N54 oil consumption normal?

Mizipiman · 05-25-2012, 03:45 AM

I have a new 335is with 4300 miles on it. My oil light came on and said it was at minimum operating level, add 1 quart of oil. I called the dealer and the guy told me this was normal. Has anyone else had this? I had a Mercedes that was like that also and switched to BMW because of all the issues I had with the Merc.

Thanks,
Shane

cstavaru · 05-25-2012, 03:54 AM

It's not 100% normal for a new car to behave like this, with new turbos and brand new seals. At least it didn't happen to me. Maybe there was not enough oil to begin with ? If you drove the car very aggressively on a race track then yes, it could happen. Anyway, keep an eye on the oil consumption. You may also want look under the car, and also to take off the engine cover, pull the coils and check for oil in the spark plug holes, maybe the head cover gasket has some leaks.

tek818 · 05-25-2012, 04:47 AM

both of my N54s drank oil like that.

Alessandro · 05-25-2012, 06:45 AM

It's kind of normal my car behaves the same. But I do track the car a lot.

Randomaccess335 · 05-25-2012, 07:44 AM

Normal

spool twice · 05-25-2012, 08:06 AM

I've read it's normal as well. I only had one oil change and have added 1/2qt to mine in the past 5000miles (some leaked through the oil filter cap seal through my own improper installation).

TOS_335i · 05-25-2012, 08:43 AM

My car has never used any oil. I guess it just depends...

EastBayE90 · 05-25-2012, 08:58 AM

I go through about a quart of oil every month and a half. Usually more so when I'm raging on the car. But I'm at 63,000 miles so it's pretty normal. Put a quart in and keep an eye on it and see how fast it takes to say you need another quart.

Mike@N54Tuning.com · 05-25-2012, 09:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mizipiman

I have a new 335is with 4300 miles on it. My oil light came on and said it was at minimum operating level, add 1 quart of oil. I called the dealer and the guy told me this was normal. Has anyone else had this? I had a Mercedes that was like that also and switched to BMW because of all the issues I had with the Merc.

Thanks,
Shane

Its relatively normal as my car takes about a quart of oil every 5-6000miles. These cars seem to use oil and its not abnormal to have to top up once between oil changes.

Mike

Mizipiman · 05-25-2012, 11:38 AM

Cool guys. Thanks for all the info. I guess it's just a Euro car thing. Probably one of the reasons they take so much oil in the first place. I had the Merc that did the same thing but I didn't buy it new. Was just a lil surprised when the new car told me I needed oil. I haven't tracked the car yet but I do live in Germany so I am on the Autobahn a lot doing 100+ so guess it is about the same.

wtfmateim65 · 05-25-2012, 02:19 PM

Yeah I wanna hear from someone who DOESNT burn oil and actually DRIVES the car hard. Id say normal if you're on the autobahn.

Bighorns · 10-22-2012, 03:58 PM

I was worried about my car, until I found this thread. It seems that after several road-trips, with some spirited driving, my oil level light will come on. I'm glad to see this seems to be somewhat normal.

tres · 10-22-2012, 04:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wtfmateim65

Yeah I wanna hear from someone who DOESNT burn oil and actually DRIVES the car hard. Id say normal if you're on the autobahn.

I drive my car hard and it doesn't burn oil my 07 did but my IS doesn't and its tuned I guess every car is different

bbarker · 10-22-2012, 04:52 PM

My 335is burned oil after the first 5000 miles. I'm at 8000 now with no issues - hope I don't have to top off again but the dealership did it free of charge with no questions!

rismo · 10-22-2012, 05:11 PM

My first N54 had some minor periods of heavy oil abuse...My new (used / non tuned) n54 is just a oil addict... BMW stated that a litre per 2000-3000km seems to be acceptable....

kfrazie1 · 10-22-2012, 10:53 PM

my 07's (74000 miles) been drinking it lately. Added a quart over the last 1200 miles. Gonna try replacing check valve and hosing that goes from PCV system to rear turbo inlet. Check valve may be letting oil through.

krazyking · 11-01-2012, 07:50 PM

I think I've got a problem here. I changed my oil less than 6 months ago at 53k miles and now at 56 miles, the car shows that I am at MINIMUM?! That's crazy, how could I have burned all that oil in just 3k miles. I've checked and I don't see any leaks. I do drive the car pretty aggressively (no tracking), but that's about it.

