Stories from the Sales Frontlines

17847857877897902003

Comments

  • lrguy44lrguy44 Member Posts: 2,197
    Jip, there are automotive snow brooms - they look more like a mop. They have a rubber pad and do not scratch the cars. It is hard to brrom snow with a shimmie.
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,637
    Now, there's a ton of FUD out there about the effectiveness of premium gas over regular. Same goes for the effectiveness of oil after, say 7K miles

    All I can tell you GG is the dealership gives you free oil changes for 4 years on my 2007 3 Series. The warning light comes on at about 15,000 miles. I am at 13,000 now and the car is 18 months old, and they won't change the oil until the light comes on. There is no dipstick. Sounds too good to be true but the engine knows how good the oil is. When I took it in to have the snow tires taken off this week (now it will snow for sure) they take your key and plug in and the computer gets all the information from your key. It is all pretty amazing!

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,593
    Going from memory here (based on the sales presentation I got), but the Genesis V8 can run on premium or regular gas. Timing is retarded running regular, with a drop of 7 or 8 HP as a result.

    Well you did buy a Genesis with a V8 so I am guessing saving money with your car isn't an issue so why go on the cheep and take a chance?

    Transmission goes for 100K miles before maintenance is needed. V6 trans needs service every 30K. Not sure, but I think even the coolant is good for 100K miles

    Does the 6 have a different tranny? If not then there really shouldn't be a difference. Also transmission service every 30K miles seems way to often these days.

    I was always a little skittish with the BMW 3 calling for oil changes at 10K+ miles. That car didn't even have a dipstick.

    Oh why do you give me such good straight lines?

    2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D

  • imidazol97imidazol97 Member Posts: 27,728
    That downward-looking mirror is neat for parallel parking. My '03 Buick has the right hand mirror that can be set to go down so you can see the curb or lines on the pavement. It made me dizzy to have that mirror moving everytime I shifted in or out of reverse. I back one car into the garage and as I was lining up to not hit the door frame the mirror was moving down to show me the ground. I had to turn it off; I rarely parallel park anywhere.

    One thing I would like is the automatic parking side mirrors that fold against the body so the great unwashed in parking lots don't hit them and hurt them. Mine fold but they're not automatic.

    Memory seats and settings are great. But it's odd to unlock the car sitting in the garage or driveway and have the seats and mirrors moving when you're not getting into the car. My wife will get stuff out of the car and then I come along and hit my buttons and the seat moves the other way. I'd like to see a button for just unlocking the car without invoking the settings.

    2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,

  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,593
    Lot of "what if's" there. As I said thats where defensive driving comes in. Lets take the intersection case for example, that actually happened to me many years ago. Per the training I took at the course I always check cross traffic and I saw the guy coming and was able to avoid a collision.

    Of course proper defensive driving wont save you in every situation, but then again neither will all the safety features available. I just think that proper defensive driving makes driving safer than the safety features.

    The transport truck behind him drove right into the back of the pick up and sent it across the highway into a ditch.

    Situations when you are stopped in traffic like that it is a good ideal to keep an eye on whats going on behind you, there is a rear view mirror. If you notice someone coming down on you fast punching it could reduce the severity of the accident (or maybe even avoid it). Being observant of your surroundings and always keeping options open can prevent or mitigate many situations.

    2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D

  • golicgolic Member Posts: 714
    The last time I bought tires, I found it to be the most aggravating experience possible. I despise tire shopping.

    #1 - I would find reviews on tire rack, CR or other sites often lacking or not as copious as car reviews. Since I live in Chicago, it is hard to find a tire that is good for blizzards, 98 degree summers and rain season of biblical proportions.

    #2 - After choosing a tire, it was impossible to find someone who had it, locally. It is better now, since Tire Rack has local dealer networks that will install a tire from you. But I remember years ago, getting tires from them shipped to me UPS and I had to lug them to a local mechanic.

