530e60

Engine Oil Level Low Warning flashed on a couple of occassions. The E60 expert at the local dealerships says that it is ok for these modern day engines to burn some oil given their long oil change interval (25,000 kms or 15,000 mile oil change interval). And also due to the fact that manufacturers are now pumping more power due to new technology while keeping the engine sizes the same, more or less. They will be top the vehicle's oil with 1 or 2 liters. The vehicle currently has 11,000 kms (or 6,800 miles).

I wonder if any one else:

1. Noticed the same warning in their vehicle

2. Been given the same explanation from their service advisor.

Thanks!

BMW530

Haven't done that many miles yet. I did get a low oil warning on the E46 320iSE 3 years ago after 4000 miles but did not get any warning at all on my E46 325iSE at all. Both similar type of engines ie. the M54 series which is also used in the E60s currently for the 6 cylinder petrol models.

paasan

I've been told it isn't uncommon for newer cars to burn a little oil - especially during the break-in period. I believe I've also read somewhere that a consumption of around 1 liter per 1 000 km is not to be considered abnormal.

Our car wasn't properly filled up with oil on delivery, and it had to be topped off with around 1,5 liter after 4 000 km as the warning light came on. We're now at 12 000 km, and the oil consumption seems completely insignificant. We did however have an oil service the other day, but that was simply for the comfort of the engine and the fact that it's beneficial not to wait too long for the first oil change.

Oil consumption seems to depend slightly on your style of driving. In order to keep it at a minimum, it's essential to be slightly cautious with the car until the engine heats up properly etc. Constantly beating the car around would probably increase the amount of oil being burned, no matter the temperature of the engine

Ultimately, a solution to cure eventual oil consumption, in spite of every precaution being followed, may AFAIK be switching to an oil of another viscosity.


-paasan

Rudy

The one thing that surprised me during my six years of E39 ownership was that I never saw the low oil warning. Of course my oil was always serviced to BMW's recommendations on both cars by the dealer -- I just never, ever, had to add any oil.

Believe me, I drove the cars hard -- harder than most I'm sure.

The E60 now has over 3000 miles on it and again, no oil consumption whatsoever.

ricky

My 530d E60 (jan 2004 build) has 5700 km. , after a normal control a BMW mechanic filled 1 Kg. saying that it is normal and Oil consumption seems to depend , in a significant measure, on my aggressive style of driving.

Of course no low oil warning in dash console or I-drive screen.


I didnt know that, when you switch on motor, the remaining km showed before suggestion for first control higly depends on your style of driving.

tubbee

Hi there,

I just collected my E60 last Thursday and was surprised to find half a litre of Castrol Engine oil in the boot.

My sales rep told me that the car might need a top up before it's first service. So he told me to check the oil level every few months. He says all new owners get the oil....

tubbs

NickP

tubbs; where are you located?