Hello guys,

The first week with my new TL passed. I like it very much; exceeds my expectation in many ways. Two minor compliants:
- one of the rear doors is not adjusted well and one has to push it quite strong to close;
- on the speeds about 30 mph and on some non-perfect roads something begins to squeak quite loudly in the rear part of the car... don't know where, exactly... But it happened two or three times only.

But, as I said, otherwise the car is perfect and real pleasure to drive.

Now, the Question.

I guess, this topic was beaten to death already, but I still don't know the answer - when should I change oil for the first time?
After searching archives here and there I found two contrary opinions:

1) change the oil ASAP, i.e. 600-1000 miles as it was there for long time and also it's good for the engine to change it often in the beginning.

2) don't change the oil before 3k-7k, because the factory oil contains some additives and helps during the break-in period. Don't use synthetic oil for first oil change by similar reason.

I have 600 miles already, so what would you recommend?

Just in case - these are freeway-miles, I'm on freeways about 90-95% of time.

By the way, how the break-in period is measured - striclty by the mileage or by the time/mileage/driving patern?

Well, probably I have too many questions

 

As you always did every 3000 miles. The manual say every 7500 but i would'nt do it. Also you can use synthetic oil after the first oil change it won't hurt. just my 2 cents

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2000 Fire Pepper Red/ebony TL, non-navi. factory spoiler, std chrome wheels, 35% tint, comptech exhaust, wood trim kit...
Quiets ride

 

I had mine changed at aprox. 4,000 miles (freebe from dealer) and in another 3,000 miles will switch to synthetic. If there is breakin oil, 4,000 is about right, without running too long on initial change. Another 3000 miles prior to synthetic will insure that all parts are properly worn in. This is just my opinion from the various comments, but I am sure that there are a lot of opinions out there.

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2000 Acura TL, White Diamond Pearl, AEM CAI, 225/55-16 Toyo Proxes FZ'4s

 

I've had cars, not as nice as my CLS that I kept for 5 to 10 years. would use mobile 1 and change it once a year, 12-15k per year. I never had even 1 oil related engine problem.

My CL-s has 600 miles on it right now. I bought my car last week, it's had the oil in it since may. I'm gonna follow the manufacturers recommendation, 1 year (may 2001) or 7500 miles. But I am going to change the oil filter after 3000, to dump the break in residue, which should be a lot more than the normal filter catch after break in.

 

just got my oil changed at 3000 today, my machanic suggested it to me... every 3000 when using regular, 5000 when synthetic

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Bad ass TL...but...
Cant afford Mods.....

 

I'm not trying to encourage abuse/neglect, but new BMWs come with synthetic and get oil changes every 15K miles.

Yea, you read that right - 15,000 miles per change w/ synthetic.

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'01 pearlescent white
-Wing, tint, cop-finder
'88 White RX-7 Convertible
-Permanent tinitus courtesy of Rockford-Fosgate

 

Gomez is correct. BMW actually does say that you can run the car for 15K before changing the oil.

However, I do not know anyone that actually let their BMW run the full 15K before changing the oil. To me that just sounded way out of line. I waited until 6K.

I believe I will have my TL's oil changed at 3K. I went in to my dealer at 1500 miles (as instructed by the salesperson) and the service advisor said "No way, we got a bulletin from Acura instructing owners to keep new oil in the car for at least 3000 miles."

 

Yea, my buddy has a '95 M3 running Mobil 1 and changes it every 2500 miles. the guys at the shop actually get MAD when they see the sweet orange oil coming out, but hey - it's his ride!

As for the Acura 3000 waiting period for oil change, it even says in the manual not to change oil before the specified time so ther emust be something to this whole line of reasoning. Hell, maybe they put oil and sand in new engines to make 'em break in more quickly! (just kidding)

For whatever it's worth, mine seems to have started running a little more strongly after I hit 2000 miles, so I guess the engine is getting good 'n' happy now.

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'01 pearlescent white
-Wing, tint, cop-finder
'88 White RX-7 Convertible
-Permanent tinitus courtesy of Rockford-Fosgate

 

igrek,

On the squeak; It's quite possible that it's your moonroof (a common problem). I found it really difficult to pin down where, exactly the noise was coming from. I thought it was the passenger doorframe, my wife (in the passenger seat) thought it was the instrument cluster... Try some silicon lube on the rubber moonroof seal, and see if the squeak disappears. I bet it will.

I first changed my oil at 4,000 miles, after driving nearly 100% highway miles. Our saleman told us not to change the oil before then; There are some additives that Acura puts in the oil that aid break-in. OK...

I switched to synthetic at that point, Mobil One. At just under 7,500 miles, everything seems fine!

Good luck, and enjoy your TL!

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David

Black-on-Black non-NAV 2000

 

Mine was cool w/ Mobil 5-30. after 3500 mi. Initially I put 10-40 by mistake. Drove for about 300 mi before I read the manual.

There was a noticable difference in the startup and the ride.

OUCH!

 

great discussion, but how long do you plan to keep the car? little things make little difference. miracle wont happen just because you changed oil 3000 miles sooner or later. just follow the owner's manual( severe driving condition) and you will be fine.

 

Ok, it seems to me that everyone that used a synthetic oil is using Mobil 1. Is anyone using Castrol Synthec? I change my oil anywhere between 3000 to 3500 miles. I used synthetic for the first change - after first 3000 miles.


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2000 TL Pearl White w\o nav
1991 Volvo 940 Turbo Traded

"Just Shut Up and Enjoy the Ride"