Engine burning oil!

[s26singh]

My engine is burning oil, like many others, but I feel the rate at which its burning is significant.

The oil was changed at 58,200 km on the odometer in early Oct. Oil level reading was at max. Since then, oil level has gradually been decreasing.

Today, on my way to work, my oil level dropped down from 1/4 full to below "low" mark. Warning light has come on, and its asking for 1L of oil. Car now has 62,000 kms on odometer.

Oct - Dec
58,200 km to 62000 km = ~3800 km (~2361.21 miles)

Would you classify this as being normal?

I drive this car daily.

[oolas3]

Originally Posted by s26singh

My engine is burning oil, like many others, but I feel the rate at which its burning is significant.

The oil was changed at 58,200 km on the odometer in early Oct. Oil level reading was at max. Since then, oil level has gradually been decreasing.

Today, on my way to work, my oil level dropped down from 1/4 full to below "low" mark. Warning light has come on, and its asking for 1L of oil. Car now has 62,000 kms on odometer.

Oct - Dec
58,200 km to 62000 km = ~3800 km (~2361.21 miles)

Would you classify this as being normal?

I drive this car daily.

That seems to be more than most guys experience but well within what BMW would consider normal. I would not be alarmed and just keep monitoring it.

Have you checked for oil leaks? The left valve cover gasket (right below the oil filler cap) is a known problem area and can be checked just by lifting the hood. Also, take a look at the valve cover bolts for leakage.

[BimmerRookie]

Don't think it's a leakage. The 'increased' oil consumption could be a cause of many factors. Nothing out of the ordinary, just go ahead and add the oil, and go about your day.

[s26singh]

Originally Posted by BimmerRookie

Don't think it's a leakage. The 'increased' oil consumption could be a cause of many factors. Nothing out of the ordinary, just go ahead and add the oil, and go about your day.

I dont think its leakage either; I already had it inspected for leak before the last oil change + with engine shampoo, and dealer confirmed no leak.

I put in 3/4L, and engine oil level is back up to max.

I am actually switching to Liqui-Moly 10W60 at the next oil change; will see if that makes any difference in consumption.

[s26singh]

Originally Posted by m3m3mr

That seems to be more than most guys experience but well within what BMW would consider normal. I would not be alarmed and just keep monitoring it.

Have you checked for oil leaks? The left valve cover gasket (right below the oil filler cap) is a known problem area and can be checked just by lifting the hood. Also, take a look at the valve cover bolts for leakage.

Yes, checked, but no leak. Will monitor as you recommended.

[BimmerRookie]

Originally Posted by s26singh

I dont think its leakage either; I already had it inspected for leak before the last oil change + with engine shampoo, and dealer confirmed no leak.

I put in 3/4L, and engine oil level is back up to max.

I am actually switching to Liqui-Moly 10W60 at the next oil change; will see if that makes any difference in consumption.

FWIW I'm currently running LM 10-60 and tbh, I haven't noticed any major differences from when I was using Castrol 10-60. Subtly, my oil analysis' have been coming out relatively "cleaner", and during the hot summer months (90F+) engine temp is a needle's width above the middle mark.

[squartus]

Can try switching to Motul, I went from burning 1-2 quarts every 5k to not needing to top off at all.

[Leonardo629]

Try a can of Liqui Moly MoS2....it should stop your oil burning.

[kaede]

Originally Posted by Leonardo629

Try a can of Liqui Moly MoS2....it should stop your oil burning.

I used Liquid Moly Ceratec + M1 0W40, still burns, not as severely as OP, but still goes down around 1 quart/7500km's (4660miles)

Dont exactly know the main difference between MoS2 and Ceratec, but seemingly Ceratec is a better product for protection and lubrication (at least the price reflects at such at around $25/bottle).

[Leonardo629]

Kaede,

I've had good results with MoS2 (as far as oil burn). I'm currently running Cera-Tec with M1 0W40, 2500mi on the current fill, electric oil gauge hasn't moved one bit. I guess results can vary.

[s26singh]

Kaede and Lenonardo629,

I see that you guys have made the switch to M1 0W40. Differences in any area? Theoretically, using thinner oil makes sense, given the rod-bearing clearance issues. I have about 20L of LM sitting in my garage though.

What to do?

[s26singh]

Originally Posted by squartus

Can try switching to Motul, I went from burning 1-2 quarts every 5k to not needing to top off at all.

Motul 10W60?

[Leonardo629]

M1 0W40 (or any high quality Euro xW40) has been proven to lessen rod bearins wear during cold start. Numerous oil analysis found on this site have shown drastic decrease in lead and copper once switch to the 40wt oil, which I can only assume is a positive thing.

Once you make the switch, you'll notice the oil reaches operating temp faster, and I personally notice a more rev happy motor.

[squartus]

Originally Posted by s26singh

Motul 10W60?

No im running motul 5w40, they do not make a 10w60 and I wanted something thinner for cold starts anyway.

[kaede]

Originally Posted by squartus

No im running motul 5w40, they do not make a 10w60 and I wanted something thinner for cold starts anyway.

300V 5w40? Or which one specifically. I have some 300V 5w40 left over from my previous track car and don't want to waste it, might use it on my next change. (i dont drive a lot and i change the oil out quite religously, so the 300V seems fine).

[kaede]

Originally Posted by s26singh

Kaede and Lenonardo629,

I see that you guys have made the switch to M1 0W40. Differences in any area? Theoretically, using thinner oil makes sense, given the rod-bearing clearance issues. I have about 20L of LM sitting in my garage though.

What to do?

From what i have seen and read here, the LM 10w60 is even thicker than the TWS/current BMW shell forumla. I would refrain from using it year round especially in Toronto where it can get quite cold. I will probably only use it in the summer months and change it out. I am sure many others on here that use LM will say it "works." But personally, due to the extreme temperatures in the winter, i say do not use it and switch to something that flows better in the cold.

I switched to M1 0w40 because many UOA shows that it will decrease bearing wear. Also, i do not drive my M3 hard, temperature never climbs too high ever even in the summer. In Vancouver, we get very mild summers with probably less than a week or two above 30c. I do not see a need for extreme high temperature protection, that is why i made the move to M1. Second reason is because it is cheap and when they go on sale they're $30cad for a 5 quart + 1L bottle @ Canadian Tire. I change out my oil every half a year or 7500km max, so it helps my wallet a bit. TWS is just too expensive, even when purchased online @ $12usd a quart free shipping to the border for me to pick up, that's still $120usd per change. Factor in the horrendous currency exchange right now @ 1.40, a $168 DIY oil change is crazy.

Same as Lenonardo629, better start up, less hesitation, warms up faster, engine revs tad bit smoother (but definitely could be placebo).

However, the negative thing about the M1 is that for some reason, if you drive long distances, the engine feels "weak" after a while. When i asked, many say it could be because of the engine adapting to constant long distance highway driving that's why when i punch it, it doesn't give me the same amount of "go" as when i am just driving around town. This is concerning as well because i have noticed on other oils that i have tried, this never happened (TWS, LM, Motul). It happened on both my M3 and previously owned 335i when i filled with m1 0w40, so i dont think it is a coincidence.

Cheers!

[bigjae1976]

I had a weird experience kind of like this. I never had added any oil (other than right after an oil change but that is another story...hate the e-dipstick) up until 46k miles. I switched to Mobil 1 and then I had to add a quart and a half within a couple of hundred miles afterwards. Since then...4500 miles and haven't seen any changes in oil level.

The only thing I could think of is some of the oil drained from the oil cooler lines or something.