BMW 1 Series Coupe Forum / 1 Series Convertible Forum (1M / tii / 135i / 128i / Coupe / Cabrio / Hatchback) (BMW E82 E88 128i 130i 135i)
 





 

Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      02-12-2009, 10:45 PM   #1
octironSmith
Private First Class
22
Rep
184
Posts

Drives: TiAg 135i, SGM X5 xDrive50i
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Atlanta, GA

iTrader: (0)

Oil Change - Max Fill Level Variance

Hi guys,

What is the correct amount of oil needed in order to reach the Maximum fill level? I put in 7 quarts and the dashboard readout is still below Max. I've read some posts where people have experienced varying fill levels. However, 7 quarts is supposed to be the maximum. I've checked the drain nut and around the oil filter and havn't found any leaks.

Any insights?

octironSmith
-----------------
Appreciate 0
      02-13-2009, 02:01 PM   #2
octironSmith
Private First Class
22
Rep
184
Posts

Drives: TiAg 135i, SGM X5 xDrive50i
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Atlanta, GA

iTrader: (0)

Max Level Reached .....

Here is the sequence of events:

(1) Checked level at home - below Max
(2) Drove to location 15 minutes away, beat on it a little bit
(3) Parked car at location for 15 - 20 minutes
(4) Drove back home
(5) Check level at home - at Max

So I guess I'm fine now but it really is weird how the sensor readings vary.

-------------
Appreciate 0
      02-13-2009, 02:27 PM   #3
AchtungF80
Brigadier General
AchtungF80's Avatar
Philippines
276
Rep
3,465
Posts

Drives: 997.2 GT3, '17 G30
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: NJ

iTrader: (2)

Garage List
2008 135is  [9.50]
2010 Cooper S  [10.00]
1991 318is  [10.00]
I've removed and measured exactly 6 qts...from drain pan to empty qt containers...i've added 6 qts new oil and have been at max for 200mi now. The car was on rhino ramps during the oil change.
Appreciate 0
      02-13-2009, 04:00 PM   #4
Mad Dragon
.
Mad Dragon's Avatar
United_States
27
Rep
932
Posts

Drives: 2010 GTI
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: MD

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by achtungE30 View Post
I've removed and measured exactly 6 qts...from drain pan to empty qt containers...i've added 6 qts new oil and have been at max for 200mi now. The car was on rhino ramps during the oil change.
That's great, but how much oil did the car consume since the last oil change?




OP: Put in 7 quarts. I've done many many N5x engines, and that's what they take.
Appreciate 0
      02-13-2009, 06:06 PM   #5
stovesax08
Second Lieutenant
7
Rep
269
Posts

Drives: 135i, X5 45e
Join Date: Feb 2008

iTrader: (0)

If the computer reads that it is at a maximum fill level after 6 quarts, then putting in 6 quarts may even be too much. The computer wont tell you if you put in too much oil-just if there is too little or the right amount. Err on the side of caution-start by putting in 6 quarts and then if you need to put more in you can. Putting in 7 quarts may be more than you should put in-but you would never know. If all you ever do is put in 7 quarts, it doesn't matter how many oil changes you've done-it could still be too much every time and you would never know. I put in 6 when I changed the oil and my car has been fine for 2500 miles. Most people who put in 6 find that it is enough, and if not, they know to put more in. Start with 6, you can always add more.
__________________
135i Coupe-Manual, Montego, Lemon, HG Black, sport, premium, CA, HiFi, Ipod/USB, heated seats
Appreciate 0
      02-13-2009, 06:21 PM   #6
AchtungF80
Brigadier General
AchtungF80's Avatar
Philippines
276
Rep
3,465
Posts

Drives: 997.2 GT3, '17 G30
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: NJ

iTrader: (2)

Garage List
2008 135is  [9.50]
2010 Cooper S  [10.00]
1991 318is  [10.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mad Dragon View Post
That's great, but how much oil did the car consume since the last oil change?




OP: Put in 7 quarts. I've done many many N5x engines, and that's what they take.