    #3 - Take a lesson from me, you have 3 good brands, pick one that is quiet and don't rack your brain over it.
  • golicgolic Member Posts: 714
    The two greatest features I've enjoyed are the downward-looking mirror and the rain-sensing wipers. Both equipped on my old Oldsmobile Aurora (since traded in).

    Lots a parallel parking in my region, and not having to fuddle with the wipers was always a plus....just as long as I remembered to turn the feature off when going through the car wash.
  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 14,196
    snake.....I'm here to lob softballs to you, bud.

    IIRC, the V8 Genesis has a ZF sourced trans. The V6 has one built by Hyundai. I believe they're both 6 speeds, though.

    driver.....I agree with you about the BMWs. Plug in the key and all the data about the car is right there. Pretty amazing.

    I think old habits die hard. I remember a demonstration at a dealership many years ago, showing old used oil as a muddy "glop". Of course, they were trying to drum up business for their service dept to have them do regular oil changes. But, it kind of stuck with me.

    On a BMW, you can't even pull a dipstick to see, touch, smell what condition the oil is in. Granted, additives in oil have come a long way. As such, oil will undoubtedly last longer than it used to.

    But, I just viewed the "no dipstick" as a blatant cost cutting move. To me, that's not a good idea on a $40K+ car. Time will tell how that affects the engine life on recent BMWs. Maybe I'm just not current with the technology. But, if engine failure happens with oil changes running 15K miles, it won't occur until after the warranty is up.

    I know the "oil change" indicator comes on right around 8K-9K miles on both my Tahoe and my Accord. To me, that's reasonable. The oil that goes in them comes from the same place as the oil that goes into a BMW.
    2024 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD Long Range
  • golicgolic Member Posts: 714
    But, I just viewed the "no dipstick" as a blatant cost cutting move. To me, that's not a good idea on a $40K+ car. Time will tell how that affects the engine life on recent BMWs.

    --My guess not so much as cost cutting but practicality. I'll bet if you surveyed BMW drivers, their is a modicum of owners that actually; checked, looked for, heard of, or knew where to find the dipstick during their period of ownership.

    Not disparaging them in any way, but I believe this demographic is one when the "light" comes on in the dash, they are prone to look for the "service" number on their blackberry rather than look under the hood.
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,637
    I know the "oil change" indicator comes on right around 8K-9K miles on both my Tahoe and my Accord. To me, that's reasonable. The oil that goes in them comes from the same place as the oil that goes into a BMW

    That's a funny way to put it GG. Keep in mind the sensors are checking the oil in the BMW all the time, and if the oil isn't up to standard the service light will come on. In actual fact, it is better than checking the dipstick with your eyeball every few weeks.

    The Tahoe and Accord might get the same oil as the BMW, but BMW has found a way to keep the oil performing for a longer period of time. I have to believe they know what they are doing, they are guaranteeing the car for 4 years and if it was leased, they are going to get it back, so I think it is in their best interest to make sure the engine isn't damaged.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,637
    The transport truck behind him drove right into the back of the pick up and sent it across the highway into a ditch.
    Situations when you are stopped in traffic like that it is a good ideal to keep an eye on whats going on behind you, there is a rear view mirror.


    I agree, and I try to know what is going on behind me. In this case my daughter had her learners permit and she didn't have the experience to know that you have to be looking in every direction.

    I still think you can be the best and most defensive driver in the world, but there are some situations you might not be able to avoid. I am not going to convince you so I'll stop there, and hope you drive extra defensively for your own protection.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • golicgolic Member Posts: 714
    Can any car really check the "quality" of the oil?

    My understanding is that the oil indicators are based on a measurement of mileage, time or engine revolutions or some combination of these.
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    Thanks to all of you for your quick and helpful responses.

    Driver: The Tire Rack comparisons were a big help. These three brands are very close in all rating categories.

