Oil usage: How often do you add a qt?

[I Wanna go Fast!]

I've only had my M3 for about 2K miles now (bought it used). Just had the add +1qt just come up.

Thoughts?

Normal?

[SonnyJack]

Originally Posted by I Wanna go Fast!

I've only had my M3 for about 2K miles now (bought it used). Just had the add +1qt just come up.

Thoughts?

Normal?

Put on your flame suit!!!

The function is very useful. But, to answer your question everyone's experience is different. Some never have to add, some add after 2K, some 5K, etc.

[I Wanna go Fast!]

Originally Posted by SonnyJack

Put on your flame suit!!!

The function is very useful. But, to answer your question everyone's experience is different. Some never have to add, some add after 2K, some 5K, etc.

I did do a search. It brings up all kindsa shite. Looked through the first couple of pages, found nothing useful.

I love how all the old time member think they own the board and give new guys crap all the time for repeating questions.

Thanks for answering the question.

Thanks

[chuckvic]

never added any oil between oil changes. i get oil changed about every 6500-7200 miles, thank fully the dealer GM and I broke the car in correctly, no oil useage detected.

chuck
2009 M3

[elp_jc]

Learn how to check oil level properly, and go from there. Without a solid reference what was the level when you bought the car, it'd be stupid to assume you're consuming a liter in 2K miles. I'd top it off (again, search and learn how to do that), and measure consumption from that point on.

And don't get cranky with SonnyJack man; there's plenty of reading material if you search. I've explained all of that in lengthy detail, and certainly won't be writing it over and over again. Good luck, and welcome to the family.

[mdosu]

none for me

[I Wanna go Fast!]

Originally Posted by elp_jc

Learn how to check oil level properly, and go from there. Without a solid reference what was the level when you bought the car, it'd be stupid to assume you're consuming a liter in 2K miles. I'd top it off (again, search and learn how to do that), and measure consumption from that point on.

And don't get cranky with SonnyJack man; there's plenty of reading material if you search. I've explained all of that in lengthy detail, and certainly won't be writing it over and over again. Good luck, and welcome to the family.

Fare enough. I was searching the wrong area.

Taking here to the dealership for a top off tonight.

[SonnyJack]

Originally Posted by I Wanna go Fast!

I did do a search. It brings up all kindsa shite. Looked through the first couple of pages, found nothing useful.

I love how all the old time member think they own the board and give new guys crap all the time for repeating questions.

Thanks for answering the question.

Thanks

I hope you're not referring to MOI as an old timer!!??

I've only got 130 posts for crying out loud. Now, a blow hard like elp_jc on the other hand. That guy is a mess!!!!

On a serious note you will quickly determine who knows their stuff and who doesn't. elp_jc is a nice and well informed guy, even though he's most likely a Cowboy fan.

And, part of the reason my post count is low is because the search function usually results in my finding what I am looking for before getting flamed for a repost. Apologies if I came across as sounding harsh. Not my intention.

[MTROIS]

From top arrow to bottom one in usually ~ 5k miles -> Add a quart and change oil every 7.5 k miles.

[elp_jc]

Originally Posted by SonnyJack

Now, a blow hard like elp_jc on the other hand. That guy is a mess!!!!
elp_jc is a nice and well informed guy, even though he's most likely a Cowboy fan.

Don't know what to make of this , but I'm not a mess, not a 'Cowboy' fan, not a BMW or M fan, and not brand loyal on anything, meaning I talk about the good and the bad on everything I own. And yes, I'm an E92 M3 fan .

Oh, and I always answer newbies questions when easy, rather than spending the same time telling them to search, but did it this time because a proper explanation is rather lengthy.

[Dannys M3]

This is probably a question you might ask the high mileage people. I have over 41K and I usually have to add a quart towards the end of my 15K interval. Now you might ask how could I dare go 15K between changes? Thats a question best left to another thread. Mine is a daily driver as you can see by the mileage and sees no track time. So if I am using about a quart every 15K miles thats perfectly acceptable to me.

[bobbyd1961]

1 per 7500 miles

[SonnyJack]

Originally Posted by elp_jc

Don't know what to make of this , but I'm not a mess, not a 'Cowboy' fan, not a BMW or M fan, and not brand loyal on anything, meaning I talk about the good and the bad on everything I own. And yes, I'm an E92 M3 fan .

Oh, and I always answer newbies questions when easy, rather than spending the same time telling them to search, but did it this time because a proper explanation is rather lengthy.

Just yanking your chain Mr. elp. I always enjoy reading your posts and you clearly have a good deal of knowledge to share. Much appreciated.

[DadzM3]

Without knowing if it was completely full since you got it used you can't assume yet that it is burning oil. I found out during my last oil change when leaving that it took 2 quarts of oil low to set off the sensor. I went back to the dealer and they added a quart which shut off the light, however it still read low and took just about another full quart to show as full. I asked how many quarts were put in they said 7 and it hold I believe 8.8. Depending on the mileage on the car I would pay for an oil change as I feel that the 15k intervals is insane. I did one at 1250 miles, one at 3k miles and will do another at 7k.

[Krozi]

My oil level has been steady for 5k miles...

[JeremyR]

Generally do you guys wait for the +1 message, or add some when the indicator goes below the max line?

[SonnyJack]

Originally Posted by JeremyR

Generally do you guys wait for the +1 message, or add some when the indicator goes below the max line?

Wait for the message or you risk overfilling.

[elp_jc]

Originally Posted by JeremyR

Generally do you guys wait for the +1 message, or add some when the indicator goes below the max line?

I always top it off, but you have to know what you're doing . Having said that, haven't had to top oil off due to consumption (just after oil changes so far), but no more than 3K miles between changes so far. I regularly check all fluid levels and tire pressures on all my vehicles, and always keep them topped off (plus the batteries charged). Take care.

[Bubbles]

Three track days. and...5k later haven't burned a drop of oil.

[SonnyJack]

Originally Posted by elp_jc

I always top it off, but you have to know what you're doing . Having said that, haven't had to top oil off due to consumption (just after oil changes so far), but no more than 3K miles between changes so far. I regularly check all fluid levels and tire pressures on all my vehicles, and always keep them topped off (plus the batteries charged). Take care.

Not trying to be a smart-ass here but what is the logic behind topping off the oil? For me, I equate topping off the oil with filling up a car with fuel that's only half empty.

Is there really a benefit?

[elp_jc]

Originally Posted by SonnyJack

Is there really a benefit?

You can run your car with 1/4 of a gas tank; try running with 1/4 of your oil. Your analogy does not apply.

Anyway, the benefit is you don't have to carry a freaking liter of oil in your $70K car and having to pull over to pour it after your iDrive warns you of impending engine blowout . By simple mechanical common sense, it's always better to have engine oil level at max, but as long as you have it within 'min' and 'max' levels, you should be fine. Remember the electronic 'dipstick' is not that accurate, so I much rather err on the side of caution. A matter of personal preference, my friend. Good day.

[BMRLVR]

Seeing some of the replies in this thread I'd say it is good BMW took the dipsticks off of these cars. Obviously the best way for some people to keep their cars maintained properly is by going to the dealer because if left up to themselves, they would do more harm than good!

By the way when the car gives you the add 1 quart message it is only down by 1/9 of total capacity not empty. If you don't understand that just get the dealer or a good indie shop top it off when the message comes on.