Good question! You're a BMW tech, why don't you ask corporate why they cheaped out and didn't include dipsticks so anal people like me could check oil level every 100-150mi instead of having to depend on the computer. I do keep an eye on oil level through the computer, but who knows how accurate the sensor is.

And overfilling the engine with oil and hoping excess burns off is not good practice. I guess that's why I do my own oil changes. I would rather err on the side of slightly underfilling oil vs. overfilling by a full 1 qt. You have to remember there is still residual old oil in the pan so you don't fully drain the max 7qts of oil out of the motor.
Appreciate 0
      02-13-2009, 10:15 PM   #7
Artmasterx
Captain
Artmasterx's Avatar
46
Rep
884
Posts

Drives: 2007 BMW 335i
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: MA

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2006 Volvo V70R  [10.00]
2007 BMW 335i  [10.00]
The E92 owners manual says the engine capacity is 6.9 quarts (if you don't change filter it would be less, but why would you not change the filter?). I am sure the 1-series is identical (as per Mad Dragon). Why would you put in less than what the owners manual recommends? Don't you think they know how much should be put in it...
__________________
Current: 2007 335i sedan
Alpine White | Sports | Premium | Cold | Comfort Access

FORMERLY: 128i coupe
Alpine White | Sports Package | Black Leather
Appreciate 0
      02-14-2009, 05:52 AM   #8
Mad Dragon
.
Mad Dragon's Avatar
United_States
27
Rep
932
Posts

Drives: 2010 GTI
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: MD

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by achtungE30 View Post
Good question! You're a BMW tech, why don't you ask corporate why they cheaped out and didn't include dipsticks so anal people like me could check oil level every 100-150mi instead of having to depend on the computer. I do keep an eye on oil level through the computer, but who knows how accurate the sensor is.

And overfilling the engine with oil and hoping excess burns off is not good practice. I guess that's why I do my own oil changes. I would rather err on the side of slightly underfilling oil vs. overfilling by a full 1 qt. You have to remember there is still residual old oil in the pan so you don't fully drain the max 7qts of oil out of the motor.
The excuse they use is to reduce evaporative emissions, probably for some dumb California or European standard that won't become law for another 10 years. It really doesn't make sense, since some of their new engines still have them. They only way to check the oil on a 335d is with the dipstick.

If you take residual oil into consideration, the N54 holds 8 quarts of oil. Every oil cooler retrofit we've done on 335s requires an extra quart to fill the cooler. There's no way to drain it, so the oil stays in there.

I fill engines according to the manufacturer's spec, and I've yet to see one come back because it was overfilled. If you want to underfill your engine and cook the turbos, that's your business.
Appreciate 0
      02-14-2009, 07:51 AM   #9
AchtungF80
Brigadier General
AchtungF80's Avatar
Philippines
276
Rep
3,465
Posts

Drives: 997.2 GT3, '17 G30
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: NJ

iTrader: (2)

Garage List
2008 135is  [9.50]
2010 Cooper S  [10.00]
1991 318is  [10.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mad Dragon View Post
The excuse they use is to reduce evaporative emissions, probably for some dumb California or European standard that won't become law for another 10 years. It really doesn't make sense, since some of their new engines still have them. They only way to check the oil on a 335d is with the dipstick.

If you take residual oil into consideration, the N54 holds 8 quarts of oil. Every oil cooler retrofit we've done on 335s requires an extra quart to fill the cooler. There's no way to drain it, so the oil stays in there.

I fill engines according to the manufacturer's spec, and I've yet to see one come back because it was overfilled. If you want to underfill your engine and cook the turbos, that's your business.
Right...so if you drain exactly 6 qts of oil and refill exactly 6qts of oil, and after 100-200mi of driving, the computer still indicates that it is at the max fill level then what's the problem? Are you telling me that brand new BMW motors are going thru 1qt of oil in 5,000mi...if so thats a bit excessive for a brand new motor and you may have just dissuaded quite a few people from keeping their cars. I've kept a watchful eye on oil temps, and i've always been 2-3 notches below 250 (mid point of the oil temp gauge), while most of the time, i've been barely a notch over 160 (coldest point on gauge).