Any ideas what it could be?

Gossypiboma · 11-01-2012, 08:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wtfmateim65

Yeah I wanna hear from someone who DOESNT burn oil and actually DRIVES the car hard. Id say normal if you're on the autobahn.

I drive the living piss out of my car. I am at 5K miles and still at max oil level as always, burns zero oil as far as I can tell. Tuned with Procede as well.

08' 335i 6MT w/ 25K miles

What is interesting is the LARGE variance in oil usage, makes no sense.

DanielGonz · 12-14-2012, 01:48 PM

Seems like mine has been thirsty. A quart in the past 6000 miles. Seems high for sure. Time for an oil change anyways.

Jeff@TopGearSolutions · 12-14-2012, 02:29 PM

I changed my oil every 7000 miles or so and therefore I never ran into an issue. I would expect some oil loss by 8000-10000 though on any car.

4000 and change seems a bit premature. The dealer should atleast top it off. I think the new oil from BMW is break in oil so it may react a bit different? Just thinking out loud here.

themyst · 12-14-2012, 03:21 PM

I remember when I got my 135i, it consumed a quart within 6000 miles. After that one freak occurrence the car hadn't lost a drop of oil.

Maybe something to do with the original factory oil? Who knows.

aussie_kc · 12-14-2012, 05:05 PM

Yeah it's odd how the consumption varies so much. My '08 was still at max when I last changed the oil after 10k miles. (I know, I got lazy. 7k mile intervals from now on).

