With MINIs, which uses synthetic oil and the recommended oil change interval is 15K miles, most Americans on the board were changing their oil at half that interval while the Europeans were adhering to it.
Here in the US, when you get your oil changed, they put a sticker on your windshield telling you when you will "require" your next one ...and they usually suggest 3K miles later.
I believe, as you suggest, the purpose of the 3K oil change is to make more money. Most manufactures are recommending 7.5K miles between changes with dino-oil. My mechanic has torn down MINI engines with over 150K miles on them and found the insides clean and sludge free ...these were cars that abided by the 15K miles oil change regiment and used synthetic oil.
reelsmith's axiom: Its going to be used equipment when I sell it, so it may as well be used equipment when I buy it.