    Golic: I agree with you, especially after looking at the charts. Why get stressed out over it when all three brands are good tires. The Goodyear Fortera seems to edge out just a little over the other two. Since the dealer gave me such a nice deal on the convertible, I think that I'll buy these from him.

    Richard
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,637
    Can any car really check the "quality" of the oil?

    I think it can actually do more. I think it checks the quality because the service light will come on at different times depending on driving conditions too. Once again, this is not my field, but it seems to me the oil is being monitored to make sure it is working to a certain standard. They won't change the oil unless the service light comes on or unless you reach 15k miles....so I gotta :confuse: think they know what they are doing.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • jipsterjipster Member Posts: 6,299
    So you know about O Cedar brooms, do you? Aren't they good?

    Oh yeah. Remember their commercials, (sing along!) "O Cedar Makes Your Life Easier.... O Cedar Makes Your Life Easier...". Next to that Kirby vacuum I use to own, is my favorite cleaning appliance. :P
    2021 Honda Passport EX-L, 2020 Honda Accord EX-L, 2011 Hyundai Veracruz, 2010 Mercury Milan Premiere.
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,637
    The Goodyear Fortera seems to edge out just a little over the other two. Since the dealer gave me such a nice deal on the convertible, I think that I'll buy these from him.

    Good move Richard, nice to support your local dealer too. Hopefully he'll be there if you ever do need him.....especially now that the Explorer has to keep running ;)

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • imidazol97imidazol97 Member Posts: 27,728
    > if the oil isn't up to standard the service light will come on

    Are you trying to say the car is analyzing the oil for some breakdown from the norm for the oil supposedly put in? I can't believe that. All it does is measure the various parameters under which the car is operating and sum those and when the deterioration factor reaches a number, it turns on the light. If the owner puts in substandard oil of the BMW slips up and cheaps you on the bulk oil they buy, the car will _not_ know the oil is not the oil it expects and turn the light on sooner for the same operational parameters it is sensing during its runtime total.

    2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,

  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    "JM, what doesn't that car have?"

    Well, one thing is for sure. He can't put the top down. :P :shades:

    Richard
  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,593
    IIRC, the V8 Genesis has a ZF sourced trans. The V6 has one built by Hyundai. I believe they're both 6 speeds, though.

    OK I wasn't sure what transmission each version had. But service at every 30K seems a bit short.

    it won't occur until after the warranty is up.

    True, if you keep it for the long run you want a dipstick. I haven't had a car yet go over 120K that didn't use up some oil between changes so if I had 145K miles on a car and 10K since the last oil change I certainly want to know what level the oil is at.

    2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D

  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,593
    Ok I am not saying that the safety features aren't useful, but being aware of your situation and being able to act accordingly is much better. In short its better to avoid an accident than to try to survive it. Air bags and the like are only useful if avoidance fails. Thats why I believe that the best safety feature bar none any car can have is the driver.

    2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D

  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,593
    Well, one thing is for sure. He can't put the top down.

    And the convertible people said: AMEN!

    image

    2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D

  • golicgolic Member Posts: 714
    I have a friend who is an EMT and he will often share stories how in a majority of air bag deployed accident scenes the occupants will complain about either not understanding how they could be injured "since the car had air bags" or even blaming the air bag for the reason they are injured.

    Many people don't realize that an airbag is designed to save you life and "minimize" the extent of a serious injury, not create some "magic bubble."
  • lrguy44lrguy44 Member Posts: 2,197
    He can put it down - ONCE
    chainsaw anyone?
  • boomchekboomchek Member Posts: 5,516
    No the cars can't check the actual oil quality.

    You are correct that oil life is measured according to useage, mileage, type of driving you do and so on.

    2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX

  • golicgolic Member Posts: 714
    I thought this was an interesting article to share about floor plan financing for dealers, taken out of the Chicago Tribune Online Edition.

    http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/chi-sun-car-dealers-0329-mar29,0,4490012,- print.story

    Here is an excerpt:

    Even many dealers acknowledge that the industry has done itself no favors by clinging to gimmicks and pressure tactics to unload cars. Experts have argued that there are too many dealers anyway—the numbers propped up artificially by a tangle of protective state franchise laws.

