My X is a pig

hambone1983 · #1 05-31-2011, 04:31 PM

Just saw my 'Check engine oil level' light came one when shutting down.
So checked the dipstick and its barely any there. "kick the tires and swears".
The dealer changed the oil at 72k and now at 78k, noted it consumed 2 quarts of oil in 6k miles

Dealer refilled it and now wants to check again in a month or so, no leaks are to be found and no smoke, engine is running great... Dealer said 1 to 2 quarts every 6 to 8 k miles are normal for the 4.4i engine

... is this normal??

UCrewX5 · #2 05-31-2011, 04:39 PM

I wouldn't call that amount of oil use abnormal over 6000 to 8000 miles. Don't rely on the sensor, check the oil level yourself regularly.

JCL · #3 05-31-2011, 05:19 PM

and keep a log of when you added oil.

Not showing on the dipstick doesn't mean empty, it just means not at the correct level. There are 8 or so quarts in the engine.

It may not have been filled at the last oil change, which is why you need to establish actual oil consumption by logging it.

Ash977 · #4 05-31-2011, 05:29 PM

If you like to reduce this oil consumption, warm up the engine for about a min or two before you start driving…
When the engine is revving high, DON’T drive. Wait until the rev drops to the normal idle rpm. After the rpm dropped and you start driving, don’t step on the gas pedal until the engine is quite warm.

Try it for the next 6,000 miles and let me know.

JCL · #5 05-31-2011, 05:45 PM

Idling an engine with no load won't warm it significantly, so idling to try and warm it up results in an extended warm-up cycle, and increased engine wear. As soon as the idle speed is stable, usually 10 seconds or so, drive off, and keep the revs moderate until the engine is warm.

Ash977 · #6 05-31-2011, 08:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JCL

Idling an engine with no load won't warm it significantly, so idling to try and warm it up results in an extended warm-up cycle, and increased engine wear. As soon as the idle speed is stable, usually 10 seconds or so, drive off, and keep the revs moderate until the engine is warm.

I really don’t think one or two min of idling will result in any extra engine wear.

And

I have been doing this for a very long time and I never had to add oil between oil changes to any of my BMWs.

motordavid · #7 05-31-2011, 05:55 PM

And, the dlr may have done the nearly famous short fill oil change, as in 5 or 6 qts, not the full fill. Agree with all that 2 qts in 6k miles is possible, and esp if the oil change wasn't to full fill.
GL, mD

HPIA4v2 · #8 05-31-2011, 06:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hambone1983

Dealer said 1 to 2 quarts every 6 to 8 k miles are normal for the 4.4i engine

... is this normal??

Yep, according to BMW 1quart/750 miles is within normal spec of oil consumption. I read/heard that from Roundel BMW CCA magazine tech talk and part-dept guy at dealer. IMHO, if BMWNA can't explain why just say it's OK, case close.

hambone1983 · #9 05-31-2011, 07:54 PM

thanks for all the input here, this is why I love this forum!
I will keep an eye for the next 6k miles or so and monitor the oil consumption.
what a great piece of engineering!

J.Belknap · #10 06-02-2011, 02:48 PM

Good stuff JCL always a pleasure to read your posts.

One note to add from the car stuff 101 textbook.... the engine isn't ready to beat on when you feel hot air from the heater vents, or when the coolant needle goes to 12 'o clock, or when the cool 4.6 cluster amber lights on the tacho disappear. Only after the oil is up to temp should we apply full military power to the right pedal.

Sounds basic, but in the interest of the topic I just wanted to throw it out there for someone that might not yet be aware.