Any one discovered losing oil level?

Sho · 10-21-2005, 01:59 PM

I have about 3600 miles on my 325i 6MT, and driven it hard once a while. I check the oil level once a while and have discovered the level has been dropped from the "MAX" to the middle between "Max" and "MIN".

Do I need to add any oil when it indicates the oil level in the middle? I am planning to perform an initial oil change at 7500 miles.

billgti · 10-21-2005, 02:40 PM

i'd just treat that like you would with a regular dipstick. i wouldn't particularly worry about the oil being between max and min as it is quite normal for some cars to burn a bit of oil (i have 4000 miles so far, reading is still at max). just top off 1/4 quart at a time and see what oil level that gives you.

Sho · 10-21-2005, 02:44 PM

4000 miles and you are still at max. Why mine dropped to the middle?
I did do some drifting, burn out; but it was only once or twice.

I think I will wait till it drop more (1.4 more), and I would just do an oil change.

billgti · 10-21-2005, 02:47 PM

every car is different, like your car probably doesn't rattle as much as mine. my previous car, a vw gti burned about a quart of oil (i.e. from max to min reading) every 1500 miles. just make sure that u aren't leaking any oil.

FlyingFinn · 10-21-2005, 04:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sho

4000 miles and you are still at max. Why mine dropped to the middle?
I did do some drifting, burn out; but it was only once or twice.

I think I will wait till it drop more (1.4 more), and I would just do an oil change.

They are individuals. It is normal that brand new car consumes oil but it will stop when all parts are "broken in". I bet it has dropped to the middle during first 700 miles. Check the oil level every now and then and if it still drops contact your dealer.

kuthair · 10-21-2005, 04:15 PM

Isn't the middle between max and min perfect?

I always filled the oil in my A4 to exactly middle.

ska///235i · 10-21-2005, 04:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by billgti

every car is different, like your car probably doesn't rattle as much as mine. my previous car, a vw gti burned about a quart of oil (i.e. from max to min reading) every 1500 miles. just make sure that u aren't leaking any oil.

Hmm..I have an old VW jetta and that thing eats oil like crazy during winter times. At first I thought it was leaking oil, but now I know why...

mapezzul · 10-21-2005, 04:25 PM

Keep an eye on it... there have been a few cases where the engine was bad and replaced. A little loss is not a big deal but if you are going through a quart a week or 2 it is a bigger issue. Not sure if the posts were here or over at the other bimmer site fest.... but I know one guy had to have the engine replaced b/c of excessive oil consumption and another was about to have the same thing done. I am still not sold on this hybrid case they are using with this motor, aluminum and magnesium.... not sure who came up with the idea?

Best of luck to you!

Sho · 10-21-2005, 04:29 PM

I jusy read the owner's manual, and "yes" middle is normal.
I check the oil every 2 to 3 days, and it didn't consume any oil until my first hard driving at 1800 miles on the clock (it consumed 1/4). And it consumed another 1/4 in this week while I am around 3400 miles.

My old GTi VR6 didn't consume any oil at all even it was an auto crosser. And I drove harder than my 325i.

Since the middle mark is "normal" to the engine, I am not going to worry about now but keep close watching on it.

Scott Carpenter · 10-21-2005, 04:35 PM

I have had alot of customers come in for this... BMW is not saying anything but the E90's are burning oil. nothing to worry about it's not hurting anything but it's still a pain in the butt to have something like that happen to your new BMW.

longtran · 10-21-2005, 04:42 PM

mine went low. i took it to the dealer and they topped it off for free. they even gave me an extra quart. its cover under the maintence warranty.

Sho · 10-21-2005, 04:45 PM

I am think the fact of 5W30 is not meant to be driven hard. When I had my VR6 (GTI), I used 5W40 in there just because the engine was rev high at most of time on the track. If I had 5W30 in the VR6, I am sure it will consume at least 1 qt. every track event.

I don't think motor consumes oil is bad, but too much is not good. With 3600 miles on the clock, and some hard driving. And half qt. is acceptable.

