Oil Change Interval
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Joined: Aug 2018
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2014 E63 S-AMG Wagon
Oil Change Interval
A local independent shop recommended I change the oil on my 2014 E63 Wagon every 5,000 miles. Factory interval is every 10,000. He said they're seeing failures in these older timing change motors due to owners not changing the oil often enough.
Anyway, I did some searching and see some people here are changing every 5k or even sooner. Can I ask you all why? I always thought with newer, fully synthetic oils, you didn't have to worry about them breaking down so quickly and anything sooner than 7,500 at the lowest to 10,000 mile interval oil changes was just wasting money.
So, should I stick with the factory interval or increase it to every 5,000 miles?
Thanks!
Anyway, I did some searching and see some people here are changing every 5k or even sooner. Can I ask you all why? I always thought with newer, fully synthetic oils, you didn't have to worry about them breaking down so quickly and anything sooner than 7,500 at the lowest to 10,000 mile interval oil changes was just wasting money.
So, should I stick with the factory interval or increase it to every 5,000 miles?
Thanks!
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jun 2004
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2014 E63S; AMS 100 octane ECU dyno tune; EDOK TCU tune; BB intakes; sprintbooster
A local independent shop recommended I change the oil on my 2014 E63 Wagon every 5,000 miles. Factory interval is every 10,000. He said they're seeing failures in these older timing change motors due to owners not changing the oil often enough.
Anyway, I did some searching and see some people here are changing every 5k or even sooner. Can I ask you all why? I always thought with newer, fully synthetic oils, you didn't have to worry about them breaking down so quickly and anything sooner than 7,500 at the lowest to 10,000 mile interval oil changes was just wasting money.
So, should I stick with the factory interval or increase it to every 5,000 miles?
Thanks!
Anyway, I did some searching and see some people here are changing every 5k or even sooner. Can I ask you all why? I always thought with newer, fully synthetic oils, you didn't have to worry about them breaking down so quickly and anything sooner than 7,500 at the lowest to 10,000 mile interval oil changes was just wasting money.
So, should I stick with the factory interval or increase it to every 5,000 miles?
Thanks!
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 56
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2014 E63 S-AMG Wagon
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jun 2004
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2014 E63S; AMS 100 octane ECU dyno tune; EDOK TCU tune; BB intakes; sprintbooster
I would argue that an oil change is a big deal. If you think it's for no reason after you're done with your research then stick to 10,000 miles.
Last edited by PeterUbers; Oct 27, 2022 at 03:49 PM.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Aug 2018
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2014 E63 S-AMG Wagon
after years of reading and processing that info, since owning this car since 2014; I am tuned as well. The engine needs good lubrication and needs carbon debris to be removed more frequently than 10,000 miles, particularly if you're driving it aggressively. The manual even states that the engine can burn through 1 qt of oil every 2000-3000 miles in normal circumstances.
I would argue that an oil change is a big deal. If you think it's for no reason after you're done with your research then stick to 10,000 miles.
I would argue that an oil change is a big deal. If you think it's for no reason after you're done with your research then stick to 10,000 miles.
Carbon debris? Like carbon buildup that's a byproduct of direct injection fueling? How does that get into the lubrication system? Then if it is, are people doing an oil analysis at their oil changes and finding this? I'm familiar with other direct injected motors having carbon buildup issues but that never got into the oil. But obviously there could be something different with this motor on why/how that happens...
As for oil burning, I carry a spare quart in the car and have extras in the garage. I top off when the warning hits the dash. I'm averaging about 1 quart for every 2,500 miles. Are you topping off before the light goes off?
I am trying to research and not finding much evidence, just people saying it makes them feel better to do it every 5k (or even sooner!).
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From: Canada
2019 911 GTS / 2016 X3 / 2015 E63s / 1993 RX-7
I just change my oil once a year, but drive between 5-10k miles/year. I split driving between multiple vehicles so total mileage is low.
Car has 33k miles (2015), which I picked up in 2018 with 6500 miles.
FWIW I burn no appreciable oil in that time period. I drive aggressively, but not as hard as others on this forum.
I think it is hugely dependent on the type of driving that you do, and if you ever get the car fully warm. Short drives where vehicle never warms up is never good.
Car has 33k miles (2015), which I picked up in 2018 with 6500 miles.
FWIW I burn no appreciable oil in that time period. I drive aggressively, but not as hard as others on this forum.
I think it is hugely dependent on the type of driving that you do, and if you ever get the car fully warm. Short drives where vehicle never warms up is never good.
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2013 E63 P30, 2010 GL550
Oil breaks down and contaminates with combustion byproducts and component wear. As others mentioned above, there are 2 major factors here: motor use and quality of lubricant. With intended use under expected conditions and with specified synthetic lubricants, the maintenance interval is 10,000 miles or 1 year whichever is sooner. How do automakers figure it out? They have engineers and chemists who understand wear and can scientifically determine the rounded interval that everyone can control easily. Mileage and/or time.
I do wonder about new synthetic lubricants beginning to appear. For example, new Mobil 1 FS 0W-20 good for 20,000 miles. Found a 4-year old video by Jason Fenske on this topic. Recommended.