    That was sustainable when sales were booming. But since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, two things have changed: The industry, especially the domestic automakers, became addicted to selling vehicles through unprofitable financial incentives. And the ability of shoppers to compare prices on the Internet exploded, giving consumers the information they need to out-haggle an industry of professional hagglers.
  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    JM, What doesn't that car have?

    Well, for one thing, so far, it hasn’t been touched by you know who and that’s a good thing. :)

    Like I said, I’m doing my own test with different gas (regular and premium). The car is rated for either so I’m not hurting it, honest. The HP and torque is different for the regular/premium but that’s all. When you have that many horses/torque (see the specs below), unless it’s on a dynamometer where you could measure the results, I doubt many people could distinguish the difference by driving it. I know I haven’t, so far.

    HP: 368 @ 6500 RPM (regular, at least 87 octane)
    375 @ 6500 RPM (premium, 91 octane or higher)

    Torque: 324 lb/ft @ 4500 RPM (regular, at least 87 octane)
    333 lb/ft @ 4500 RPM (premium, 91 octane or higher)

    OK, so now you have it. Take a deep breath…relax and everything will be fine. Just cool it, will ya. :(

    As for changing oil, I always change it between 2000/3000 miles for the first change then no more than 5000 miles/4 months thereafter. Oil is cheap, engines aren’t. And when I say changing it, I mean doing it myself unless it’s in for some warranty service, like when the 06’ Sonata (that was traded in for the Genny) needed a windshield washer fluid pump and I held my breath when I did that.

    I could tell you a horror story about having an oil change done by some clowns at a quickie shop (fortunately no harm done) when we were living in an apartment awaiting the construction of our house when we moved to South Carolina in 92’. I won’t bore anyone with that tale. Anyway, I’ve got to go wash and wax that beauty. Then I’ve got to do some more testing. So, I don’t even have time for that tale now. :D

    jmonroe

    '15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl

  • morin2morin2 Member Posts: 399
    >>>>As for changing oil, I always change it between 2000/3000 miles for the first change then no more than 5000 miles/4 months thereafter. Oil is cheap, engines aren’t. And when I say changing it, I mean doing it myself unless it’s in for some warranty service, like when the 06’ Sonata (that was traded in for the Genny) needed a windshield washer fluid pump and I held my breath when I did that. >>>>

    Nice to see someone else who does his first oil change early! I just bought a new Subaru Outback sunday & this is my anticipated schedule also. However, I've found that the first oil change can be a bear to loosen the drain plug and oil filter, so the first one goes to the dealer, with a note to please tighten only to the specified torque rather than that applied by the factory gorilla.

    And I am really enjoying the best car I've ever owned (since my first in '71).
  • chikoochikoo Member Posts: 3,008
    >Another thing I have which you probably have, and I only found this out by accident is;
    Let's say the car is locked. I don't have to press the remote control. If I am close to the car and pull the door handle up it will unlock. Same with the passenger side.
    I just pulled on it by accident when it was locked and found it will unlock.

    eh...even the 2008+ onwards Mazda6 has that feature. It is becoming very common place.
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,637
    All it does is measure the various parameters under which the car is operating

    You are probably right. It is possible the car can take into account dust, temperature, humidity etc. but I am not sure. I have tried to find out this information but can't. I did find one person who does think the car can factor all these variables in, but it was just an opinion.

    However this might be useful information for some people;

    Oil Change - So How Often Should You Change It?
    Hello Austin,
    I cannot believe you tell folks to change their oil every 3,000 miles. The 3,000 mile myth was started by big oil the late 1970s. It was started for no other reason than to make money. If you have the kind of money Exxon and Texaco have, you can buy enough advertising to convince people of anything.

