Consumer Reports says 3k oil changes a myth . . .

[f1reverb]

http://blogs.consumerreports.org/cars/2009/10/car-care-myths-vs-reality.html?EXTKEY=I91ECON&CMP=OTC-ConsumeristLinks

[robspeed]

http://blogs.consumerreports.org/cars/2009/10/car-care-myths-vs-reality.html?EXTKEY=I91ECON&CMP=OTC-ConsumeristLinks

a long time ago they (consumer reports) did a study with NYC cabs, four sets of cars, one on dino changed at 3k miles, one on dino changed at 6k miles, one on synth changed at 3k miles, one on synth changed at 6k miles. after 60k miles in NYC stop-and-go use and abuse, they tore down all the engines and found absolutely zero difference in wear between any of them. this may be what their "myth" standing is based on.

im running royal purple in the e30, changing the filter every 5k and the oil every 10k. course it is fuel injected and is relatively tight (hasnt used any oil in 5k, i need to change the filter soon!) on a carbed, rich-tuned 02 with gas washing down the cylinder walls and contaminating the oil, id probably stick with a more-conservative number. on a well tuned, tight motor i wouldnt hesitate to go with 5k interval without worrying about it.

[dubois]

I believe it is a myth too - or an urban legend - or a cause and effect misunderstanding. I am hard on all my cars and they seem to last forever - I usually change the oil when I remember only - but at least once a year!