oil consumption

[EK]

Hello!

I've just got a brand new z4 3.0si roadster (2007) and noticed that its oil level dropped a bit after about 2,250 km. The guys at BMW say this is quite normal for 3 lt engines, but I would like to know if any of you owning same car have experienced a similar situation.

[Samiad]

My oil level took a drop after 3000 miles, although that did coincide with a *very* spirited 1600 mile drive. :rocks:

[561design]

The engines do consume a large amount of oil before the first oil change. After that oil conumption will go down.

[EK]

Thanks dudes! See, I also own a Alfa Romeo Spider (91 model), which when it comes in oil issues it's a real pain in the ass. So, having experienced all sorts of oil problems with it I've become really cautious about the subject. But BMW is another thing, oh yes!

:rocks:

[AlterEgo]

Originally Posted by EK

Hello!

I've just got a brand new z4 3.0si roadster (2007) and noticed that its oil level dropped a bit after about 2,250 km. The guys at BMW say this is quite normal for 3 lt engines, but I would like to know if any of you owning same car have experienced a similar situation.

How could you tell, without the dipstick?

[EK]

The car has an electronic indicator displaying the kmeters oil service is required. I've been told that this is the way to check oil in this very car. Dunno guys, really dunno as I am used myself in the old fashioned stick-y way...
Any help welcome.

[AlterEgo]

OK then. I don't have my car yet - less than a month before delivery - so please try to bear with my silly questions.

Does the oil indicator show the actual oil level, oil usage or does it use a combination of sensors to determine servicing schedule?

Exactly how much oil was used (and I mean exactly, not some estimate or guess) - 2250km I would imagine that during the first run-in phase of the engine there might be some oil use in the order of even a litre. Not all engines use very much oil, some do and some more than others.

So when you state that the oil level "dropped a bit" - what does this mean?

My current car - a Subaru Legacy 6 cylinder uses 1 litre every 12500km. It used about double this amount in the first 10000km. I don't find this at all concerning. I check the oil 2 or 3 times in this period and top up as necessary. To me this is perfectly normal.

I would be concerned if the car used 1 litre per 1000km, as this could run the engine dry between services, if not checked.

[561design]

Originally Posted by AlterEgo

Does the oil indicator show the actual oil level, oil usage or does it use a combination of sensors to determine servicing schedule?

Yes, on your gauge cluster it shows oil level along with how many miles left before getting an oil service.

[takedown8]

Originally Posted by 561design

Yes, on your gauge cluster it shows oil level along with how many miles left before getting an oil service.

That must be new 'cause mine doesn't have it.

[EK]

Indeed, that ''s" in the latest generation of z4s bears some nice surprizes. BMW consider it as ''upgrades''. Nonetheless, regarding the oil thing, I havent dared to put my hands in as the retailer's technician was crystal clear: you will change the oil and the filter when the car tells you so. No changing in the first 2k km as it's used in other, mainly older cars, nor in the 10k km as most drivers do. I've been told all these after I drove my car to their shop to change filter and oil after the first 2k km - they saved me 140 euros but that's not the case.

In respect to the indicator you only have to turn the ignition on and you see in the screen a number by the phrase Oil Service. H'ever, there's also a button -they'll show you when the car is to be delivered to you- which once you push it it starts counting the oil within (it's a five stage scale, where full=five). Last time I did it the measurement revealed that oil level was one grade below, with the remark "OK".

Well, as I wrote previously I was very cautious with the oil issue thanks to my Alfa Spider. Z4 introduces a brave new high-tech world though and I think I like it! You see.

ps. regarding how clever the indicator is not to only measure the quantity of oil but also its quality, I'm looking forward to finding an answer too.

[inTgr8r]

Originally Posted by EK

.....
ps. regarding how clever the indicator is not to only measure the quantity of oil but also its quality, I'm looking forward to finding an answer too.

As far as "quality" goes there is only one way to be sure;
That is by taking oil samples for testing.

[takedown8]

Originally Posted by EK

In respect to the indicator you only have to turn the ignition on and you see in the screen a number by the phrase Oil Service. H'ever, there's also a button -they'll show you when the car is to be delivered to you- which once you push it it starts counting the oil within (it's a five stage scale, where full=five). Last time I did it the measurement revealed that oil level was one grade below, with the remark "OK".

Why don't you just tell us which button you're talking about?

[EK]

the (two) button(s) located right behind the driving wheel, as you see it from the drivers seat; right above its axis one can say and under the two 'tube-like nests of speed and engine rpm indicators.

their shape is similar (but smaller of course) to that 'search' emoticon button here below:

[takedown8]

Press them at the same time?

[AlanL]

Just the one on the right.