Bottom line is that some of us do not mind the cost and trouble of extra oil changes. You would not damage the motor by more frequent oil changes. Though any justification is irrational bogus unless it is based on data or bulletin (based on data). With regards to indy/dealer recommending shorter intervals... ignorance or trivial business and a chance to upsell. No mystery here.
I do wonder about new synthetic lubricants beginning to appear. For example, new Mobil 1 FS 0W-20 good for 20,000 miles. Found a 4-year old video by Jason Fenske on this topic. Recommended.
Last edited by maxusa; Oct 28, 2022 at 03:20 AM.
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Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 13,799
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2014 E63S; AMS 100 octane ECU dyno tune; EDOK TCU tune; BB intakes; sprintbooster
When I said the oil change itself isn't a big deal, I was referring to the fact that you said it's nominal (I'm assuming from a cost standpoint). I absolutely agree that an oil change should be done, I'm just trying to figure out if there are any facts behind doubling the frequency at which it's done. I'm a little leery of shops or parts warehouses recommending these shorter intervals just to get your car in the shop all the time or to sell more oil change kits. Now, if there were some solid reasons behind this, I'm all for listening to that.
Carbon debris? Like carbon buildup that's a byproduct of direct injection fueling? How does that get into the lubrication system? Then if it is, are people doing an oil analysis at their oil changes and finding this? I'm familiar with other direct injected motors having carbon buildup issues but that never got into the oil. But obviously there could be something different with this motor on why/how that happens...
As for oil burning, I carry a spare quart in the car and have extras in the garage. I top off when the warning hits the dash. I'm averaging about 1 quart for every 2,500 miles. Are you topping off before the light goes off?
I am trying to research and not finding much evidence, just people saying it makes them feel better to do it every 5k (or even sooner!).
Carbon debris? Like carbon buildup that's a byproduct of direct injection fueling? How does that get into the lubrication system? Then if it is, are people doing an oil analysis at their oil changes and finding this? I'm familiar with other direct injected motors having carbon buildup issues but that never got into the oil. But obviously there could be something different with this motor on why/how that happens...
As for oil burning, I carry a spare quart in the car and have extras in the garage. I top off when the warning hits the dash. I'm averaging about 1 quart for every 2,500 miles. Are you topping off before the light goes off?
I am trying to research and not finding much evidence, just people saying it makes them feel better to do it every 5k (or even sooner!).
Last edited by PeterUbers; Oct 28, 2022 at 08:29 AM.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2018
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2014 E63 S-AMG Wagon
I totally agree with what Tasos is saying here, which seems to me is to check your oil level regularly. And to do it with the dipstick, not relying on the sensor. I don't know that this video addresses why you should change the oil more frequently - other than it provides the chance correct the oil level.
A question I had during the video though, I've always checked oil level at temperature, but it sounded like Tasos mentioned doing it cold. I didn't catch why he said to do it that way though.
A question I had during the video though, I've always checked oil level at temperature, but it sounded like Tasos mentioned doing it cold. I didn't catch why he said to do it that way though.
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2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
Long change intervals specified by the manufacturer should be viewed through the lens of competition and cost and what can minimally be done under normal circumstances.
- Competition: When your competition is promoting minimal maintenance as a selling point, for the non-enthusiast buyer, stating you have to perform maintenance twice as often is a negative.
- Cost: Most new cars come with free maintenance during the warranty period. While that is a selling point, the manufacturer/dealer doesn't want to give away more stuff free than they can get away with. Also, any long-term damage will show up in the long term, well beyond the warranty period. This also becomes an income source for the dealer as they can now fix (and charge you for) what could have been avoided.
- Normal Circumstances: Rarely are normal circumstances anything like real-world circumstances. How often does the Operator's/Owner's manual say to perform some maintenance item (oil and filter change, air filter change, etc.) more often if you drive in city traffic, tow some kind of trailer, operate in dusty environments?
Last edited by JettaRed; Dec 6, 2024 at 06:59 PM.
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2012 E63 AMG
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X214
I know this is an old thread, and my comment may have already been made, but I feel it's important to say that the manufacturer has different motivators than the owner.
Long change intervals specified by the manufacturer should be viewed through the lens of competition and cost and what can minimally be done under normal circumstances.
Long change intervals specified by the manufacturer should be viewed through the lens of competition and cost and what can minimally be done under normal circumstances.
- Competition: When your competition is promoting minimal maintenance as a selling point, for the non-enthusiast buyer, stating you have to perform maintenance twice as often is a negative.
- Cost: Most new cars come with free maintenance during the warranty period. While that is a selling point, the manufacturer/dealer don't want to give away more stuff free than they can get away with. Also, any long-term damage will show up in the long term, well beyond the warranty period. This also becomes an income source for the dealer as they fix what could have been avoided.
- Normal Circumstances: Rarely are normal circumstances anything like real-world circumstances. How often does the Operator's/Owner's manual say to perform some maintenance item (oil and filter change, air filter change, etc.) more often if you drive in city traffic, tow some kind of trailer, operate in dusty environments?
Manufacturer’s motivations vs Owner’s motivations.
Leasor/renter’s motivations (who will return the car back at the end of a few years of driving) vs real owner’s motivation (someone who will keep the car for the long haul). Etc.
I change my oil every 5000 miles and till date, the cars have performed without a single hitch. My prior ML went to mid-200Ks of miles, with not a single problem, till I donated it.
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