[saber9555]

2012 BMW 335is Coupe
Original oil changed at 7400 mi. (First oil change).
I assume that the dealer gave me my sample and not one contaminated with
other car samples from the drain pan.

Everything looked good except for the amount of metals present. They think this may have been from the initial "wear-in."
They said to change again in 7500 mi. and send another sample.
Aluminum and manganese were well "above average."
Does their logic seem reasonable to you folks?

[Efthreeoh]

My first oil change was at 17,000 miles on my '06 325i (N52). I did not take a sample and send it to a lab for $25. My car now has 218,000 miles on it, with 17,500 OCIs. Just change your oil every 7,500 miles (for your peace of mind) and save the $25 per oil change. After 13 oil changes I've saved $325 on oil analysis.

Just my opinion.

[m_thompson]

My N51 engine shows Aluminum, Copper, Magnesium, Manganese, Molybdenum, and Potassium above average. Some of this may be due to the hybrid Aluminum/Magnesium block.

Its pointless to send an oil sample in that early in an engines life given all the break-in metals you'll find. Just stick to the 7500 mile oil changes for the next 2 or 3 times and THEN retest if you'd like.

[gtaccord]

You don't have to send an oil analysis in every oil change but it is helpful to build a pattern ie do two or three in a row and then do one a year if you are really worried about your engine. I usually do it just to establish an oci and then I stop.

[Surly73]

Originally Posted by saber9555

2012 BMW 335is Coupe
Original oil changed at 7400 mi. (First oil change).
I assume that the dealer gave me my sample and not one contaminated with
other car samples from the drain pan.

Everything looked good except for the amount of metals present. They think this may have been from the initial "wear-in."
They said to change again in 7500 mi. and send another sample.
Aluminum and manganese were well "above average."
Does their logic seem reasonable to you folks?

Yep.

There's no real point in analyzing the factory fill. It will be full of all kinds of crazy stuff.

(kudos to you for bothering with a lab though )

[Jgcdude1]

The initial reading is correct regarding the metals.

What you should have done is changed your oil at the 1100 miles break in point. Your next reading, if you plan to analyze again, should be normal.

Originally Posted by Jgcdude1

The initial reading is correct regarding the metals.

What you should have done is changed your oil at the 1100 miles break in point. Your next reading, if you plan to analyze again, should be normal.

Umm, no, it usually takes at least a couple OCIs to get initial wear metals completely out of the system.

[uaizaz]

So you lot are using oil analysis and what not so I thought I'd ask a basic question. Well two actually pertaining to oil. I understand the BMW approved oil concept but I have a 07 335xi which miraculously makes oil go down to half between oil changes. Now up until my last oil change my car was under warranty so I'd simply take it in to the dealer who would top it off with 5w-30 saying its normal and away I go. Last oil change was done by a local shop with liqui moly( if that's how u spell it) 0w-40 as per usual it has burned through half of it. So I'm planning a long drive this wonderful sunny long weekend and all I have is the complimentary bmw 5-30 can I mix the two or is that a bad idea?

I wouldn't worry about mixing those oils at all, but I also wouldn't add any using half quart increments either. Although that amount of consumption may be "normal" I'd maybe try and change grades/brands/etc. until you find one that at least burns less of it. I realize that won't always "fix" things given various driving conditions, etc. but it's worth a shot. How often are you changing it?

[uaizaz]

Originally Posted by FCobra94

I wouldn't worry about mixing those oils at all. Although that amount of consumption may be "normal" I'd still try to figure out why you're burning to begin with. That and change grades/brands/etc. until you find one that at least burns less of it.

Thanks bud. This is the first time I've used non bmw oil. Will try a few diff brands. I recently had my ecu programmed as well would that matter?

[uaizaz]

Didn't read your entire message. My bad. I changed it according to the on board computer a few times then for peace of mind have started changing it when the computer reads approx 5000 km till next oil change. My new mechanic is adamant it should be no more than 5k total. So I'd say a range of 5-10k is now much I run it seems to consistently burn to the 3 1/4 point in a max of 3k of driving though.

[uaizaz]

Wait so if its less then a quart needed I shouldn't top it off??

Originally Posted by uaizaz

Wait so if its less then a quart needed I shouldn't top it off??

I wouldn't add any...that's just me though. These electronic oil gauges are too finicky when it comes to reading oil levels IMO.

[uaizaz]

Is there an actual dipstick ?

Obviously not...that's the problem.

[uaizaz]

Originally Posted by FCobra94

Obviously not...that's the problem.

I was just hopeful.

[gtaccord]

If it does not warn you about a low oil level then don't worry about adding oil.