[englishtom1596q]

So a little background to this story. I'm in pompano beach florida for flight training and need to get my oil changed and a few things checked out. I'm from michigan and drove the car down here, no tools, jack etc.

I took it to firestone first because i could get a deal on the oil etc but they can't fit my car on the hoists and don't have any wood blocks etc. (My cars not that low).

So i called the stealership. They want to charge me $200+ tax to do an oil change on my car because it takes special oil ....I told him my cars an e36 and i run 10w40 or something similar, nothing special, unlike the e46, which i can imagine needs a specific weight oil.

Anyways i asked how much it would be for just labor and a filter and he priced it out at $62 + my own oil.

My question, is this seriously how much they expect for an oil change on our cars? Or is the dealership down here just full of incompetent idiots.

Second question. Are there any independent shops around Pompano beach FL you guys know about who can help me out? or even a member with a jack and drain pan!!

[enderw88]

Blow it off for a few thousand miles, how much damage can you possibly do?

Are you at Embry Riddle, or military?

[englishtom1596q]

No i did all my commercial licenses through Western Michigan University. I'm at American Flyers doing my flight instructor licenses.

I can blow it off but i'm very anal about keeping my oil clean. in the end i will probably have to just leave it until i get back in July.

I just don't understand where the dealership was getting its information? the S52 is a glorified 2.8L nothing special like the s54

[enderw88]

Originally Posted by englishtom1596q

No i did all my commercial licenses through Western Michigan University. I'm at American Flyers doing my flight instructor licenses.

I can blow it off but i'm very anal about keeping my oil clean. in the end i will probably have to just leave it until i get back in July.

I just don't understand where the dealership was getting its information? the S52 is a glorified 2.8L nothing special like the s54

I think you are better off waiting. I don't trust anyone to change my oil, its too easy to screw up since they put the least knowledgeable techs on the job and the rush them horribly. Really clean oil won't help much if they doink up the drain bolt.

[white-hot]

Yeah, the dealer is full of shit. There is no "special" oil for an E36, M3 or no. The BMW branded 5W30 is what their book call for, and $200 is a fcuking joke. If you really need it done go to Wallyworld and buy 7 quarts of Mobil1 or Rotella and pay the $62. That will have you out about $110 with filter from the dealer. Not too bad in a pinch.

But clear this up for me, you are anal about your oil (and car too I am guessing) and yet you take it to firestone???? A place I would be scared to take grandma's Buick to???

Seriously though, while I get the whole clean oil thing, any quality synthetic oil (I hope that is what you are using!!) can easily go 5000-7500 miles or more before it will begin to degrade to the point of causing issues. If you are going to come in under that then let it go and take care of it when you get home.

[englishtom1596q]

I use redline full synthetic 10w40 and i have about 3500 on it now with an expected 3000miles before i get it back and done.

I worked my way through college at firestone so i know how they operate and can still pull off my discount even though i don't work there. They were going to do a castrol GTX oil change for $56. Also i can actually go in the shop and watch them work on my car and check things out for myself, unlike a dealership.

But in reality yes most firestones are blood thirsty corporate assholes. but from what i know from my store, we were not anywhere near as bad as quick lubes or bell tire. But as i said, that was my store where we had good, honest technicians.

[tbaker474]

Originally Posted by englishtom1596q

I use redline full synthetic 10w40 and i have about 3500 on it now with an expected 3000miles before i get it back and done.

You'll be fine. 6500 miles is nothing for a quality synthetic.

[white-hot]

Well, if you can watch them at work then all is good. I just know too many people who have had their cars screwed up because some moron at firestone (among other chain shops) messed up their car. Clearly that is a stereotype that does not always hold true. In any case I would trust the RedLine for the rest of your trip, certainly over the GTX dino oil.

I guess I am just spoiled with my dealer, as I am good friends with a number of the techs and they have no problem with me wandering around when they are working on my car. It does make things a bit scary going to a very out-of-town dealer. Especially after they don't seem to have a clue about something as simple as an oil change.

[englishtom1596q]

True. ill just wait it out i guess until i can get back to my professional garage not.

[fiveightandten]

Originally Posted by tbaker474

You'll be fine. 6500 miles is nothing for a quality synthetic.

This.

Change the filter now, and just keep an eye on the oil level until you can change it again.

There's no reason to change a modern synthetic every 3000 miles, and there is even evidence to suggest that film strength increases and peaks at around 6000 or so with many oils. Going 6500 on an OCI is completely safe on any kind of modern synthetic oil in a healthy motor.