14k-15k miles is a lot of miles to go between oil changes. I think I'll wait for the B service unless someone else has an opinion.

 

I would definitely NOT go 14-15k between oil changes unless you're leasing the car and plan on not keeping after the lease is up. Even with pure Synthetic motor oil, I couldn't see going more than 10k between changes if you give a rats *** for your cars engine.

 

My 02 CL230 just had a B service done at 26000 Km. The normal interval for the first B service is 30000 KM unless, like my car, it is driven infrequently or on short hops. The on-board oil analyser was re-set to 15000 km which is about 9300 U.S. miles. I have heard that once the car manufacturers started paying for oil changes the oil change interval was lengthened to save them money. What happens to these car's engines as the miles climb is anyones guess.
By the way, my 03 BMW 325iT goes 25000 KM (15500 mi.) between oil changes and is behaving magnificently.
Interestingly, the CL230 did not have a prepaid maintenance plan but the BMW does.
My two cents- do what the car tells you. Some of my Benzs have exceeded the interval (i.e. gone 16000 km on a 15000 km interval because the mileage was all highway. Check the oil yourself as well. If it is the proper colour and consistency why change early.
Only use synthetic oil.