FastTimes

My 99 GLE is still kicking *** (only 92K on it), but being 10 years old and "maturing" (age at leat) I snagged a BMW 335i.

Since the Max is still running well and in great condition and the dollar value is pretty low, I'm gonna keep it for winter driving and hauling stuff and those times when I need room for more than 2 adults.

Since I'm not going to be driving it as much -- I usually do less than 10k a year in ALL driving, I was wondering what to do about oil changes. Should I switch to synthetic and just change it once a year?

98maxse5spd

iTrader: (5)

How many miles per year do you expect to put on it?

Can I ask if the 335i was new or used and what you paid for it? I'd really like to get one of those...

EEMaxima

Throughout high school I only put about 6-7k per year on my Q45 and LS 400 and two oil changes per year (Bradzoil) seemed to work fine for me.

FastTimes

Maybe 3K at the most.

I got a 2008 335i Convertible. It only had 6k on it and it is "Certified Pre-Owned" so the extended warranty runs until 100k/6 years, though the original warranty still runs to 2012, which includes all maintenance.

47.5K w/o tax or tags (private party sale). It's truly an awesome car. Now I know why they call BMW "driving machines". The only bummer is the paint swirls. I have to get it corrected and then baby it. A labor of love I suppose.

I think its a fair deal, especially since the extra warranty. Edmunds price estimator shows it at that price w/o the warranty. And I'm fairly certain this car won't be as reliable or cheap to maintain as a Max.

Check out bimmerfest.com if you have questions. I'm "fasttimes" there too. My only strong piece of advice is avoid "Jet Black" or "Crimson Red" colors, as they are "soft" and swirl a lot. The metallic versions are supposed to be better.

FastTimes

I live really close to work, and I still work at home a lot. So 6k is really pushing it in terms of expected mileage. I'm due for an oil change, so was going to get my 90k done, thats why I was wondering if I should go synthetic.

98maxse5spd

iTrader: (5)

Heh, I've owned two Jet Black BMWs and have one right now. Mr Clean AutoDry is your new best friend Metallic hides the scratches better but nothing looks as good as Jet Black when it's clean.

At 3k miles a year I'd stick with dino oil and change it once, maybe twice a year. I wouldn't switch to synth in an old car for this reason.

Kevlo911

iTrader: (36)

If you put less than 6k on it, use synthetic oil and change it once a year(German Castrol, Amsoil, ect..)