AFM is always an issue in one way or another. Having to replace my oil prematurely because of a "sensitive" system IS an issue for me. This is beside the fact that there are components in the engine that reduce it's reliability. Frequent oil changes is a workaround and not a solution. If it were an actual solution, then GM engineers would have the OLM scaled drastically differently on the AFM-equipped vehicles than the others.
Which is better financially and for the environment: Overly-frequent oil changes which result in more filters and rags/paper towels bought and then trashed, recycling of the used oil (for those that recycle it), the wastefulness of replacing synthetic oil that can go far longer than 3,000-3,500 miles etc. or losing 1-2 MPG that will really only occur in rare and very specific driving conditions?
It continues to be proven that AFM isn't worth the risk if you want the longevity of the Gen 3 engine. Whatever fuel savings AFM may return over the life of the vehicle is easily lost and countered with the cost of engine repair or replacement.
By the way, I change my oil and filter every 5,000 miles. I use full synthetic Pennzoil or Mobil1 and quality filters. I've determined that 5,000 miles is right around where the oil starts to get too dark for my liking. Being a quality synthetic, it's lubricating properties should still be plenty good at that mileage, but I'm changing it to get the contaminants out more so than because the oil is "spent". I would never go 8,000+ miles on an OCI, such as what the OLM would have you do if you followed it.
might need lift kit installed as well
