gwf545

I have started using Valvoline Full Synthetic Max-Life 5W-30. It is for high mileage vehicles and has seal conditioners in it. I believe it meets BMW LL-01 and is identical in all other respects to Valvoline SynPower. I suspect that BMW leaky seal issues may be due to the recommended extended oil change interval of 15,000 miles. I have always changed my oil every 12 months regardless of mileage or every 5000 miles, 7500 miles max. This is cheap insurance. No leaks yet. Time will tell.

bmwrider2010

don't go for additives. get stem seals done then change oil every 7k miles to prevent same issue again

2004_545i

there was no way I was dropping another $XXXX on the car so i put a $20 additive and it fixed one of my 100 car problems. no more smoke at all

mag5qc

04-545i, 90k Just did the valve seals, cleaned the secondary air passages and replaced the air valves. Glad I did it but a word of advice to anybody considering this, drop the engine and you'll save tons of labor according to my mechanic. Had he just done the valve seals, it would've been OK to leave the engine in place, but secondary air passage blockages & subsequent cleaning go hand in hand with valve seal replacement. Lesson learned.

Also switched oil grade to Motul 8100 XCess 5W40. Nuff said.