I can't imagine running any kind of oil for 12,000 miles unless I were to buy a new car every 3-5 yrs.

I'm the type that will drive a vehicle about 15-20 yrs. before I sell it or give it to a related teenager. If you're such a person, a 12,000 regimen may not work.

The dealer wants to sell you a new car OFTEN. Enticing you with EXTENDED maint. schedules helps them to do this.

My wife bought an '06 Toyota Avalon recently. I went to the dealership at 3K to buy a new oil filter. The parts guy told me not to to change it 'til 5K. I find this "new thinking" interesting. A few years ago, they were all pushing 3K oil change intervals. Now Toyota is up to 5K. Toyota dealers in my area do not use synthetic oil. All use conventional 5W-30.

In reality, 5K may not be that bad, but I'm "old school" and it's hard to teach an old dog new tricks.

My 2 cents.

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Mike Murrell
1991 300-SEL - Model 126
M103 - SOHC
"Fräulein"