    Most automobile owners manuals say to change the oil every 7,500 miles under normal driving. Synthetic oil can go 15-20,000 miles before any oil breakdown takes place. My dad used synthetic oil in his new 18 wheelers and changed the oil at 100,000 miles. He never had major engine failure.

    Car and Driver tested New York taxi cabs under a test that changed oil at 6,000 mile intervals and found the oil to be near perfect after 6,000 miles of taxi service.

    In a free market economy like ours, money rules. Don't fall for these promotion gimmicks.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • boomchekboomchek Member Posts: 5,516
    Thanks again for the link, I just watched the episode. I usually stay away from places like that.

    We once went to a time shares presentation and the sales lady was trying really hard to sell us on their hotels and tried to show us how much we would save and so on. We told her the resorts they showed looked boring to us, and you still had to pay a nominal fee on top of the membership every time you booked a hotel.

    After about 20 minutes of sales pitches she asked what we did for a living. When I told her I sell cars she smiled, gave up, gave us our "free trip" and let us go.

    2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,637
    Well, one thing is for sure. He can't put the top down

    lol

    But if he's out there polishing it enough he might find a button that will do that too.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,637
    In short its better to avoid an accident than to try to survive it.

    Absolutely 100% agree. I just like as much back up as possible. Mercedes engineers said Princess Diana would have survived the crash if she was wearing a seat belt. Think about it.....5 seconds to do up a seat belt could have saved her life!

    Once I was hit in the side while going through an intersection. I was going slow, and I try to look before entering intersections, but it was an older neighborhood where the houses go right up to the street. Even with seatbelts on you get thrown around and shoes can come off. I wouldn't drive without a seatbelt and if I can have airbags around me I'll take that too.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,637
    No the cars can't check the actual oil quality.

    Thanks boom, I checked a lot of sites but that was the only answer I heard. What about humidity, dust, temperature, etc.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • wesleygwesleyg Member Posts: 164
    I have an 06 Impala SS and it calls for a minimum of 91 octane, I use 93 octane all the time. My car definitely performs much more sprightly with 93, I dont know about the Genesis of course, but what does the manual call for? If it does recommend hi-test as mine does, then I believe you will notice a difference with the higher octane.
  • jipsterjipster Member Posts: 6,299
    I won’t bore anyone with that tale

    Never stopped you before... let's hear it! ;)
    2021 Honda Passport EX-L, 2020 Honda Accord EX-L, 2011 Hyundai Veracruz, 2010 Mercury Milan Premiere.
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,637
    RE: BUY DIRECT I usually stay away from places like that.

    Just pay as you go in most cases. We gave our top employees a gift certificate for a fancy restaurant in town. The restaurant burned down to the ground the next month before they could use their certificate. Now, if we do that it has to be a pretty solid chain restaurant, so if one burns down there will be more.

    Slightly different than a time share is gated communities for seniors in Florida. Visited a few friends at 3 of these this year. They have activities and classes going all day long. I call it camp for seniors.

    Not quite ready for that yet.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 20,958
    my explorer has michelin cross terrains and my wife's escape has fortera triple treads. both sets have about 45k on them.
    the michelins will be quieter and softer riding.
    the fortera's will last longer, better in foul weather, track really well on dry pavement too. my wife swears by them, no, not at them! :)
    here is a nice promotion on the goodyear's
    2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    Thanks for the input on the tires. Goodyear has an even better deal than the link showed. If you buy three, the 4th one is free, plus a $60 rebate. At least that is what my dealer has offered. Goodyear may have a special deal going for dealers. Though I always buy Michelins, I think that I'll go for this deal on the triple treads.

    Richard
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    "But if he's out there polishing it enough..."

    BTW, what is this with all of the waxing? Do you realize that this is his second waxing in a week? How much does a new car need? My new cobalt blue convertible has a fabulous shine as it is. Could it have something to do with what they call a clear coat paint? Wonder how often I should wax it?

