Low oil after oil change

J

jaykay192

Member
Hi guys,
My oil is low again after about 4K from when it was changed from the previous owner. I thought this was a short since the car on done 36k. I've topped it up, but I'm thinking of doing the oil change again, for peace of mind. Do you think that is quick? I do give it a good drive when it's possible. Any advice would great.
Cheers
 
Top up, then change at 10k. Pointless to change after 4k.
M54 engine? Check for leaks and PCV system/valve.
Always use same weight/brand oil. Some have suggested 10w40 to alleviate oil consumption.
 
Could also be that it wasn't started and run after being refilled, and then the level rechecked once the oil filter had filled up and absorbed it's share! One of the reasons I always fill the filter/housing with oil when changing it. The M54's do like a little tipple though..

Mike
 
Thanks guys, it's the m52 engine, (3.0si) I'm not sure what oil he used and I used mobile 1 in the new one. I do have 8litres in the garage, I could change as I do have a pit and the oil is different brand castrol.
 
Whenever I have change my own oil I've not had problems with the level. The only two occasions a 'professional' has changed my oil it's been underfilled.
As you already have some oil about then change it yourself for peace of mind. Check it meets the spec though. If not I've been using syntium 5000 which can be had from ECP quite cheaply. Put EXACTLY 6.5 litres in, no less, no more. I find jacking each side in turn when draining helps get it all out. Then see how you get on from there.
 
Thanks guys for your help, I think I will. I'm going to be doing the gearbox and diff shortly and my service is due in the next 2k. I might as well
 
jaykay192 said:
Thanks guys, it's the m52 engine, (3.0si) I'm not sure what oil he used and I used mobile 1 in the new one. I do have 8litres in the garage, I could change as I do have a pit and the oil is different brand castrol.
Click to expand...

You have a N52 engine. Oil spec needs to be BMW LL04 spec.

Worth changing for peace of mind as you don't know what oil was used as you say.
 
jaykay192 said:
Thanks guys for your help, I think I will. I'm going to be doing the gearbox and diff shortly and my service is due in the next 2k. I might as well
Click to expand...

I personally think the schedule is a little too lax; here's a good starting point:

https://www.google.co.uk/#q=bmw+lifetime+maintenance+schedule
 
When you say the oil was low after 4k, how low? Did it need a 1 litre, or say 3 litres etc to top up?
1 litre over 4k probably isn't too bad or anything to worry about. Maybe a slight oil leak. If its a M54 the oil filter housing is a common area for example.
3 or 4 litres over 4k is a different matter, I would be looking at a major oil leak or PCV etc. Even internal engine issues (which are rare).
 
Only filled it up by a litre. Found out though the service hatch is missing :headbang: when I did the gearbox. I decided to wait till January as that was the last time it was done. I still havent seen any oil leaks on the ground or about the floor pan.
 
My point with draining completely was to see if it had been under filled in the first place. When you know 6.5 has gone in then any loss after is genuine, you can quantify how much and start planning what to do about it.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom