Member
OK another question from the newbie... what should I expect regarding oil consumption? I've had the car for a few weeks now and the oil warning light went on. It's low. Maybe the dealer didn't change it before selling to me? Your thoughts? By the way I love this car. I don't think I've said that about a car since my '64 Ford Falcon 260 V8. Of course it also burned oil.
Member
I probably go through a quart every 1,000 miles. Only way of telling for you is to add a quart to your oil and measure your miles until the light comes on again.
2015 M235i 6MT
Member
Nice ride, Nike001. Thanks for the reply. I'm used to 4 cyls that don't drink a drop. Sounds like I should expect this.
Member
Thank you sir!!Originally Posted by donp325xi
You might be lucky and have one that doesn't consume any..or very little.
Only time will tell!
2015 M235i 6MT
Member
Change the crankcase, tranny, and diff fluids first off. It's a good starting point.
Then, monitor oil level closely with the dipstick.
I burn zero oil between oil changes. Nike is correct though, and BMW does say, 1qt every xxxx miles (I think 3k?) is normal.
You can also send an oil sample off to Blackstone Labs which will give you a rough idea of engine health.
http://www.blackstone-labs.com/
Member
Good advice, thanks. I'm going to take it to the shop next week to have the rear axle bushings checked out and will have them change all the fluids while we're at it.
Member
Otto or Manny?
Member
Manny. There's a clunking sound when I release the clutch. See my previous post... consensus is that the bushings need some attention.
Member
Manny is very easy diy....
Sent from my Thunderbolt using BF.com
Member
All BMWs use oil - some less than others. Use Mobil 1 0w-40 - I have found that this decreases oil consumption appreciably. Don't use any other Mobil 1 oil! 0w-40 is the only Mobil 1 that meets BMW's LL-01 specs.
Member
Did you actually check the level, or only see the light?
When I looked at my car, the oil warning light was on. The dealership knew about it -- told me to check the level, since they had just changed the oil -- and agreed to replace the sensor. After that, no more oil light.
It did still have an oil leak, so I had to have the oil filter housing gasket replaced.
Antarctic White Super Sports Wagon with C.B. and optional Rally Fun Pack
Member
I have used mobil 1 10w30 high milage for the last 3 oil changes and it doesnt burn any oil
Member
That grade of Mobil 1 isn't sufficient to cover the guidelines BMW recommends for oil. You need to be running 0W40 Mobil 1 that's what falls under the stipulations. That's what I run in my motor.
Member
Where are these guidlines at? I work at a quick lube shop and any bmw we have eather takes 5w30 or 10w30 for 3,5 and 7 series..
Member
@cliff clavin-- thanks, I did check the level and it was low. I added a quart of Mobile 1 0w-40. Taking it in for a change soon. I now understand what to expect from this engine.
Member
Im not quite sure where they're posted but for castrol which is what Bmw runs in the cars from the factory it does take 5w30 for some reason how Mobil 1. Sets up their grades the 0w40 they produce falls under the specs. Im sure someone knows where it can be found but im not sure myself.
Member
Oil should meet LL01. Most XW30's don't.
Member
Thank you lol
I'm the Damn Batman
I must be a lucky one, my car doesn't consume 1 drop between changes.
And I check it too, to make sure
Member
Except for BMW 5W-30.
http://www.bmwusa.com/Standard/Conte...ngineOils.aspx
Sent from my Thunderbolt using BF.com
Same here.I must be a lucky one, my car doesn't consume 1 drop between changes.
And I check it too, to make sure
Sent from my Thunderbolt using BF.com
Last edited by danewilson77; 11-19-2011 at 11:02 AM. Reason: Automerged Doublepost
Member
Only Mobil 1 0w-40 meets Ll-01 specs.
Member
That is not a true statement.
From the WIKI............
Oil service
Although BMW recommends oil service every 15,000 miles, the majority of forum members perform them at half the interval - every 7500 miles. Oil and filter change info can be found on My330i.com here. Paul180 also has a great DIY here. You can also use an Oil Extractor to perform the oil change, link 1 is here and link 2 here. There are concerns that an improper oil filter change can lead to leaks at the oil filter housing gasket. See the oil filter housing section under other maintenance for further insight.
You can purchase OEM (Mann brand) filters for under $5 online on sites like Autohaus Arizona or ECS Tuning. If you drive a BMW in the USA, you should always use an oil that meets BMW's LL-01 specification. BMW's LL-04 spec is only approved for non-USA vehicles, and this is due to the formula inconsistencies and high sulfur content of many USA gasolines.
That limits USA drivers to either:
- BMW's own "High Performance SAE 5W-30 Synthetic Oil"
- Oils for sale online, such as:
- ELF Excellium Full-Tech 0W-30 - product datasheet
- Motul 8100 X-Max 5w-30 1 liter - (5 liter container) - product datasheet
- Quartz 9000 Energy 0w-30 1 liter - (5 liter container) - product datasheet - Also available at Autohaus Arizona
- Pento High Performance 5w-30 1 liter - (5 liter container) - product datasheet
Tradename Viscosity Manufacturer/Supplier Castrol Syntec European Formula SAE 0W-30 BP Lubricants USA Mobil 1 SAE 0W-40 ExxonMobil Pennzoil Platinum European Formula Ultra SAE 5W-30 Pennzoil Quaker State Valvoline Synpower MST SAE 5W-30 Valvoline
- Or the four brands listed below:
http://www.bimmerfest.com/wiki/index...46#Oil_service
Last edited by danewilson77; 11-19-2011 at 11:16 AM.
Member
Well like i said 10w30 has no issue in my car or any of the BMWs that come into my work, BMW only really requires a full senethinc oil, and mobil 1 is the best on the market.. I also live in southern florida so i dont have any freezing temps to worrie about for cold starts
Self-Medicated
Same here. But I keep a spare quart of oil in the trunk just in case.I must be a lucky one, my car doesn't consume 1 drop between changes.
And I check it too, to make sure
Member
My 330i was using a lot of oil until I replaced the valve cover gasket. The oil level light on mine is faulty and comes on intermittently, I didn't think it was worth replacing so I just check the oil regularly.
Jas
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