05-25-2012, 03:45 AM	#1
Mizipiman New Member 9 Rep 27 Posts Drives: 2012 335is Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Germany iTrader: (0)	N54 oil consumption normal? I have a new 335is with 4300 miles on it. My oil light came on and said it was at minimum operating level, add 1 quart of oil. I called the dealer and the guy told me this was normal. Has anyone else had this? I had a Mercedes that was like that also and switched to BMW because of all the issues I had with the Merc. Thanks, Shane __________________ 2012 335is, DCT, Mineral White/Saddle Brown, stock everything. 2006 Dodge 2500/4X4, BADDASS 5,9L Cummins! 2004 Harley Davidson Softail 2010 Harley Davidson Street Glide
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05-25-2012, 03:54 AM	#2
cstavaru Brigadier General 327 Rep 3,262 Posts Drives: 2009 335i M Sport Sedan 6MT Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Bucharest, Romania iTrader: (0)	It's not 100% normal for a new car to behave like this, with new turbos and brand new seals. At least it didn't happen to me. Maybe there was not enough oil to begin with ? If you drove the car very aggressively on a race track then yes, it could happen. Anyway, keep an eye on the oil consumption. You may also want look under the car, and also to take off the engine cover, pull the coils and check for oil in the spark plug holes, maybe the head cover gasket has some leaks. __________________ Mods(click): Cobb + RB Turbos \| Aquamist HFS-4 Meth \| Drexler LSD \| Bilstein B12 Pro-Kit \| Custom K&N Apollo Intake \| Wagner Intercooler \| Macht Schnell Downpipes \| BMW Performance Power Kit \| BMW Performance Exhaust \| BMW Performance Short Shifter \| M3 Subframe Bushings \|
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05-25-2012, 04:47 AM	#3
tek818 Lieutenant Colonel 140 Rep 1,953 Posts Drives: 2020 X3M Competition Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Los Angeles, CA iTrader: (2) Garage List 2018 M3 ZCP [9.50]	both of my N54s drank oil like that. __________________ 2020 F97 X3M Competition (current) - 2018 F80 M3 Competition - 2015 F82 M4 - 2012 E82 135i - 2010 E92 335i - 2007 E92 335i
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05-25-2012, 06:45 AM	#4
Alessandro Major 112 Rep 1,043 Posts Drives: Audi RS5 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Canada iTrader: (8) Garage List 2011 335is [9.50]	It's kind of normal my car behaves the same. But I do track the car a lot. __________________ 19 Audi RS5 15 Audi S5 GIAC Stage 2 white 11 E92 335is DCT FBO 441 whp silver 08 E92 335i FBO 6MT 427 whp space grey 05 E46 M3 red
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05-25-2012, 07:44 AM	#5
Randomaccess335 Captain 69 Rep 868 Posts Drives: 07' 335I Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: boynton beach, Fl iTrader: (11)	Normal __________________ JB4 G5 ISO , AR DP's, DO Meth kit Trunk Mount, ETS 5" Intercooler, M6 Rims, ER Charge Pipe, Fordged DV's, MMp relocated inlets, Ebay 4" chrome Tips, Lux Angel Eyes ********11.910 @ 117.091.851 60'*********
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05-25-2012, 08:06 AM	#6
spool twice Rainbow Racer 1019 Rep 2,540 Posts Drives: BMW M4cs Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Tampa Bay, FL Area iTrader: (7) Garage List 2019 M4cs [0.00]	I've read it's normal as well. I only had one oil change and have added 1/2qt to mine in the past 5000miles (some leaked through the oil filter cap seal through my own improper installation). __________________ -Loe P.- Prior Car:'14 Audi S5 3.0t DSG [ APR ECU/TCU \| Pullies + basic bolt-on mods \| 10.861@127.90mph ] Current Car: F82 M4cs \| TT-RS \| On Order: i4 M50
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05-25-2012, 08:43 AM	#7
TOS_335i bs_335i 4 Rep 80 Posts Drives: 2009 335i Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Shavertown, PA iTrader: (1) Garage List 2009 BMW 335i [0.00]	My car has never used any oil. I guess it just depends... __________________ Cobb Stage 2+FMIC \| CP-e DPs \| CP-e DCI \| ETS 5" FMIC
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05-25-2012, 08:58 AM	#8
EastBayE90 Formerly (-(ellblazer420 48 Rep 703 Posts Drives: 07 E90 335i M/T, 15 F80 M3 DCT Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: SF East Bay, CA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 BMW 335I E90 [8.84]	I go through about a quart of oil every month and a half. Usually more so when I'm raging on the car. But I'm at 63,000 miles so it's pretty normal. Put a quart in and keep an eye on it and see how fast it takes to say you need another quart. __________________ (410whp 445ft/lbs \| DCI + Meth Only) OpenFlash OTS Stage 1 Flash \| Vishnu PWM Meth Kit \| Vishnu DCI\| Forge DVs
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05-25-2012, 11:38 AM	#10
Mizipiman New Member 9 Rep 27 Posts Drives: 2012 335is Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Germany iTrader: (0)	Cool guys. Thanks for all the info. I guess it's just a Euro car thing. Probably one of the reasons they take so much oil in the first place. I had the Merc that did the same thing but I didn't buy it new. Was just a lil surprised when the new car told me I needed oil. I haven't tracked the car yet but I do live in Germany so I am on the Autobahn a lot doing 100+ so guess it is about the same. __________________ 2012 335is, DCT, Mineral White/Saddle Brown, stock everything. 2006 Dodge 2500/4X4, BADDASS 5,9L Cummins! 2004 Harley Davidson Softail 2010 Harley Davidson Street Glide
