this might sound dumb but when do u bring the e in for oil changes, the manual says 10,ooo but that seems like a long time to go without an oil change :D

The only stupd question is the one that doesn't get asked.

If your're driving under normal conditions, just follow that schedule and enjoy the ride. You can thank today's more precision engines and the improvements in lubricants for the longer lapse between oil and filter changes.

There's no such thing as a stupid question, just stupid people that ask them...just kidding.

Check the boards for the answer. Some say 5k, some say 10k, mine says I can bring mine in every 3k for an oil and filter change.

Have u people ever heard of an owners manual?

Its the odd little book that came with the E. Some store them in the Glove Compartment. U should check it out. All kinds of info in there!

My MINI's computer went to 12K before it said time for first oil change. Service is 'free' per the computer. To do it more often / sooner is to the benefit of Jiffy Lube et al. To follow the builder's recommendations means if your engine dies you have a very valid claim for damages.

To quote my dealer: change it every 3K, bring it to us and our service department will love you. Take it to Jiffy and they will love you.

If your car sees severe service, change the oil every 5000 miles. Examples would be short trips, dusty conditions, lots of idling, etc. That's what the owner's manual says.

actualy i did read the manual and thats where it said every 10k, i drive about 100 miles aday straight highway, just thought 10k was along way inbetween

Hey guys, it's a new century! Our daddy's rule of every 3 months or 3,000 miles appears to be a thing of the past. Time to move up to 10,000 and tell our kids the "new rule" it appears.

I was surprised when I saw the 10K miles thing too. It's true that the modern engine runs fine without constant fiddling. My dealership said that even though the manual says 10,000, they would love to seee it every 3,750 miles and gave me a book full of $9.95 coupons for these. Of course, if I just do it every 10,000, I will spend the same $25-$30.

The NPR Car Talk guys say that 3,000 is pretty much not necessary, that at least 5,000 is closer to the real thing. But you're definitely not suppose to jump the gun on the FIRST oil change for the Element, because it's got a special oil in there that collects all the machine filings off the engine from the factory and flushes them out at the first change, and this stuff needs its proper time to do its thing. Hope that helps. Cheers~