2003. 2.5 M54B25 engine oil consumption

[zriha]

Hi everybody, as you saw (maybe not) I am new to Z4. I got a nice looking and well cared for, 2003. Z4 with 191.000 km (now around 195.000 km).

I am new to the BMW and 6 cylinder engine, so I wanted to ask you, what is a normal oil consumption for this engine? I saw different information, and BMW states that it is ok even 1 litre per 1000 km.

Z4 has Motul 8100 X-cess - BMW LL-01 SAE 5W40 oil inside the engine.

Cheers everybody!

 

[MKZ4000]

I understood 1 litre per 1000 miles was in tolerance but you should get significantly more than that.

 

[Old-Duckman]

I’m a new Z owner too (February this year). 2004, 3.0, 52+K miles when picked up. 56+K now. The previous owner had the oil changed a day before I drove it home (nice man).

Anyway it has basically used little to no oil in 4000 miles. Level is at the top of the full mark on the dipstick.

A search should give much info on oil consumption. I know I’ve read quite a few but nothing much stuck in my mind.

I think the one liter per 1000 miles is just BMW covering their butt. CCV (crankcase ventilation) has been mentioned as a possibility as has leaky gaskets. I recall reading about those for possible excessive oil consumption.

 

[Mr Tidy]

I had a BMW 3 Series with the same M54 engine a while ago and between services at 87,500 and 102,000 miles it used 2.5 litres, so that was 5,800 miles (or around 9,000 km) per litre.

But yes, the BMW tolerance is pretty generous!

If your car is running OK and not using more than the BMW tolerance I wouldn't worry, although it may be worth checking for leaks anyway - typically they can leak around the cam-cover.

 

[zriha]

Thanks for the answers guys, well the car is running perfectly. We did this summer around 2200 km (the trip from Croatia to Tuscany and back), and I notice that I had to put about 1 litre of oil.

I was advised that this engine can be thirsty about the oil, and it is perfectly fine. The engine is great, no leaks or anything.

 

[Sticks]

Iirc I read that if the crank case vent gets clogged it will cause oil use, but I understand that it's easier to put up with that than change the CCV. No experience myself, but you'll probably find plenty of info online.

 

[zriha]

Thanks mate! Well, I will check with my mechanic. It is tolerable now, and I don't see any problem in engine working - it is really smooth, no ticking, nothing. I saw a lot of "fixes" about this oil problem. Like this popular 02 Pilot mod - [youtube]Fo2rLSzNzt0[/youtube]

 

[Brouse]

CCV is really not a bad job you just need a clear weekend to do it so you can take your time, the hardest (aka frustrating/sweary) part is getting the downpipe onto the crankcase breather pipe.

 

[zriha]

Thanks, Brouse, but certainly I wouldn't do it myself, I am not a skilled mechanic. This is too much for my limited knowledge.

 

[Brouse]

No worries, if you do end up wanting to do it I'm sure a forumer would help to save you the garage costs.

 

[Sticks]

If it's any consolation, in my yoof I had a 3 year old MG Metro. Used to use 1pt every 500 miles. So I had a can of Duckhams, with a tap and a milk bottle and every weekend, topped it up.

I feel old

 

[zriha]

Thanks

Well, regarding oil, my first car was 1972. VW Beetle, 1.6 air-cooled boxer engine, and it drank oil like crazy.

Thanks all for help! I think I will manage for now like this. It's not a daily driver.

 

[enuff_zed]

Could always use the method a mate of mine in the RAF had many years ago. He had a battered old Mini (a proper one).
The sump leaked, but he only used the car to get home at the weekends, so on a Sunday night, when he got back to camp, he stuck a drip tray underneath. The following Friday he would pull the drip tray out, pour the oil back into the engine and set off home!
To be fair though, this method only lasted him 6 months before the poor old thing ground to a halt :roll:

 

[zriha]

Well, the method is proven and I would say, really innovative.

But, wait a sec, an old Mini? Wow, that's nice Well, I have the new model (well, it is already becoming a classic - 2003. R50 Mini One ). And it has good oil maintenance.