[RMRC]

The N54 appears to kill oil in as little as 1,000 miles. Fuel dilution is the problem and is common in most new US direct injection engines, including the RS4. Take a look at the fuel % readings and the related flash points (see link) of four test samples after just 1,000 – 1,250 miles (240, 280, 225 and 255). With the engine’s normal operating temp is 240 this can't be good. Any engineers, chemists or tuners on the board care to comment?

http://theoildrop.server101.com/foru...e=0#Post982527

[revah2]

At 2k miles my 335i was already low on oil.
No biggie though, brought it in and added some oil- took 2 minutes.

[RMRC]

Originally Posted by revah2

At 2k miles my 335i was already low on oil.
No biggie though, brought it in and added some oil- took 2 minutes.

Consumption isn't the problem. It's the fuel dilution that breaks the oil down and lowers the oil flashpoint to normal operating temps or lower.

[e.n335]

What is the problem ? I am sure BMW tested the N54 a couple of 100.000 miles multiple times. Nobody has engine problems here. What is wrong ?

[sdiver68]

My break-in oil analysis showed 2.4% fuel, but unless you exactly follow the directions for taking the sample it is known that fuel ratio can read high. Since the shop admitted to not following the procedure, I haven't been too worried about it.

If it's still an issue next time, then I might look into it.

[AR230WAKEBOARDER]

I am using redline 5-30 and have not added any oil with 6k mi oil changes and 20k on the clock. So...doesn't seem to be a problem.

[RMRC]

Originally Posted by e.n335

What is the problem ?

The problem with high fuel dilution is best explained by RI_RS4 over on the other site. "Fuel dilution in the engine, which is also a problem with the 335i, causes all of those oils (he mentioned all the BMW and Audi approved oils they’ve tested) to break down within 3K miles, causing increased wear, viscosity shear, high consumption, and deposit formation." While this isn't an immediate problem, especially for those who lease, it may be a problem down the road for those who bought their cars and intend to keep them for a long time or those who track their car and experience oil temps far in excess of the oil's flash point after it breaks down.

I don't know if this is a problem or not. I’m just seeking the opinions of those with enough expertise to provide a solid opinion. This is why I asked if chemists, engineers or tuners had any comments.

[e.n335]

Originally Posted by reb03

The problem with high fuel dilution is best explained by RI_RS4 over on the other site. "Fuel dilution in the engine, which is also a problem with the 335i, causes all of those oils (he mentioned all the BMW and Audi approved oils they’ve tested) to break down within 3K miles, causing increased wear, viscosity shear, high consumption, and deposit formation." While this isn't an immediate problem, especially for those who lease, it may be a problem down the road for those who bought their cars and intend to keep them for a long time or those who track their car and experience oil temps far in excess of the oil's flash point after it breaks down.

I don't know if this is a problem or not. I’m just seeking the opinions of those with enough expertise to provide a solid opinion. This is why I asked if chemists, engineers or tuners had any comments.

Ok. My oil is since 3.750 miles in my car's N54. The engine burns oil as every engine, but I cannot measure it with the car's sensor. Virtually it burns zero oil. I am willing to verify the issue. What do I have to do ?

[zenmaster]

I just ordered a blackstone labs sample kit. Will report results for a ~8K mi oil change.

[RMRC]

e.n335 - you're missing the point. See post #3. If you don't know or don't understand the question please don't respond.

[toofasttooslow]

I think that most of us realize that the BMW standard oil changes at 15k miles are ridiculous. I would never try to get my oil (no matter what brand) to last that long in a high-revving turbocharged engine. That's ludicrous. Keep to a normal (frequent) oil change schedule and you will never have to worry about low viscosity levels in your oil.

[ex-poster]

Reb03 - answer e.n335's question.

If you can't, maybe it's YOU that shouldn't be posting.

Eugen has a legitimate question.

[e.n335]

Originally Posted by reb03

e.n335 - you're missing the point. See post #3. If you don't know or don't understand the question please don't respond.

U can be sure I understood the question. It's up to you to tell me how to verify .

[ATG]

My 335i e90 became low on oil only at 9700 miles. That actually occurred yesterday. Added a quart -- back to the maximum.

[Acap14]

all that means is change your oil every 3 to 5k and youre fine. alot of bimmers eat oil, oh well. the idea of not changin oil past 5k is a performance engine is insane in the membrane.

[bnj]

Originally Posted by ATG

My 335i e90 became low on oil only at 9700 miles. That actually occurred yesterday. Added a quart -- back to the maximum.

Quality matters. Not just quantity.

[e.n335]

Originally Posted by Acap14

all that means is change your oil every 3 to 5k and youre fine. alot of bimmers eat oil, oh well. the idea of not changin oil past 5k is a performance engine is insane in the membrane.

+1. I don't race and change oil every 6.500 miles. IMO this is a healthy interval for my application. Did an oil-change after break-in as well and use Castrol edge.

- Eugen

[zenmaster]

As far as I know, ALL of the important factors to oil quality are exposed in the oil analysis report. Given that, *IF* an independent lab results show your oil properties are fine at 15K mi then why is it "crazy" to not follow BMW's schedule?

[e.n335]

Originally Posted by zenmaster

As far as I know, ALL of the important factors to oil quality are exposed in the oil analysis report. Given that, *IF* an independent lab results show your oil properties are fine at 15K mi then why is it "crazy" to not follow BMW's schedule?

You can be happy when the oil-filter survives 15K miles. This number is from the marketing compartment ...

[RMRC]

Maybe I need to rephrase my question and my intention is not to start a pissing match. I’m simply looking for opinions as to whether fuel dilution, rapid shear and low flashpoints should be a concern for longer term engine health/life? Looking at the report fuel dilution is high and flashpoints have dropped to levels close to or lower than the engine’s normal operating oil temp not to mention the 285-290 I see on track. The oil samples have at most 1,250 miles. I’m not asking about consumption because most of our cars are too new to have consumption problems. I’m told European 335s don’t have this dilution problem due to a leaner burn.

[zenmaster]

Originally Posted by e.n335

You can be happy when the oil-filter survives 15K miles. This number is from the marketing compartement ...

Presumably, a failing oil filter would easily be indicated in such a report.

[bnj]

Does anyone have a healthy report after 15k?