Where is the oil going?
 

My dad has reported that the X5 3.0i has been using 1 qt. per 2000 miles now and it hasn't been that bad in a while. Recent maintenance has been valve cover gaskets and oil separator with hoses all within the last 15 months and 12k miles.

The valve cover isn't leaking. Would the oil separator and hoses need replacing again? What else could be leaking causing this oil loss?

2 years ago, oil consumption was 1 qt. per 8000 miles.

Sent while sittin' on the toilet

could the valve cover gaskets leak on the inside?

for an m54 engine, thats not that abnormal. How many miles? Do you know what oil you last used?

That sounds just about normal. My old E46 330 used to consume oil as well! It's not a big deal...just stay on top of it so the vanos doesn't get damaged...

I have very similar oil consumption. After a long time I realized that it's my oil pan gasket that's leaking like a bitch. I parked the car on a slant and when I pulled away I saw a massive puddle of oil. However, when the car is parked on level ground, no oil underneath. I also noticed that my oil consumption was quite low when I did most of the driving during an oil change interval in town. However, when I would take very long road trips (i.e. 3,000 miles or more), the oil consumption was down to way less than a quart.

I'd check your oil pan gasket. If it's leaking, the oil will accumulate on the aluminum under-body pan so you'll never see it leaking underneath the car unless you're parked on a slant which would allow it to spill out. Good luck.

i have an 04 4.4 and its sing about the same

BMW's 'within normal mileage' of oil consumption for an E53 are well less than your consumption; in fact that slight usage may be up for an award. Not saying it isn't leaking or being combusted more than what you have seen, but I haven't gotten more than 2k miles without being a qt down, in years.
GL, mD

Step 1: Start a log of actual oil usage. Write it down. Otherwise, it is heresay. Relate the oil consumption to any changes in driving, ie highway vs around town. Also check whether the oil being used has been changed to another brand or viscosity.

Step 2: Put clean newsprint under the vehicle. See if it is leaking in the morning.

Step 3: Watch the exhaust. See if you have clouds of blue smoke, not the white condensation that follows a cold start.

After all of that, if nothing provides any insight, relax, given that BMW won't even consider it high consumption until you get up to the quart per 750 miles range.

If you are using m1 oil, try anything else. That seems to help too.

....And here I was freaking out the other week about my less than 1qt over the duration of the of the service interval lights...about 11k km (6800ish miles)! Apparently I worry WAY to much! lol