is this a dirty little secret

[reynoldsenator]

I noticed the check engine oil level indicator illuminate twice in the last 24 hrs, I still have a few thousand to drive miles until my next next oil change. I bought my 05 x5 with 38k miles from the BMW dealership in Feb 09, the car has 41K miles currently. I called the service department at my dealership and they recommended after checking the oil level adding 1 1/2 quarts and i should be fine. Later today I was having a separate conversation with my friend who services all of our other cars and i mentioned the situation to him, he stated that it is a common, well know problem that X5's burn oil, so much so that if you push hard enough BMW will provide you with an announcement it sent to all of it's dealers on how to handle these complaints, stating that it is not unrealistic to have to add a quart every 1000 to 1500 miles! My friend stated that three of his customers have had this problem and all three, after severe push back received new engines from BMW. It was also stated that once the problem is documented with BMW they will give you a basic diary / forms to fill out
noting how often you have to add oil to the car. To be clear I love my X5 and hope this is not the case, my friend / mechanic would never make this story up. Any feedback or thoughts will be appreciated.

[JCL]

No, it is not a secret.

Many BMWs use some oil. I typically add a litre every 8000 km (5000 miles). It likely has some relation to break-in practices, but that is hard to prove. Back when we all did oil changes every 3000 miles, 25 years ago, it wasn't as much of an issue. One quart between oil changes wasn't unusual, and it was why gas stations sold oil. With up to 15,000 miles between changes now, it is natural that occasionally some oil will have to be added. My dealer provides top-up oil in my trunk, in a BMW case with a funnel and gloves.

BMW has, I believe, a policy that consumption up to and including one quart every 1000 miles is 'acceptable'. I would agree with you that it wouldn't feel very acceptable to me, but that is the published policy. Now, before you rant at BMW, know that when I worked at a Ford dealer, it was the same consumption (1 quart/1000 miles) before they would open up the engine. They used the diary forms as well. The 1000 miles isn't only a BMW figure, it is more of an industry cut-off point. Yes, it seems like a lot. Do a search on oil consumption, and see how many threads are on here about it. So no, it isn't a secret.

[realchef]

01 4.4i 49k
Not EVEN close to that type of oil situation. Barely 1/2 qt every 3k. I probably push it harder than you do.

You need to question that info IMO.

The following thread will add info.

[realchef]

I withdraw my statement about questioning that info. JCL is like a God.

Mine doesn't use that much though.

[jsears]

Originally Posted by realchef

01 4.4i 49k
Not EVEN close to that type of oil situation. Barely 1/2 qt every 3k. I probably push it harder than you do.

You need to question that info IMO.

The following thread will add info.

I am probably right around there with RealChef, don't burn that much oil.

And I treat every on/off ramp and freeway as a race track!

[motordavid]

Pages of threads on "oil consumption" topic, via the Search Tab:
Xoutpost.com - Search Results

Most, if not all, possible opins&advice have already been covered...

As JCL noted, it is BMW's position that "normal consumption
parameters" will cover your your situ, as you described.

A couple of other things to consider: you may have received
the car a half to full qt low, and your oil sensor may be "touchy"
or glitching. If not, then you are on the uglier side of the oil
consumption bell curve. I doubt BMW will open up your engine,
let alone replace it.

I would top it up to the full line, drive it for a couple thou
and see what you get. As for the few thou more before your
next change, remember that BMW offers an "annual oil change"
if the calendar year is up, since the last change.
Welcome to the Board and Good Luck,
mD

[killcrap]

That bullitin was released to address 528eta engines that comsumed too much oil from cylinder #6. That bulltin hardly applies anymore. 3.0l x5 engines consume a lot of oil. And is considered normal. Updating the crankcase vent valve or driving lightly doesn't fix it either. When checking cylinder leakage all cylinders will be in spec. The fix is to purchase a v8 4.4l/n62 4.6is or 4.8is