Oil Consumption post oil change w/ Photos:

Exclusivs · 03-06-2015, 04:55 PM

Hey guys,

Just recently had my oil changed at 20,000 mi. Post readings of oil level were right under MAX (perfect amount). Putting around 800mi on the car since then the oil level has dropped. Not significantly, or to "Add oil" warning, however that seems like an awfully short time to have already dropped? Or am I wrong.

Oil readings right now are at the 2nd photo shown. In your experience, is it safe to add 1/4 quart to get back up to where it was right after change? What is the "ideal" spot for our oil to be at all times.

Thanks!

(Right after oil change)

(Now - post 800 mi)

JH M3 · 03-06-2015, 07:22 PM

My experience is that it takes a while for the car to accurately reflect the oil level after an oil change. I just changed my oil as well and started out adding 8 liters with the car showing 1/4 liter low after. After gradually adding and checking 1/4 liter at a time (with no change to the indicated oil level) it suddenly showed an overfill after 9 liters. After driving about 100 miles, it settled out to right at max. I would also take your past oil consumption into account. If consumption wasn't high before the oil change then I doubt it actually went through 1/4 liter in only 800 miles.

As long as your above the min you should be OK. If you want to add oil, I would do so 1/4 liter at a time and drive it around for a while before checking again.

Exclusivs · 03-07-2015, 12:27 PM

Is it everyone's consensus to NOT add oil until "Low oil / add oil" message appears?

Millie · 03-07-2015, 05:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Exclusivs

right under MAX (perfect amount).

What is the "ideal" spot for our oil to be at all times.

The perfect amount is between min and max. If there was a perfect amount the oil reading wouldn't have a range, it'd either be good or bad.

Exclusivs · 03-08-2015, 11:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Millie

The perfect amount is between min and max. If there was a perfect amount the oil reading wouldn't have a range, it'd either be good or bad.

Just odd - I would think the original fill level I posted would be the "IDEAL" place.

squartus · 03-11-2015, 10:16 PM

Usually when you are low enouf to have it fuss at you about adding oil you only need 1/2 qt to top it back off.
Since you got 9qts in there your more than safe.

03-06-2015, 04:55 PM	#1
Exclusivs Colonel 542 Rep 2,968 Posts Drives: E92 M3 Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: USA iTrader: (34)	Oil Consumption post oil change w/ Photos: Hey guys, Just recently had my oil changed at 20,000 mi. Post readings of oil level were right under MAX (perfect amount). Putting around 800mi on the car since then the oil level has dropped. Not significantly, or to "Add oil" warning, however that seems like an awfully short time to have already dropped? Or am I wrong. Oil readings right now are at the 2nd photo shown. In your experience, is it safe to add 1/4 quart to get back up to where it was right after change? What is the "ideal" spot for our oil to be at all times. Thanks! (Right after oil change) (Now - post 800 mi)
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03-06-2015, 07:22 PM	#2
JH M3 Second Lieutenant 117 Rep 275 Posts Drives: 2017 F80 M3 ZCP Azurite Black Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Rhode Island iTrader: (0)	My experience is that it takes a while for the car to accurately reflect the oil level after an oil change. I just changed my oil as well and started out adding 8 liters with the car showing 1/4 liter low after. After gradually adding and checking 1/4 liter at a time (with no change to the indicated oil level) it suddenly showed an overfill after 9 liters. After driving about 100 miles, it settled out to right at max. I would also take your past oil consumption into account. If consumption wasn't high before the oil change then I doubt it actually went through 1/4 liter in only 800 miles. As long as your above the min you should be OK. If you want to add oil, I would do so 1/4 liter at a time and drive it around for a while before checking again.
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03-07-2015, 12:27 PM	#3
Exclusivs Colonel 542 Rep 2,968 Posts Drives: E92 M3 Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: USA iTrader: (34)	Is it everyone's consensus to NOT add oil until "Low oil / add oil" message appears?
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03-11-2015, 10:16 PM	#6
squartus Major 314 Rep 1,017 Posts Drives: 2010 E92 M3 6MT Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Mississippi iTrader: (0) Garage List 2010 E92 BMW M3 [10.00]	Usually when you are low enouf to have it fuss at you about adding oil you only need 1/2 qt to top it back off. Since you got 9qts in there your more than safe. __________________ 4.4L LC stroker/ESS VT2-625/Volk te37 sl's/AA exhaust/DSS Carbon Fiber driveshaft/ARH Headers.. etc
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