Bmw does not recommend the engine being warm when checking or topping up the oil. Both BMW Dubai and Gothenburg told me this. Also, is it possible that the engine had too much oil in it before it leaked?

As for the milky stuff in the oil, sure it could come from the ccv pipes/hoses but that's just an indicator to a faulty headgasket. I've had my fair share of overheating or milky bmw engines over the years and changing the ccv, rocker gaskets, hoses and even manifolds might make it a bit better but it will not last.

If you do decide to start the car eventually, check the exhaust for white or bluish smoke, uneven idle, engine temperature, coolant level and rough acceleration. These are the prime indicators for a blown head gasket.



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How do you know the head gaskets are fine?

Since you aren't going to do the work yourself I don't see any reason to try to troubleshoot the cause. As mentioned, get a diagnosis and estimate and bring it back here for input if you are concerned it may not be accurate.

Whatever you do DON'T start it. Checking the oil won't tell you anything. You could have lost two quarts of oil and gained two quarts of coolant.

[QUOTE=Awntchi;1070044]Bmw does not recommend the engine being warm when checking or topping up the oil. Both BMW Dubai and Gothenburg told me this. Also, is it possible that the engine had too much oil in it before it leaked?

As for the milky stuff in the oil, sure it could come from the ccv pipes/hoses but that's just an indicator to a faulty headgasket. I've had my fair share of overheating or milky bmw engines over the years and changing the ccv, rocker gaskets, hoses and even manifolds might make it a bit better but it will not last.

If you do decide to start the car eventually, check the exhaust for white or bluish smoke, uneven idle, engine temperature, coolant level and rough acceleration. These are the prime indicators for a blown head gasket.


Checking oil level
Approximate capacity is 8.2 US quarts/ 7.8 liters.
Oil consumption depends on driving style and operating conditions.

1. With the engine at operating temper- ature, i.e. after at least 6 miles/10 km of continuous driving, park the vehi- cle in a horizontal position
We recommend that you mix the
stick out and wipe it off with a clean lint-free cloth, paper towel, or similar material
2. Switch off the engine
3. After approx. 5 minutes, pull the dip-
4. Slide the dipstick carefully all the way into the dipstick tube and pull it out again.
The oil level should be in between the two marks on the dipstick
5. Slide the dipstick all the way into the dipstick tube again.

This is a direct pull from the X5 BMW manual.

[QUOTE=bcredliner;1070071]Yes i read this just when I bought my X and followed it when checking the oil. Until I took it to the dealer (Dubai) for a top up...its for free there. The technician told me to have a coffee as the car needs to be cool before checking the level and topping up. Same thing in Sweden minus the free part....they thought I was making a run for it and came after me telling me I have to pay haha

Nonetheless, I belive the issue in this thread is linked to a bad head gasket with the possibility of over filling with oil. My friend made this mistake with his 4.8is and the car basically threw up the excess oil, damaging the gaskets...resulting in the coolant entering places it shouldn't.

[QUOTE=Awntchi;1070097]FYI- The BMW procedure is not exclusive to BMW. That is the standard operating procedure for all vehicles so that the engine is not overfilled. I suggest you don't return to those dealerships.

^Well thank god I never had an issue with the car on that department...only a coolant leak many years ago.

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[QUOTE=bcredliner;1070103]BC is correct. Confirmed this with my pops Toyota manual.

The dealerships that add oil cold, are the ones that later end up replacing engines.

As a little perspective on the volumetric expansion... oil(general properties) measured at 7.8L @ 15°C will expand to 8.3L @ 100°C.

This is only a 6% increase, not massive.

Correct, yet think about it like this. Any mechanic or DIY enthusiast, is not going to stand there and measure out 7.8L. I know I won't. And I know my mechanic did not.

It goes down like this.

Mechanic adds oil. Checks dipstick. Adds oil. BMW HiPo engines are recommended to be filled to the top line on the dipstick. Mechanic does this, and send you on your way home.

You get home, and decide to check oil. Guess what, you are way past the high line. You go back to said mechanic, and get a second free oil change, and something else for time wasted.

I speak from experience. This mechanic was arguing with me that oil can be added and level checked when cold. Dick.

The X is the only car that I've taken to the dealer as i bought it almost brand new (1 year old) and had warranty, in addition to lack of experience with the oil consuming engine.

All my other bmw:s never consumed oil...at least not enough up bring up a warning on the dash. So i changed oil myself, making sure engine is somewhat warm when emptying the oil but when its time to fill up again the engine is cold....so i fill up with 90% of recommended amount, start engine for a few minutes then check the level and top up as needed. Never had an issue this way.

I've now given up on the dealer for obvious reasons, this forum provides more knowledge and support thanks to people like You! At least now I have more argue power should the indy attempt to take me for a ride!

Sorry for diluting this thread.

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