[F87_LCI]

So after only 6,000KMs (3,750 miles) I had an "engine oil low" warning pop up last night. "add engine oil as soon as possible" lol...that's a bit ominous.

Seems a bit soon for this to me. Normal?? No puddle/drips in my garage, so don't think there is a leak.

Anyway, here's the dumb question...what type of oil comes in the N55 from the factory? regular, synthetic? What's the best to use?

Just want to make sure I don't put the wrong stuff in.

thanks,

LSB

[chiefneil]

Full synthetic. If you have a BMW dealer nearby just buy a few quarts from them. Otherwise get a full synthetic that's BMW LL-01 certified. The dealer will also top you up for free if you feel like making an appointment (I'd just as soon it do it myself to save time).

Your user manual has detailed information on suitable oils to use.

[Elk]

Approved oils:

Castrol Syntec European Formula SAE 0W-30

Mobil 1 SAE 0W-40

Pennzoil Platinum European Formula Ultra SAE 5W-30

Valvoline SynPower SAE 5W-30

[Halsifer]

What they said above! ^^

Also you can ask BMW Genius about all the approved and recommended oil, that's what I did.

Keep in mind, it's a high pressured, high performance, extremely hot engine. It's normal to go through some oil, especially with forced induction. Some vehicles may consume oil more than others. BMWs and Audis will definitely consume oil based off my experience, especially if you drive it pretty hard. 1 qt gone in 4k miles isn't bad, especially since it does burn more oil during break-in.

[F87_LCI]

Was able to find this one at Crappy Tire.

Originally Posted by Elk

Approved oils:

Castrol Syntec European Formula SAE 0W-30

SO i guess the days of pulling the dipstick and checking the level are gone, lol! just found out i need to use the vehicle diagnostics via the iDrive. Fancy.

Thanks for the help guys.

[Presario]

Do not buy anything or spend your own money. You don't need to make an appointment at the dealership either. Just drive to your nearest dealer and they'll top you off for free in like 15 minutes.

[dude987]

Unless you drove it like you stoled it, it is not normal.

[snowghost]

Yes my first F30 had the light on at just under 700 miles..WTF!!!

Probably the factory or VDC screwed up!

[visor]

Doesn't your dealer throw in a spare litre bottle in your trunk, like mine does for my E46, E90, and F30?

[snowghost]

Not mine, but I did get an almost full tank of gas.

[F87_LCI]

lol, it was 7 bucks for a litre of oil guys...I'm not going to phone a bomb threat into BMW just yet. just wondering if it was normal or not. I have had a forced induction engine before and it did go through more oil than my NA engines typically, so I'm not entirely surprised.

...and yes i also got a "free" tank of gas with my 335, lol.

[Chris@codemybimmer]

Originally Posted by LagunaSecaBlue

lol, it was 7 bucks for a litre of oil guys...I'm not going to phone a bomb threat into BMW just yet. just wondering if it was normal or not. I have had a forced induction engine before and it did go through more oil than my NA engines typically, so I'm not entirely surprised.

...and yes i also got a "free" tank of gas with my 335, lol.

you should have free unlimited oil top ups for your warranty period

[rtb001]

Originally Posted by Elk

Approved oils:

Castrol Syntec European Formula SAE 0W-30

Mobil 1 SAE 0W-40

Pennzoil Platinum European Formula Ultra SAE 5W-30

Valvoline SynPower SAE 5W-30

Why are there different weights to the approved oils from different brands?

My dealer just told me any full synthetic oil at 5W-30 is fine.

[n55x3]

Originally Posted by rtb001

Why are there different weights to the approved oils from different brands?

My dealer just told me any full synthetic oil at 5W-30 is fine.

Any synthetic 5W-30 might work in a pinch but it's imperative that you use approved oil (and keep receipts) if you're doing a full oil change. I personally wouldn't use anything other than BMW's line of oil.

I just get it by the case and the parts guy always gives me a 10% discount so in the end it's equal price (and in some cases cheaper) to the oils listed above.

Different weights are approved for different climates.

[RoundelM3]

11K+ miles on my '13 F30, no oil added between changes from day 1 (oil changed at 7.5K). Could be a bad sensor - I would take the car to a dealer and make sure there's nothing else wrong.

[nicknaz]

Originally Posted by snowghost

Yes my first F30 had the light on at just under 700 miles..WTF!!!

Probably the factory or VDC screwed up!

I think so. I had to top up the coolant on my last E90 after 2200 miles and didn't have any issues after that. Things happen no worries

OP, my wife drives her 335 very conservatively and it still uses some oil (~3/4 qt in 15k miles). Don't worry about it.

[umkc]

This is why i don't trust these electronic sensors. I miss the good old days of dipstick ..lol

[335i_4D]

Originally Posted by LagunaSecaBlue

lol, it was 7 bucks for a litre of oil guys...I'm not going to phone a bomb threat into BMW just yet.

I don't think it was mentioned as a complaint, but rather as an advise.
Since there's no dipstick, very hard not to overfill.

It's all warrantied, so let them take care of it.
You don't want to be responsible for overfilling your engine.

[Fronzdan]

Around 3000 mi I got the engine oil at minimum light. I added a quart and it went away. I've read that that has happened to others. Funny how it goes from "full" to "minimum" with just a quart. I'd prefer a dipstick too