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2003. 2.5 M54B25 oil problem again

Discuss problems you have had or are having with your Z4
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zriha
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2003. 2.5 M54B25 oil problem again

Post by zriha » Sat May 08, 2021 1:07 pm

patriot66 wrote: Sat May 08, 2021 10:58 am Sounds like a plan However, as a matter of improving the driving experience by improving lost engine torque then yes I agree with rebuilding your VANOS, but having done it myself I am almost 100% certain that oil consumption will not be affected at all
Thanks mate!

Well, first report:
a. As I don't have a garage, I am 99% confident nothing is leaking from the above - valve cover, even the oil filter gasket, From under the car, as I could see, nothing, but as I said, I specifically asked the mechanic after an oil change is there leaks under the car, he said no. And speckles were before the oil change.

b. The thing that is a good sign - white paper test - first test - no oil speckles on the paper on both exhaust pipes. After cleaning the exhaust pipes with high-pressure water and break cleaner, I left the engine running and then checked - no oil speckles.

So, what would be the conclusion?

First - yes, the car is eating oil, about 1 litre on 1.500 km, reading other forums about this engine, there are some fixes, and it is a common thing - https://www.e46fanatics.com/threads/oil ... e.1120823/

Second - oil is not coming from the engine thru the exhaust pipe and then out of the car.

Where the oil speckles are coming from? I think I will need a proper garage, to jack up the car, disassemble bottom shields and clean everything with break cleaner, then drive, then check again.
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2003. 2.5 M54B25 oil problem again

Post by patriot66 » Sat May 08, 2021 1:15 pm

You're getting there :thumbsup:
Sterling Grey '03 2.5i SE / Infinitas Supercharger / S.M.G / Hardtop / Gloss Black 162s / Bilstein B4s / 3.0i Brakes / DLV De-Cat & Silencer / Rebuilt VANOS / Sonar 2Xcite Lights / Carbon & Alcantara Trim / M-Sport Seats / ...& Side Covers !

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2003. 2.5 M54B25 oil problem again

Post by Smartbear » Sat May 08, 2021 1:15 pm

zriha wrote: Sat May 08, 2021 9:15 am Thanks gents for suggestions. Well, the front right shock absorber leaked oil, and I change them both a week ago. The oil was on the front right fork and everywhere, but it is clean now.

The whole thing started when the car was on detailing and they washed the engine and protected with something.

Then I changed the air filter, and I noticed that the exhaust pipes were black, so now I have OEM, and maybe (looking at the Rachel post) the MAF was reading wrong data because of the Pipercross filter.

What I did:
checked the car, no leaks

What I will do, is a simple old school test, start the car, put white papers at the back of the exhaust pipes, let it warm up, and then rev it. If it is spitting oil, then I know there is a problem.

Researching about these engines, a lot of them has oil drinking problems, there are a lot of possible solutions, Vanos is one of them.

Weekend is here, I will take my time also I will clean exhaust pipes as much as I can.
A worn out vanos will reduce the low end torque of the engine but i can’t see how it could lead to oil consumption issues. Have you got a link which details this? :?
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2003. 2.5 M54B25 oil problem again

Post by zriha » Sat May 08, 2021 4:37 pm

patriot66 wrote: Sat May 08, 2021 1:15 pm You're getting there
Thanks mate, well, as I said, maybe (on reading other thread), colb said: Faulty Maf, not registering the correct amount of air passing into the throttle body, if its over reporting the ECU will see this as a lean mixture much the same as extra air from holes or splits as in No.1.

And maybe now everything will settle with OEM air filter, as MAF will register the
Smartbear wrote: Sat May 08, 2021 1:15 pm A worn out vanos will reduce the low end torque of the engine but i can’t see how it could lead to oil consumption issues. Have you got a link which details this?
correct amount of air (with high flow Pipercross the measurements were bad maybe).

I can't find the link now, but some US forum about M54B25 engines. Also, here are the common two fixes - https://www.zroadster.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=45716

Has anyone tried 02Pilot Mod ?

Also,
patriot66 wrote: Sat May 08, 2021 1:15 pm You're getting there
you did the Vanos yourself? Is this what I need? https://www.ebay.de/itm/Premium-Reparat ... 2663021249

How did you do it? Is it manageable without the garage?

Thanks! :)
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2003. 2.5 M54B25 oil problem again

Post by patriot66 » Sat May 08, 2021 7:08 pm

This is the X8R kit I used. It includes just about everything to complete the job including VANOS seals and new bearings/rattle washers :thumbsup: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/323530773198
You need to be reasonably confident, competent and experienced in car repair/maintenance to do a VANOS rebuild and you need a decent selection of tools. Look at this step by step guide and decide if it is within your capability :thumbsup: http://www.beisansystems.com/procedures ... cedure.htm
The main issue when carrying out a VANOS rebuild on a M54 engined E85 Z4 is access...or the lack of it :roll: You will need to either lever/bend the front cross-member forwards very slightly to allow removal and refitting of the VANOS unit (I did this) or some people have loosened a front engine mount and jacked-up the engine from below to also gain a bit more room.
If in doubt about any of it then it may be wise to speak to your mechanic about doing it :thumbsup:
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2003. 2.5 M54B25 oil problem again

Post by zriha » Sat May 08, 2021 8:25 pm

patriot66 wrote: Sat May 08, 2021 7:08 pm This is the X8R kit I used. It includes just about everything to complete the job including VANOS seals and new bearings/rattle washers
Thanks, mate, I see there is a valve gasket also here, I just did that. Regarding the job, I am reasonably confident, but as I see instruction, I will be more confident to give that to the mechanic. :) :) And also give him your tips! :)
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2003. 2.5 M54B25 oil problem again

Post by Smartbear » Sat May 08, 2021 9:18 pm

zriha wrote: Sat May 08, 2021 4:37 pm
patriot66 wrote: Sat May 08, 2021 1:15 pm You're getting there
Thanks mate, well, as I said, maybe (on reading other thread), colb said: Faulty Maf, not registering the correct amount of air passing into the throttle body, if its over reporting the ECU will see this as a lean mixture much the same as extra air from holes or splits as in No.1.