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05-25-2012, 02:19 PM	#11
wtfmateim65 First Lieutenant 18 Rep 305 Posts Drives: AW 92 335i JB4 Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Vegas iTrader: (2)	Yeah I wanna hear from someone who DOESNT burn oil and actually DRIVES the car hard. Id say normal if you're on the autobahn.
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10-22-2012, 03:58 PM	#12
Bighorns bimmer newb 15 Rep 334 Posts Drives: 2010 335i M-Sport Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Hi Dez CA iTrader: (0)	I was worried about my car, until I found this thread. It seems that after several road-trips, with some spirited driving, my oil level light will come on. I'm glad to see this seems to be somewhat normal.
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10-22-2012, 04:52 PM	#14
bbarker Enlisted Member 4 Rep 45 Posts Drives: 2012 335is Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Northern VA iTrader: (0)	My 335is burned oil after the first 5000 miles. I'm at 8000 now with no issues - hope I don't have to top off again but the dealership did it free of charge with no questions!
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10-22-2012, 05:11 PM	#15
rismo Captain 81 Rep 911 Posts Drives: BMW E92 335 Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Europe iTrader: (0)	My first N54 had some minor periods of heavy oil abuse...My new (used / non tuned) n54 is just a oil addict... BMW stated that a litre per 2000-3000km seems to be acceptable.... __________________ BMW 335 E92 09 - Full options - DKG - MHD by Buraq - RB Next Gen - RB Inlets/Outlet - Forge Diverter Valves - AR Catless DP - Afe Intake - Helix IC - FuelIT Stage 2 LPFP - Ar Oil Cooler - PPK Water Cooler - M3 Suspension - JRZ RS1 Shocks - Eibach Pro Springs - Drexler LSD - BMW IS Exhaust - Carbon Endurance Brake Pads - Stainless Steel Brake Lines - M101 Wheels - Michelin PS2 - M-Tech Body - M-Strutbar BMW M550i G30 2019 - BM3
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10-22-2012, 10:53 PM	#16
kfrazie1 Lieutenant 65 Rep 553 Posts Drives: 335i Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: NY iTrader: (4)	my 07's (74000 miles) been drinking it lately. Added a quart over the last 1200 miles. Gonna try replacing check valve and hosing that goes from PCV system to rear turbo inlet. Check valve may be letting oil through. __________________ Montego Blue E90 335i 7" VRSF IC \| OFT Tune \| DCI \| RB PCV \| Secondary CAT Delete & CYBA 3.75" Tips \| M3 Front \| Mtech Rear \| CSL Trunk \| 219M \| KW V1 \| AA CP
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11-01-2012, 07:50 PM	#17
krazyking Lieutenant 17 Rep 476 Posts Drives: '08 E92 BMW 335Xi Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Boston, MA iTrader: (3)	I think I've got a problem here. I changed my oil less than 6 months ago at 53k miles and now at 56 miles, the car shows that I am at MINIMUM?! That's crazy, how could I have burned all that oil in just 3k miles. I've checked and I don't see any leaks. I do drive the car pretty aggressively (no tracking), but that's about it. Any ideas what it could be? __________________ '08 E92 335Xi - Premium, Cold and Sports Packages JB4 // AFE DCI // Matte Black Grills // MTEC Angel Eyes // CF Mirror Covers // Forgestar F14's
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12-14-2012, 01:48 PM	#19
DanielGonz Lieutenant 20 Rep 564 Posts Drives: AW E92 335i 6 speed Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: SoCal (OC) iTrader: (0)	Seems like mine has been thirsty. A quart in the past 6000 miles. Seems high for sure. Time for an oil change anyways. __________________ 07 AW E92 335 6MT [18" OEM 193's For Sale, PM me] OEM Aero Lip \| OEM Gloss Black Kidney Grills \| KW V2 \| Vorsteiner CSL trunk \| M-Tech Rear Bumper \| LCI Rear Taillights \| Angel ibright Angel Eyes \| 3000K HID fogs \| 6000k HID low beams \| AFE DCI \| Full LED conversion
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12-14-2012, 02:29 PM	#20
Jeff@TopGearSolutions 3472 Rep 79,211 Posts Drives: C6 Z06, 09 335i, 10 335xi Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: www.TopGearSolutions.com iTrader: (37)	I changed my oil every 7000 miles or so and therefore I never ran into an issue. I would expect some oil loss by 8000-10000 though on any car. 4000 and change seems a bit premature. The dealer should atleast top it off. I think the new oil from BMW is break in oil so it may react a bit different? Just thinking out loud here.
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12-14-2012, 03:21 PM	#21
themyst Major General 189 Rep 6,631 Posts Drives: '16 MK7 GTI Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: NYC iTrader: (8)	I remember when I got my 135i, it consumed a quart within 6000 miles. After that one freak occurrence the car hadn't lost a drop of oil. Maybe something to do with the original factory oil? Who knows. __________________ E90 LCI N54 6AT
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12-14-2012, 05:05 PM	#22
aussie_kc New Member 0 Rep 13 Posts Drives: E90 335i Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Kansas City iTrader: (0)	Yeah it's odd how the consumption varies so much. My '08 was still at max when I last changed the oil after 10k miles. (I know, I got lazy. 7k mile intervals from now on).
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