First post here...just bought an '05 TL w/ Nav this AM. When I went through the delivery with the sales guy this AM, Oil Life was 100%, when I was scrolling through things on the way home tonight, it was at 90% after about 100 miles of driving. I haven't driven the car too hard, couple small bursts to see what the car was made of, but nothing too hard in my honest opinion. Is it realistic to expect 10% drop in 100 miles???

 

Relax, the car lasts a long time on the oil changes. It depends on how you drive it.

 

The minder displays in 10% increments. Although it showed 100% on delivery; the actual life was likely 91%. So, it took about 100 miles or so for a 1% drop. All is good and congrats.

 

Thanks...wasn't sure if I was nuts...just seemed odd to see it drop so fast.

 

It could very easily have been at the tail end of the 100% rating when you bought it.

I was hoping to change my oil this weekend for my '04 manual, but weather is not going to cooperate. I just turned 4000 miles today since the last change and my MID says I am at 30% life. All driving during this period was work commute (moderate in towns and residences, plus a little semi-open road).

 

Our normal driving puts the MID at 10% in around 4,500 miles. Coming up on the 3rd Oil Change shortly.

 

Coming up on my "ANNUAL" oil change in January of 2009!

 

My 06 goes from 100% to <10% in about 7000 miles. It computes on rpm's and temperature I believe.

 

Ditto for my '05-- actually, it might be a little further for mine, but it's certainly not at less than 5K miles!

 

the mid is just some calculation some nerd behind a desk thought up

 

I agree. I change my oil between 3500-4000 miles regardless of what the MID states.

 

Actually, it uses a few more data sources than that. Thottle opening (relates to driving habits/style, time idling, distance, etc.).

My '04 manual starts showing the < 15% readout in the 5000 mile area. My wife's 05 automatic still shows around 40% life when I change it at 5000 miles. Her driving doesn't see that much traffic and in town use.

 

Has anyone needed to add oil in between oil changes?
I have added between 1/2 - 1 qt for every 5000 miles. Is this normal?

 

No for me for your first question.

No for your second question.

Are you the original owner? How did you break in your engine and how to you maintain your oil changes (frequency, product, etc.)?

 

Only a couple of owners have mentioned it on this site, so it seems pretty uncommon.

I haven't had to do it, but your oil usage sounds like it's within tolerances for 5000 miles. I wouldn't be concerned unless there are other symptoms.

 

Yes, I am the original owner. The car is an 05 6mt with 25,700 miles.
I have used Mobile 1 every 4000- 5000 miles since the original oil was removed.

 

Neither my '04 manual or my '05 automatic burn any measurable amount of oil between changes. I just changed the oil in my '04 yesterday at just over 52,000 miles. My has over 38,000 miles on it. Are you sure there isn't a leak somewhere?