And maybe now everything will settle with OEM air filter, as MAF will register the
Smartbear wrote: Sat May 08, 2021 1:15 pm A worn out vanos will reduce the low end torque of the engine but i can’t see how it could lead to oil consumption issues. Have you got a link which details this?
correct amount of air (with high flow Pipercross the measurements were bad maybe).

I can't find the link now, but some US forum about M54B25 engines. Also, here are the common two fixes - https://www.zroadster.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=45716

Has anyone tried 02Pilot Mod ?

Also,
patriot66 wrote: Sat May 08, 2021 1:15 pm You're getting there
you did the Vanos yourself? Is this what I need? https://www.ebay.de/itm/Premium-Reparat ... 2663021249

How did you do it? Is it manageable without the garage?

Thanks! :)
Plenty of info in that link about faulty ccv systems but nothing about the vanos causing oil burning problems, i don’t think it’s possible.
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2003. 2.5 M54B25 oil problem again

Post by zriha » Mon May 10, 2021 10:46 am

Smartbear wrote: Sat May 08, 2021 9:18 pm Plenty of info in that link about faulty ccv systems but nothing about the vanos causing oil burning problems, i don’t think it’s possible.
Rob
I agree with you, sorry, still learning about this engine. I didn't have these problems when I drove Mazda, now, I am just getting familiar with terms like CCV and Vanos.

The most major fault of Mazda's Miata 1.8 engine was the faulty ignition coil, and that's it. This car, well, if it isn't so pretty, I would dispose of it immediately. :) I feel like I am having Alfa Romeo (and I never had one..but BMW as they say, is German Alfa Romeo) :D
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2003. 2.5 M54B25 oil problem again

Post by Mike6 » Mon May 10, 2021 6:22 pm

Do you know what oil your mechanic used. If he put in something like 0/30 then at your mileage thats far too thin. Think of '0' as being like water when hot and its nor surprising it will be getting through oil. I would suggest something like 10/40 might curb the cars appetite for oil.

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2003. 2.5 M54B25 oil problem again

Post by Smartbear » Mon May 10, 2021 8:51 pm

Mike6 wrote: Mon May 10, 2021 6:22 pm Do you know what oil your mechanic used. If he put in something like 0/30 then at your mileage thats far too thin. Think of '0' as being like water when hot and its nor surprising it will be getting through oil. I would suggest something like 10/40 might curb the cars appetite for oil.
With a multi grade oil the first number is the viscosity from cold, so a 0/30 will behave like a zero weight from a cold start & a 30 weight at full operating temps :thumbsup:
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2003. 2.5 M54B25 oil problem again

Post by Haro » Mon May 10, 2021 9:45 pm

Smartbear wrote: Mon May 10, 2021 8:51 pm
Mike6 wrote: Mon May 10, 2021 6:22 pm Do you know what oil your mechanic used. If he put in something like 0/30 then at your mileage thats far too thin. Think of '0' as being like water when hot and its nor surprising it will be getting through oil. I would suggest something like 10/40 might curb the cars appetite for oil.
With a multi grade oil the first number is the viscosity from cold, so a 0/30 will behave like a zero weight from a cold start & a 30 weight at full operating temps :thumbsup:
Rob
Oil numbers are based on viscosity at ambient temperatures, w stands for winter not weight. 0w30 would flow from -35 to +35, add 5 and it goes up temperature wise the same, 5w30 would be -30 to +35. Add 5 to the top end and the same applies 0w40 -35 to + 40

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2003. 2.5 M54B25 oil problem again

Post by Smartbear » Mon May 10, 2021 9:59 pm

Haro wrote: Mon May 10, 2021 9:45 pm
Smartbear wrote: Mon May 10, 2021 8:51 pm
Mike6 wrote: Mon May 10, 2021 6:22 pm Do you know what oil your mechanic used. If he put in something like 0/30 then at your mileage thats far too thin. Think of '0' as being like water when hot and its nor surprising it will be getting through oil. I would suggest something like 10/40 might curb the cars appetite for oil.
With a multi grade oil the first number is the viscosity from cold, so a 0/30 will behave like a zero weight from a cold start & a 30 weight at full operating temps :thumbsup:
Rob
Oil numbers are based on viscosity at ambient temperatures, w stands for winter not weight. 0w30 would flow from -35 to +35, add 5 and it goes up temperature wise the same, 5w30 would be -30 to +35. Add 5 to the top end and the same applies 0w40 -35 to + 40
Thanks for agreeing with me :P
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2003. 2.5 M54B25 oil problem again

Post by zriha » Tue May 11, 2021 7:50 am

Mike6 wrote: Mon May 10, 2021 6:22 pm Do you know what oil your mechanic used. If he put in something like 0/30 then at your mileage thats far too thin. Think of '0' as being like water when hot and its nor surprising it will be getting through oil. I would suggest something like 10/40 might curb the cars appetite for oil.
No, it is the oil I provided - Shell Helix Ultra - BMW LL-01 SAE 5W40 .
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2003. 2.5 M54B25 oil problem again

Post by zriha » Fri Jul 16, 2021 9:40 am

Update: I changed the PCV Crankcase Vent Valve, part number: 11617501566 and there are no more speckles on the bumper, but I also cleaned the exhaust system and did over 1.000 km. I think this was some dirt in the system.

Now everything is ok! :)
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