bmwm750

Actually, it is that it gets dirty- not that is loses lubricity. Modern, quality synthetics do not really break down, but after time and mileage, they do become contaminated by particulate matter which is smaller than the standard, full flow filter can filter out, and the additive package breaks down. Both of these conditions can result in added engine wear and sludge formation.

If you want to install a bypass filter system and do periodic oil analysis and additive package replacement, you can go 30,000-50,000 miles, and possibly more, just like the Class 8 diesel boys do (It's very common for big rigs to go over 100,000 miles on the same oil with an analysis every 10,000-15,000 and the chemistry being corrected after each one).

On a car, even with the cost of of a DIY oil change being ~$100, it's just not worth the hassle of all this (and I'm not really sure you could even find room on these things for the bypass filter setup). 10,000 miles/ 1 year has been verified to be an acceptable interval on these cars, provided you are using a VW/Audi extended drain interval oil, and the proper filter.

Obviously, low oil level, or the incorrect oil, certainly can spell disaster.

jakematic

That makes perfect sense, especially in a passenger vehicle.

I'm still caught somewhere between "Ahh what a great 4th of July 1976" and "weren't the 80's just 10 years ago?" trying to keep up with these things

bmwm750

I feel ya man.... just seems the years keep adding up!!!