[BMWIRL]

Hi guys,

I have an 11 month old 316i (yes the 1.6 litre only available here in Ireland, Turkey and a few other places!)

Anyway a few months ago the oil light came on so I phoned the dealer - was told it was normal for a new engine to use a little oil like that. I bought a litre of oil and added it. Today, I checked the oil level and the indicator (while displaying "OK") is showing it's almost at the bottom of the 2 levels. Should I buy another litre, add it, and put it down to a new engine - or should I be in a mad panic at the dealer's door on Monday?!

Any advice/opinions appreciated

[DrGP]

Originally Posted by BMWIRL

Hi guys,

I have an 11 month old 316i (yes the 1.6 litre only available here in Ireland, Turkey and a few other places!)

Anyway a few months ago the oil light came on so I phoned the dealer - was told it was normal for a new engine to use a little oil like that. I bought a litre of oil and added it. Today, I checked the oil level and the indicator (while displaying "OK") is showing it's almost at the bottom of the 2 levels. Should I buy another litre, add it, and put it down to a new engine - or should I be in a mad panic at the dealer's door on Monday?!

Any advice/opinions appreciated

I would not be a happy camper. You did not say what you mileage is. Another question is, did you follow the manufacturer's recommendation for an easy break in(I DON'T). Bad thing is, the tolerances for oil consumption are set so high by ALL manufacturers, that they almost never have to take any measures to correct what you and would consider"excessive oil consumption" They feel 1 qt(litre)/1000 miles is "within normal limits". Its a cop out!

[John 070]

Never heard of a 316i, 318 but not 316. I don't understand why we can't get something like that, instead of a 45k 1 Series....

Anyway, I wouldn't like the low oil either, but as long as it's in the range, you're ok to wait and take it to the dealership. Sometimes it's not consumption but a leak, minor etc. Even something as simple as a pressure sender unit. Since you're under warranty, not to worry....my .02.

[BMWIRL]

Thanks for that - I should have given the mileage - approx 7,500 miles.

Given the low mileage it could be just "new engine" burn-in right?

I don't drive it hard and most of my driving (unfortunately!) is short urban trips.

Any more thoughts?

[Deda]

everything is cool.dont worry.

[742]

I wouldn't worry about it.

Different engines will consume oil at different rates. As long as it does not get out of hand it is nothing to be concerned about.

I have two VWs, one has always taken a quart every 2,000 miles while the other takes none between oil changes. Both seem to be healthy engines and I expect them both to last well into automotive old age. It is just the way these things go.

[Staszek]

I am not sure what the indicators are in terms of liters/quarts, but buring a little oil is natural. Up to a quart per oil change on some cars.

Every car is different, my E46 didnt lose a drop. Still doesnt at 178k, my E90 loses a quart between every 7500 mile oil change.

[DrGP]

Originally Posted by Staszek

I am not sure what the indicators are in terms of liters/quarts, but buring a little oil is natural. Up to a quart per oil change on some cars.

Every car is different, my E46 didnt lose a drop. Still doesnt at 178k, my E90 loses a quart between every 7500 mile oil change.

One qt/oil change IS OK. Unfortunately 1 qt /1000 miles is what BMW will say is "within acceptable limits"

[Staszek]

Originally Posted by DrGP

One qt/oil change IS OK. Unfortunately 1 qt /1000 miles is what BMW will say is "within acceptable limits"

That is a little crazy a quart per 1000 miles and I would be putting oil in almost every 2 weeks.

I cant believe that is acceptable.