lifters + synth vs. petroil question

[tihol_tiholov at sd27.bc.ca]

>I'm sure you will get a variety of opinions on this subject.

One more then:

>after 1500 miles the oil was black.
>Changed it, stayed clean for about 5k

I've heard this theory: Clean oil might mean that the oil is not doing it's
job to warp itself around junk particles.  I know that current high quality
engines do not release many of those.  Still, recent (1999-2000) VAG and
M-B owner's manuals I've read say that black oil is normal and not an alarm
sign for a need for an oil cange.

Greetings,
Tihol