    Richard
  • boomchekboomchek Member Posts: 5,516
    Haha, the time share video indeed looked like a camp for seniors, and we told the sales lady too that I don't feel like vacationing in a senior community (no disrespect to any seniors here :blush: )

    As for the oil question, I don't believe that cars have humidity or dust sensors either. Temp maybe, to optimize the way a cold engine runs and warms up ??

    I think the info is just calculated based on hard or easy driving habits, and it's fed into a computer that then estimates oil life.

    2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX

  • jwilliams2jwilliams2 Member Posts: 910
    Some cars (Mercedes and I believe BMW) can actually check oil quality. They have sensors that measure not only time, mileage, RPM's, average engine temperature, starts, oil level, but electrical conductivity (which indicates quality). They will also tell you if the car is even a half quart low.

    They also use full synthetic oil, and typically hold 8-9 quarts, versus 4-5 for many other cars. Combined with a better filtration system, these cars can go 10-15,000 miles between changes.

    The sensors in these cars are probably much more reliable than the old eyeball/dipstick method, IMHO.
  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 20,958
    that sounds like a great deal! i have been buying tires from the car dealer the last few times.
    2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    I dont know about the Genesis of course, but what does the manual call for?

    The info I put in post 40721 came from the Hyundai brochure. So, since it showed ratings for both regular and premium I have to assume that either is satisfactory but I will check the manual also.

    Are you trying to trick me? :surprise:

    jmonroe

    '15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl

  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    Never stopped you before... let's hear it!

    'jip', so help me, if I wasn't going somewhere with the family right now I'd lay that tale on ya !!! :P

    jmonroe

    '15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl

  • cdnpinheadcdnpinhead Member Posts: 5,630
    Keep in mind the sensors are checking the oil in the BMW all the time, and if the oil isn't up to standard the service light will come on.

    Are you under the impression that "the sensors" have a clue regarding the chemical composition of the oil? I don't think so, but you may have better information than I.

    Based on what I've observed, the maintenance intervals and "required" maintenance took a huge step function change about the time BMW started providing "free" maintenance.

    If you buy and keep your cars for a long time, as I do, you're going to either: 1) change the oil about every 7500 miles (or sooner), or 2) mail oil samples off for analysis regularly and do what they say.

    Using a good quality synthetic oil is an excellent first step, but it's not the whole story.
    '08 Acura TSX, '17 Subaru Forester
  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 20,958
    if the light comes on, how are you supposed to know how much oil to put in it, with no way to check the level?
    it can't be put some oil in it, drive around. if the light doesn't light up, that's enough. :confuse:
    2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • boomchekboomchek Member Posts: 5,516
    My 2001 Mercedes C240 had no dip stick, but rather an electronic sensor to measure oil level.

    I hated it because occasionally it would tell me to add oil, but not how much. And after oil changes (about 10k-15k km intervals) the sensor would say that there's too much oil and some needs to be drained. :confuse:

    So as you say, you guesstimate and put some oil in, drive around, and if the light doesn't go on, then it's good enough.

    2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX

  • mjfloyd1mjfloyd1 Member Posts: 3,806
    BMW offers low mileage oil changes each 12 months no matter what the mileage.
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,637
    BMW offers low mileage oil changes each 12 months no matter what the mileage.

    That's true...time is almost as important as miles travelled. 12 month limit no matter the mileage.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,637
    Are you under the impression that "the sensors" have a clue regarding the chemical composition of the oil?

    I tend to believe the sensors can analyze the oil to some degree, pollutants, humidity, breakdown by temperature, dust etc. But, I have no proof and it seems most don't believe this. I can't find proof either way. I am not positive or negative on this assumption until someone comes up with a definitive answer. I have searched for a real answer, but can't find it...opinions only......both ways by the way.

    I have topped up the oil once on my previous Bimmer and it wasn't a problem as I recall, though I forget how I knew when to stop. Worse to have too much than not enough as I understand it!

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

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