Oil Consumption Question

[flagger]

2008 with 19K miles. Zero consumption over that period with recommended maintenance schedule. Took car from southern end of West Virginia to Buffalo last week (approx 490 miles) - no consumption. Then from Buffalo to Jersey side of Philadephia (approx 400 miles) - indicator down a 1/4. Then from Philly to Wash DC (approx 150 miles) - indicator down another 1/4. Then from Northern VA to West Virginia (340 miles) - no consumption. All highway miles at between 60 - 80 mph.

Any ideas about erratic consumption? No apparent leaks and engine/engine compartment is clean. Exhaust pipes don't show any sign of oil burn.

[Richbot]

It's the measurement system not knowing what the hell is going on. It doesn't appear to be accurate until you've burned off more than 0.5L. You probably burned most of that half liter a long time ago and the oil level system is just now catching on to the fact.

[SonnyJack]

Originally Posted by flagger

2008 with 19K miles. Zero consumption over that period with recommended maintenance schedule. Took car from southern end of West Virginia to Buffalo last week (approx 490 miles) - no consumption. Then from Buffalo to Jersey side of Philadephia (approx 400 miles) - indicator down a 1/4. Then from Philly to Wash DC (approx 150 miles) - indicator down another 1/4. Then from Northern VA to West Virginia (340 miles) - no consumption. All highway miles at between 60 - 80 mph.

Any ideas about erratic consumption? No apparent leaks and engine/engine compartment is clean. Exhaust pipes don't show any sign of oil burn.

At any point were you revving higher? I know you said 60-80mph, but did you perhaps spend some time at lower speeds running through the gears w/say 6-8K RPMs? I find that I burn oil when running the engine hard.

Also agree that the electronic monitor can be screwy if the level isn't taken on completely level ground.

[e.n335]

Zero oil consumption for the last 6.5k miles ( according to the OEM gauge ). I drive the car hard once a week. DD.

[flagger]

Originally Posted by SonnyJack

At any point were you revving higher? I know you said 60-80mph, but did you perhaps spend some time at lower speeds running through the gears w/say 6-8K RPMs? I find that I burn oil when running the engine hard.

No high revs - just trying to enjoy the long hours in the car. Acceleration to 4.5K and steady state cruise @ 3.3K.

I guess BMW has just gone a little too far over the line on technology. I talked to a friend in Northern VA who works at local BMW dealer. He says they have real problems trying to figure out how to top the cars off with oil after a change.

[H Bomb]

i agree i am all for new tech and what not but i really hate not having a dip stick to check my engine oil. when my race bike switched to no dip stick they at least give you a sight window on the side of the engine case so you can check

i don't like depending on this new oil guage bc it does not seem really correct in my op

[skywalker562]

i talked to a service manager near my place. and he drives M3 as well. he told me manuf. spec calls out 1/4qt per 1000km (approx 620). i get little less than that since i don't beat the car. however, your reading doesn't make sense. check multiple readings while you are driving. (just covering basis. i am pretty sure you read your meter every so often)

[kitw]

I friggin HATE the digital oil gauge. Seriously. Give me a dipstick anyday. I know there are lots of people too dumb to use them, but I'm not one of them.

[Finnegan]

+1.

Seriously, there are some things that are minor complaints, but this one has huge potential consequences. Seatbeat extenders, fail, big deal. Get the oil reading wrong--now that's a big deal. It's so much easier and more confidence inspiring to check the oil level in the S54 with the old fashioned (and reliable) dipstick. From what I understand, Porsche has gone to sensors as well but kept the dipstick as well. Smart.

[H Bomb]

lol i got a email from bmw dealer asking how my recent visit was and in the review summary there was a question asking if i could change something on my car to tell the bmw egineers what would it be. i said give me back a oil dipstick!!! lol

[flagger]

Originally Posted by Finnegan

+1.

Seriously, there are some things that are minor complaints... Get the oil reading wrong--now that's a big deal... From what I understand, Porsche has gone to sensors as well but kept the dipstick as well. Smart.

Thank you one and all for your thoughts. During the period of odd readings, I kept a watchful eye on the oil readout. Didn't vary, other than indicating a reduction in quantity over a relatively short period of time as described. Readings taken while driving and first thing each morning after sitting overnight.

Added a 1/2 liter of oil several days ago. Indicator is back up to the full mark and no further consumption issues.

Word to the wise. Check indicator daily even if your car has no prior history of consumption. No oil is a big $$$$ deal.

Thank you again.