At how many quarts does CHECK OIL LEVEL come on? M54 consumption Q's...

[X5SND]

Check the oil filter housing gasket. The Check oil light means you're pretty low....if that much was leaking somewhere you'd definitely see it puddle out somewhere.

Edit: you did remember to top off AFTER the first run with the new filter right? That can sap up nearly half a quart.

[luvmy03E53]

A quick googling found this...

Yellow Or Red Oil Level Warning On Start Up Or While Driving On Your BMW


BT-dubs... I'll replace your oil level sensor if you replace my front wheel bearings...

[Ricky Bobby]

Originally Posted by X5SND

Check the oil filter housing gasket. The Check oil light means you're pretty low....if that much was leaking somewhere you'd definitely see it puddle out somewhere.

Edit: you did remember to top off AFTER the first run with the new filter right? That can sap up nearly half a quart.

I didn't change the oil yet man! I'm telling you that since my last oil change (November 2012, with 8 quarts of Shell Rotella T6 5w-40 and OEM filter) the CHECK OIL LEVEL light just came on today for the first time! I in no way shape or form think I have a huge leak, I just wanted to know how many quarts I have consumed over the past year and 4-5k miles, as I'm not used to oil consumption being "normal" on my cars.

I'll take a look at the area where the OFHG is supposed to leak from, if its dry then I guess I'm just consuming oil "within spec" lol.

And Gary, I appreciate the advice on the sensor but I don't think the sensor is my problem here, sorry if my post got misconstrued. I'm more interested into "what makes M54's consume oil" and "how much consumption is normal with my interval"

If you lived locally I'd definitely lend you a hand and teach you how to replace those bearings as long as you provided beer, tools, and cigars!

[Doru]

Ricky Bobby, check the dipstick and see where the oil level is. Between the min/Max level is roughly 1 qt. Below the min level using the dipstick, you probably have another qt to the bottom. Anything below is a guessing game. Top up the oil before you take her for a spin.

[racingbmwm3]

The light is 'supposed' to come on when you are 1 qt low, which is also at the Min mark on the dipstick.
1 qt every 5000 miles is fine. And typically, the harder you drive it (higher rpms) the more it will consume. And every engine is different. Some will burn 1 qt every few thousand, some will go the 15k interval consuming less than 1qt. It's when your car starts deviating from its normal behavior that you should start suspecting an issue.

The issue with the sensor going bad is when your light turns on randomly and your oil level is fine.

[X5SND]

Originally Posted by Ricky Bobby

I didn't change the oil yet man! I'm telling you that since my last oil change (November 2012, with 8 quarts of Shell Rotella T6 5w-40 and OEM filter) the CHECK OIL LEVEL light just came on today for the first time! I in no way shape or form think I have a huge leak, I just wanted to know how many quarts I have consumed over the past year and 4-5k miles, as I'm not used to oil consumption being "normal" on my cars.

I'll take a look at the area where the OFHG is supposed to leak from, if its dry then I guess I'm just consuming oil "within spec" lol.

LOL my brain decided to take a vacation yesterday cause it was NOT working for most of the day! (It's the cold weather & snow)

Re-read your post; I wouldn't be worried about you're consumption...I'd say it's within normal for your highway driving!