So anyone with a new car probably knows the manufacturers, ESPECIALLY the ones who pick up oil change maintenance costs, recommend really long oil change intervals: 5000, 7500, 10,000... I've even heard 15,000 (Mercedes SUV).
Curious as to folks' opinions on why this is. My take is manufacturers not wanting to pick up the dime on costs. Also a bit of a bragging factor - longer interval equals perceived better engineering in the car itself. Knowing that the oil that goes into a Kia is the same oil that goes into a BMW, I personally don't buy into that perception: I chalk up the ability to get longer intervals to advancements in oil tech far more than engine tech.
But I've had conversations with non-car guys who are convinced that because their bimmer's oil service reminder indicator doesn't come on til 15,000 miles it means their engine is engineered better. Ah well...
Personally I change the oil in my cars at 3,000 miles religiously. Synthetic or no. Scheduled maintenance or no.
Thoughts?