Opinions?

FlyingFinn · 10-21-2005, 04:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tape

I have had alot of customers come in for this... BMW is not saying anything but the E90's are burning oil. nothing to worry about it's not hurting anything but it's still a pain in the butt to have something like that happen to your new BMW.

And of course BMW is paying it.

gr8sho · 10-21-2005, 05:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tape

I have had alot of customers come in for this... BMW is not saying anything but the E90's are burning oil. nothing to worry about it's not hurting anything but it's still a pain in the butt to have something like that happen to your new BMW.

Don't see any BMW employees post here, so glad to see this. Are you down at Vista Motors?

With synthetic oil, and the notion of not changing oil for 12 months or 15000 miles whichever comes first, understanding oil consumption is more interesting. Even moreso because this is a brand new engine design. We'll all learn this as we go along, but obviously no one has owned a car for year, and don't know if anyone has put 15K miles on their E90 yet, but it would be good to know how often people have to add oil to their cars in between oil changes.

On my E90 with just shy of 1000 miles, it still reads Max but I am following the breakin instructions just because.

northcountry · 10-21-2005, 05:13 PM

I have about 9000 miles on my 330i. I changed oil and filter at 7800. At that point it was down 3/4 - it goes down 1/4 at a time. The first 1/4 down from max occurred at maybe 3500 miles. I did not plan to add any oil until the warning light says "add" or in other words down a quart - at the "min" level. i think the manual states that as well - add 1 qt when the indicator says to add oil.

I don't see it as an issue.

northcountry · 10-21-2005, 05:16 PM

I would be more concered about overfilling - at all. I would rather run 1/2 qt from max than try to top off and have the thing say its overfilled. It has 6.5 qts or so - I don't worry as long as it is above the minimum.

Sho · 10-21-2005, 05:20 PM

Since the oil check is now so easy on E90, owners may start to care the level of the oil. However, I believe no one cared the level reads at max or min when we has dip stick as long as it's higher than min. Correct?

When I had the VR6, as long as the dip stick shows higher than min. I would not add any oil.

As northcountry said, his 330i was down 3/4 when he changed oil at 7800 miles. And I think the consumpation rate is reasonable. Remember we used to change oil every 5000 miles, and how many times we add oil.

Any way, we should just keep eyes on the oil level not to drop to min.

gr8sho · 10-21-2005, 05:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by northcountry

I have about 9000 miles on my 330i. I changed oil and filter at 7800. At that point it was down 3/4 - it goes down 1/4 at a time. The first 1/4 down from max occurred at maybe 3500 miles. I did not plan to add any oil until the warning light says "add" or in other words down a quart - at the "min" level. i think the manual states that as well - add 1 qt when the indicator says to add oil.

I don't see it as an issue.

Why did you choose to change the oil at 7800 miles rather than follow the factory service level interval?

northcountry · 10-21-2005, 06:39 PM

I changed at 7800 just for peace of mind I guess. A friend of mine has an S4 and he said I would have to be crazy to go 15,000 miles. I have no doubt the BMW engineers know what they are doing - but then again $50 for oil and filter is cheap peace of mind.

FYI - I sent a sample of my 7800 mile oil to Blackstone labs for an oil analysis and asked them to also comment about the recommended 15000 mile change interval. I should get a report in a week. I will post results.

gr8sho · 10-21-2005, 09:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by northcountry

I changed at 7800 just for peace of mind I guess. A friend of mine has an S4 and he said I would have to be crazy to go 15,000 miles. I have no doubt the BMW engineers know what they are doing - but then again $50 for oil and filter is cheap peace of mind.

FYI - I sent a sample of my 7800 mile oil to Blackstone labs for an oil analysis and asked them to also comment about the recommended 15000 mile change interval. I should get a report in a week. I will post results.

Yes please, we'd love to hear the report.

Scott Carpenter · 10-22-2005, 07:58 AM

I work for the one and only best dealership in the world!!!!

Holmans,

Lauderdale Imports BMW

Sho · 10-22-2005, 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by northcountry

FYI - I sent a sample of my 7800 mile oil to Blackstone labs for an oil analysis and asked them to also comment about the recommended 15000 mile change interval. I should get a report in a week. I will post results.

That would be great if you can post the report. I am also planning to do the oil change my self, and not planning to put 6.9 qt. of oil at the beginning, but 6.5qt. Over flow is very bad for the car.

10-21-2005, 01:59 PM	#1
Sho Lieutenant 35 Rep 574 Posts Drives: E90 325i 6-speed Join Date: May 2005 Location: WA iTrader: (0)	Any one discovered losing oil level? I have about 3600 miles on my 325i 6MT, and driven it hard once a while. I check the oil level once a while and have discovered the level has been dropped from the "MAX" to the middle between "Max" and "MIN". Do I need to add any oil when it indicates the oil level in the middle? I am planning to perform an initial oil change at 7500 miles.
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10-21-2005, 02:40 PM	#2
billgti Lieutenant 26 Rep 506 Posts Drives: 06 BMW 330i Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Los Angeles, CA iTrader: (0)	i'd just treat that like you would with a regular dipstick. i wouldn't particularly worry about the oil being between max and min as it is quite normal for some cars to burn a bit of oil (i have 4000 miles so far, reading is still at max). just top off 1/4 quart at a time and see what oil level that gives you.
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10-21-2005, 02:44 PM	#3
Sho Lieutenant 35 Rep 574 Posts Drives: E90 325i 6-speed Join Date: May 2005 Location: WA iTrader: (0)	4000 miles and you are still at max. Why mine dropped to the middle? I did do some drifting, burn out; but it was only once or twice. I think I will wait till it drop more (1.4 more), and I would just do an oil change. __________________ 2006 325i Sport - SSR GT7, Euro tails, Rogue Ikon muffler/w custom 3.5" piping, Painted OEM Splitters 2005 Toyota Matrix - Commuter
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10-21-2005, 02:47 PM	#4
billgti Lieutenant 26 Rep 506 Posts Drives: 06 BMW 330i Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Los Angeles, CA iTrader: (0)	every car is different, like your car probably doesn't rattle as much as mine. my previous car, a vw gti burned about a quart of oil (i.e. from max to min reading) every 1500 miles. just make sure that u aren't leaking any oil.
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10-21-2005, 04:15 PM	#6
kuthair Captain 11 Rep 613 Posts Drives: 07 335i Sedan 6MT Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Connecticut iTrader: (0)	Isn't the middle between max and min perfect? I always filled the oil in my A4 to exactly middle.
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10-21-2005, 04:25 PM	#8
mapezzul Special Agent 74 Rep 1,731 Posts Drives: Depends on the day! Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Bavaria iTrader: (1)	Keep an eye on it... there have been a few cases where the engine was bad and replaced. A little loss is not a big deal but if you are going through a quart a week or 2 it is a bigger issue. Not sure if the posts were here or over at the other bimmer site fest.... but I know one guy had to have the engine replaced b/c of excessive oil consumption and another was about to have the same thing done. I am still not sold on this hybrid case they are using with this motor, aluminum and magnesium.... not sure who came up with the idea? Best of luck to you!
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10-21-2005, 04:29 PM	#9
Sho Lieutenant 35 Rep 574 Posts Drives: E90 325i 6-speed Join Date: May 2005 Location: WA iTrader: (0)	I jusy read the owner's manual, and "yes" middle is normal. I check the oil every 2 to 3 days, and it didn't consume any oil until my first hard driving at 1800 miles on the clock (it consumed 1/4). And it consumed another 1/4 in this week while I am around 3400 miles. My old GTi VR6 didn't consume any oil at all even it was an auto crosser. And I drove harder than my 325i. Since the middle mark is "normal" to the engine, I am not going to worry about now but keep close watching on it.
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10-21-2005, 04:35 PM	#10
Scott Carpenter BMW Employee 11 Rep 134 Posts Drives: 2006 E90 325i Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Ft Lauderdale iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 BMW 325I [0.00] 2003 Cadillac Escalade [0.00]	I have had alot of customers come in for this... BMW is not saying anything but the E90's are burning oil. nothing to worry about it's not hurting anything but it's still a pain in the butt to have something like that happen to your new BMW. __________________
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10-21-2005, 04:42 PM	#11
longtran Lieutenant General 1433 Rep 16,628 Posts Drives: E90 M3 Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: CA iTrader: (105) Garage List 2006 325i [0.00]	mine went low. i took it to the dealer and they topped it off for free. they even gave me an extra quart. its cover under the maintence warranty.
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10-21-2005, 04:45 PM	#12
Sho Lieutenant 35 Rep 574 Posts Drives: E90 325i 6-speed Join Date: May 2005 Location: WA iTrader: (0)	I am think the fact of 5W30 is not meant to be driven hard. When I had my VR6 (GTI), I used 5W40 in there just because the engine was rev high at most of time on the track. If I had 5W30 in the VR6, I am sure it will consume at least 1 qt. every track event. I don't think motor consumes oil is bad, but too much is not good. With 3600 miles on the clock, and some hard driving. And half qt. is acceptable. Opinions? __________________ 2006 325i Sport - SSR GT7, Euro tails, Rogue Ikon muffler/w custom 3.5" piping, Painted OEM Splitters 2005 Toyota Matrix - Commuter
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10-21-2005, 05:13 PM	#15
northcountry Enlisted Member 6 Rep 42 Posts Drives: 06 330i Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: minnesota iTrader: (0)	I have about 9000 miles on my 330i. I changed oil and filter at 7800. At that point it was down 3/4 - it goes down 1/4 at a time. The first 1/4 down from max occurred at maybe 3500 miles. I did not plan to add any oil until the warning light says "add" or in other words down a quart - at the "min" level. i think the manual states that as well - add 1 qt when the indicator says to add oil. I don't see it as an issue.
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10-21-2005, 05:16 PM	#16
northcountry Enlisted Member 6 Rep 42 Posts Drives: 06 330i Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: minnesota iTrader: (0)	I would be more concered about overfilling - at all. I would rather run 1/2 qt from max than try to top off and have the thing say its overfilled. It has 6.5 qts or so - I don't worry as long as it is above the minimum.
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10-21-2005, 05:20 PM	#17
Sho Lieutenant 35 Rep 574 Posts Drives: E90 325i 6-speed Join Date: May 2005 Location: WA iTrader: (0)	Since the oil check is now so easy on E90, owners may start to care the level of the oil. However, I believe no one cared the level reads at max or min when we has dip stick as long as it's higher than min. Correct? When I had the VR6, as long as the dip stick shows higher than min. I would not add any oil. As northcountry said, his 330i was down 3/4 when he changed oil at 7800 miles. And I think the consumpation rate is reasonable. Remember we used to change oil every 5000 miles, and how many times we add oil. Any way, we should just keep eyes on the oil level not to drop to min.
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10-21-2005, 06:39 PM	#19
northcountry Enlisted Member 6 Rep 42 Posts Drives: 06 330i Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: minnesota iTrader: (0)	I changed at 7800 just for peace of mind I guess. A friend of mine has an S4 and he said I would have to be crazy to go 15,000 miles. I have no doubt the BMW engineers know what they are doing - but then again $50 for oil and filter is cheap peace of mind. FYI - I sent a sample of my 7800 mile oil to Blackstone labs for an oil analysis and asked them to also comment about the recommended 15000 mile change interval. I should get a report in a week. I will post results.
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10-22-2005, 07:58 AM	#21
Scott Carpenter BMW Employee 11 Rep 134 Posts Drives: 2006 E90 325i Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Ft Lauderdale iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 BMW 325I [0.00] 2003 Cadillac Escalade [0.00]	I work for the one and only best dealership in the world!!!! Holmans, Lauderdale Imports BMW __________________
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