In a message dated 98-06-17 12:28:27 EDT, CaliforniaCampers@COMPUSERVE.COM
writes:

> Looking through the VW Vanagon Maintenance booklet I was surprised to see
>  that VW recommends changing oil at every 7500 miles and changing the oil
>  filter at every 15000 miles.  All mechanics that service cars say that oil
>  should be changed every 3500 miles together with the oil filter.  Is this
>  simply providing more work for the mechanics or can the oil really work OK
>  up to 7500 miles?
>  Also if using syntetic oil, should that make it OK to increase the mileage
>  between oil changes?

With traditional oil, I'd use 2500 mile intervals.  I personally use 100%
synthetic oil and an oil filter made for extended drain intervals and change
oil and filter at 10,000 mile intervals.

Regards,
Jim Davis