I'm also skeptical of your statement about "cooking" the turbos. How am I cooking my turbos by being, in your mind, 0.5 to 1qt low? Maybe under 100% all the time heavy load, i'd be concerned but not so much on a street car.
I'd still rather be slightly underfilled of oil than overfilled by 1qt of oil.

Last edited by AchtungF80; 02-14-2009 at 08:16 AM..
Appreciate 0
      02-14-2009, 07:57 AM   #10
Lester
Brigadier General
295
Rep
3,350
Posts

Drives:
Join Date: Oct 2007

iTrader: (0)

I changed oil , and put in 6-1/2 quarts a couple of months ago. It is still reading on MAX.
Appreciate 0
      02-14-2009, 10:01 AM   #11
m3bs
Captain
m3bs's Avatar
62
Rep
657
Posts

Drives: 95 S54 M3, X5, GT4, GR Corolla
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: North Augusta, SC

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Mad Dragon View Post
If you take residual oil into consideration, the N54 holds 8 quarts of oil. Every oil cooler retrofit we've done on 335s requires an extra quart to fill the cooler. There's no way to drain it, so the oil stays in there.
Yet another reason I won't wait for the service indicator to count down before changing. My level gauge was still indicating full at 6200 miles. I changed it and put in 7 full quarts, indicator shows full.
Appreciate 0
      02-14-2009, 10:18 AM   #12
octironSmith
Private First Class
22
Rep
184
Posts

Drives: TiAg 135i, SGM X5 xDrive50i
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Atlanta, GA

iTrader: (0)

Draining the Oil

I guess it also depends on how long the oil is allowed to drain. The more oil is drained out, the more needs to go back in. Also, somebody told me that BMW has had recalls for the oil sensor.

I have another question ... Is the whirring noise after turning the ignition off the water pump? I know that happens in my VW and was wondering if this is the same thing.

-------------------------
Appreciate 0
      02-17-2009, 09:39 AM   #13
Dave
formerly izzo/comeback
Dave's Avatar
United_States
287
Rep
3,382
Posts

Drives: 2016 RC 350 F Sport
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: NJ

iTrader: (3)

Garage List
2008 135i  [6.80]
Quote:
Originally Posted by achtungE30 View Post
And overfilling the engine with oil and hoping excess burns off is not good practice. I guess that's why I do my own oil changes. I would rather err on the side of slightly underfilling oil vs. overfilling by a full 1 qt. You have to remember there is still residual old oil in the pan so you don't fully drain the max 7qts of oil out of the motor.
This.
Appreciate 0
      02-17-2009, 10:48 AM   #14
My135
Lieutenant Colonel
85
Rep
1,609
Posts

Drives:
Join Date: Mar 2008

iTrader: (0)

The user manual said 7 quarts and the oil change package sold by BMW also included 7 quarts, so I put in 7 quarts. I have done 2 oil changes already and did not notice any side effect with 7 quarts and the comupter said it is at max level.
__________________
7/08 135 Coupe, Crimson Red, 6 SP, Sport, Taupe Lette/Aluminum. Performance Mods: JB4 on Map 5, BMS DP Fix V3, Injen polished intake, AR Catless DP, Maddad resonated mid-pipes, aFe exhaust polished tips, ST Suspension Coil Over and Hotchkis front sway bar. Others: BMS OCC, BT Scanner, Mud Flap. Next Mods: AA Front Strut Brace.
Appreciate 0
      02-17-2009, 12:17 PM   #15
stovesax08
Second Lieutenant
7
Rep
269
Posts

Drives: 135i, X5 45e
Join Date: Feb 2008

iTrader: (0)

