The inital post states M[1] oil burns off quickly? I've run the 0-40 LL-01 M[1] for over 200k miles (about 50/50 SII change and 60% SII change), and have YET had to add SINGLE quart between changes. This has been on I-6 and V8 BMW engines. Even track days in 100 deg plus temps.

If your BMW burns oil, other issues are in play!

some bmw's burn oil, some don't. same with coolant, some mysteriously lose enough coolant to trigger the low level light between oil changes, but don't actually have any leaks.
under average driving conditions, I wouldn't worry about a quart between oil changes. anymore than that should get checked out. I think there is an SIB that says how much oil consumption is normal...

I think BMWs position on oil burn leans toward the excessive side. If their "normal" oil burn rate were not to consider improper engine break-in, they would have a lot of "no charge" engine rebuilds on their hands.

Broken in correctly and maintained well, I have yet to own a BMW that has needed a "top off" between changes.

BMW's position on oil consumption is exactly the same as many other manufacturers, and is the basis for qualifying 'excessive' for purposes of warranty repairs. It is in the order of 1 qt per 1000 miles. All that means is that you won't get warranty repairs to reduce oil consumption if you are using, for example, a quart every 2000 miles.

There is a difference between customer expectations, and warranty claims. Many would feel that a quart per 1000 is excessive.

I have used up to a quart per 5000 miles/8000 km, but only on the 3.0 X5. The same engine in lighter vehicles used next to no oil, as it wasn't working as hard due to the lighter vehicle.

I don't worry about adding a small amount of oil between changes. I haven't had to with recent 20,000 km oil changes.

Best thing you can do is stick with whatever oil the engine has been running. Switching oil isn't all that great of an idea. Also, if you do switch, stick to what ever you switch to.

This is a good listen for people wanting to learn a little about oils. Hit the little play button under the first picture. This is seriously worth your time to listen.

Synthetic Oil with Lake Speed, Jr. & Audi R8 | Adam Carolla's CarCast

Hate to revive this thread (again) but engines with high mileage may burn a small amount of oil due to seals being worn, its pretty normal to burn around 1/2-1qt between changes after youve reached the 100k mark. Main cause of oil consumption is improper break in. Most people fail to allow the seals to fully seat, of course propper break in process can prevent many other things but im just talkin bout oil consumption here

Sorry to share this. I do 5K oil and filter changes. NO burning or leaks. 180K on my 01'3.0 auto. What oil do I use? The 5/30W syn that follows all the certification and API guidelines. I buy 5 qt units from Walmart - Super Tech. Might go up to 5/40 if I can find it.
Locate the information on lubrication. It's all about certification. It's like the guy who buys a BMW when a MDX would have been just as good. It's more about driving style and how often you change it than the silly brand names.

:thumbup:

:iagree:+1

This is a detailers phrase but it is applicable here, as I abide by this mantra.

"Use what you love and be sure to use it often" this goes for all quality synthetic oils for our bimmers regardless of brand.

I personally love Rotella T6 so I change the oil with 8 quarts and an Oem filter every 9 months regardless of mileage (it's very rarely more than 5k), and I have no consumption issues, sludge etc and I imagine my M54 is very happy with me