Just because the computer says it is at max level doesn't mean you put the right amount of oil in. If you put in 9 quarts it will tell you the exact same thing, so would 10, 11, etc. There is no way to know that you overfilled the car with oil after an oil change. I'm not saying that you wont need 7, but you probably wont need 7 (6-6.5 works for most people). By putting in 7 every time you don't know what you are doing-your car may need 6 but you would never know.
__________________
135i Coupe-Manual, Montego, Lemon, HG Black, sport, premium, CA, HiFi, Ipod/USB, heated seats
Appreciate 0
      02-17-2009, 03:14 PM   #16
Mad Dragon
.
Mad Dragon's Avatar
United_States
27
Rep
932
Posts

Drives: 2010 GTI
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: MD

iTrader: (0)

The owner's manual says 6.9 quarts. The oil capacity bulletin says 6.9 quarts. Put in 6.9 quarts. 7 will do, if you don't have a measuring cup.
Quote:
Originally Posted by stovesax08 View Post
There is no way to know that you overfilled the car with oil after an oil change.
I guess the oil level too high warning doesn't count?
Appreciate 0
      02-17-2009, 04:15 PM   #17
octironSmith
Private First Class
22
Rep
184
Posts

Drives: TiAg 135i, SGM X5 xDrive50i
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Atlanta, GA

iTrader: (0)

Is there a way of getting an oil pressure reading through the "hidden" OBD menu people have talked about? Maybe that can then be compared to the manufacturer spec.
Appreciate 0
      02-17-2009, 05:15 PM   #18
wnta135
Private First Class
wnta135's Avatar
2
Rep
194
Posts

Drives: 2008 Sedona Red 135i
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: South Carolina

iTrader: (0)

Oil pressure is not on my obd/ipod interface.
Appreciate 0
      02-17-2009, 05:17 PM   #19
m3bs
Captain
m3bs's Avatar
62
Rep
657
Posts

Drives: 95 S54 M3, X5, GT4, GR Corolla
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: North Augusta, SC

iTrader: (1)

RTFM, page 117.

The indicator will display ">MAX" if it is in an over filled condition.
Appreciate 0
      02-17-2009, 06:08 PM   #20
stovesax08
Second Lieutenant
7
Rep
269
Posts

Drives: 135i, X5 45e
Join Date: Feb 2008

iTrader: (0)

I stand corrected. Sorry 'bout that. After 3 n54 oil changes of putting in 6-6.5 quarts, I have not had any problems with too little oil. I wonder at what point the car will tell you that it is ">max"
__________________
135i Coupe-Manual, Montego, Lemon, HG Black, sport, premium, CA, HiFi, Ipod/USB, heated seats
Appreciate 0
      02-17-2009, 07:27 PM   #21
m3bs
Captain
m3bs's Avatar
62
Rep
657
Posts

Drives: 95 S54 M3, X5, GT4, GR Corolla
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: North Augusta, SC

iTrader: (1)

I know from years of experience with my E36M3 that adding nearly a full quart extra does not cause problems, and helps prevent starvation on the track. I don't know about the N54, but I suspect it can also handle a significant amount of overfill before it causes problems. I plan to stick with 7 quarts for now.

I changed mine in the 135 recently just so I would be assured of a full crankcase. It may take a while for me to get confidence in the e-dipstick. I saw no change in 6200 miles. Maybe in the future BMW will let us pay for an optional $500 mechanical dipstick!
Appreciate 0
      02-17-2009, 10:34 PM   #22
Gogud
Private
15
Rep
86
Posts

Drives:
Join Date: Oct 2008

iTrader: (0)

I guess it was only a matter of time until this someone posted an oil fill question on this site. Make sure the car is level when you drain the oil. The oil drains out of the filter housing but you are going to change the filter anyway.
Lets stop and think about this a moment. When you go to the dealer for an oil change, do they put in 6, 6.5, or some other number of quarts of oil and tell you to drive around and keep an eye on the level for a few days?
It takes 7 quarts. SEVEN. Don't worry. If you feel nervous about it, have your wife hold your hand while fill the crankcase.
Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 08:36 PM.




1addicts
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST