why does this car need oil after 800 miles?

[thebishman]

Just as a data point I received the add oil ASAP notice yesterday which is the first oil I've had to add. This was 2500 miles after the 1200 mile service.
Bish

[johntomferg]

Another datapoint:

Past 3500 miles on this past Tuesday.
break-in service was done at 1500 miles.

Have yet to have to add oil (before or after the break-in service).
1 liter bottle in the trunk for the pending event.

[jerseygirl]

thanks for the feedback everyone. a car that eats that much oil? i dont like it il pass

[stealth.pilot]

Originally Posted by jerseygirl

thanks for the feedback everyone. a car that eats that much oil? i dont like it il pass

Mine hasn't eaten any oil at 5000 miles.

[Bokke]

Got another "add a quart asap" today at 1,890 miles. First was around 650 miles. I am trying not to think this is a problem, but when you factor in the 1200 mile service it's every 600 miles.

[Captain Stubing]

5200 miles here and zero oil added. Just the 1200 mile break-in service.

[Tylerstar]

Just hit 4900 miles and it needs oil for the 3rd time.

[PappSchlumpf]

Very weird samples.. seems like is not consistent at all... the guys putting a lot of oil... could it be that you just drive the brains out of this thing ?

I will comment on my oil consumption once I get considerable mileage on it. I just passed the 2,000 km mark

[PrecisionP]

I don't like to see inconsistent readings as well. I put in 1 quart, then the break in service. 2nd quart was at 4000 miles

[dr.skp.ortho]

Asked for 1 Litre today.

1st Litre added at 3900km
2nd Litre added at 5300km
3rd Litre added at 8200km (today)

[boots]

My light came in yesterday at 2450 miles. 1st service was 1200 miles. I do get down on it when I can. That shouldn't make a diff though.

[stealth.pilot]

Now at 5900 miles and oil level is almost full. I have lost 1/5th of a quart. Pro rated this means I'm burning 1 quart per 20,000 miles.

I wonder if it is a cold climate behavior. My car has been driven in Miami.

[dr.skp.ortho]

Originally Posted by stealth.pilot

Now at 5900 miles and oil level is almost full. I have lost 1/5th of a quart. Pro rated this means I'm burning 1 quart per 20,000 miles.

I wonder if it is a cold climate behavior. My car has been driven in Miami.

My car has been driven in Australia in our Spring/Summer and it has been very hot here this season.

[johntomferg]

Originally Posted by stealth.pilot

I wonder if it is a cold climate behavior. My car has been driven in Miami.

Good theory, but then how cold is too cold?

Been driving mine in the 30s and 40s (F), still no oil consumption and past 4000 miles now.

I do get on it when it warms up above 50, but even then I can't be excessive without kissing the license good bye!



***

How about another theory... are you guys that are consuming oil driving the car hard before the oil temp warms up?

[Bokke]

Originally Posted by johntomferg

How about another theory... are you guys that are consuming oil driving the car hard before the oil temp warms up?

Not me, I have been very easy.

I am wondering if the dealer did not put enough oil in at the 1200 mile service or maybe I have been too easy?

[johntomferg]

Originally Posted by johntomferg

Another datapoint:

Past 3500 miles on this past Tuesday.
break-in service was done at 1500 miles.

Have yet to have to add oil (before or after the break-in service).
1 liter bottle in the trunk for the pending event.

Added my first quart last night. 51xx on odometer when I added the quart.

[I celebrated and marked it as milestone in the cars life. ]

[JOHNBMWM5]

Originally Posted by Bokke

Got another "add a quart asap" today at 1,890 miles. First was around 650 miles. I am trying not to think this is a problem, but when you factor in the 1200 mile service it's every 600 miles.

Frightening

[dr.skp.ortho]

Asked for 1 Litre today.
This is the 4th Litre I have added

1st Litre added at 3900km
2nd Litre added at 5300km
3rd Litre added at 8200km
4th Litre added at 10900km (today)

[avlnch]

I have owned many M's and AMG's, as well as some P's. All have something very important in common: following a proper break-in procedure.

It's important to remember that break-in means a lot to these high performance cars. Also, do not forget that you aren't just breaking in your engine.. you are also breaking in your DCT, M Differential, and other components. Follow the BMW recommended break-in procedure and be very strict about it. Remember to always vary your engine speed (and thus vehicle speed), and try to never maintain a specific speed/rpm for very long.

After you complete the required 1,200mi recommended break-in service, it's important to not let loose as you roll out of the service bay. You should slowly progress the car to higher and higher RPM limits. I recommend doing so over a 1,000 mile period, and following a post break-in schedule such as the one I use below:

1,000mi (Minimum) Post Break-In Procedure
Requirements: 105mph maximum speed, vary engine speed, no full throttle use, must limit rpm to 3,400rpm when below normal engine operating temperature.
+300mi: rev's kept under 5,500rpm
+250mi: rev's kept under 6,000rpm
+200mi: rev's kept under 6,500rpm
+250mi: rev's kept between 6,500-7,000rpm (progress rpm throughout period)
** At 2,200mi: First time you may start getting more aggressive with the car (full throttle use). Avoid shifts at maximum engine speed and avoid speeds above 140mph for another 900 miles.
** At 3,100mi: Consider your car fully broken in, and done so under the best possible conditions. Enjoy.

The critical point here (at ~1,200mi) is to not unleash the car immediately after the recommended break-in period and service. You don't have to follow the above schedule to do this, but its a good general guide to follow.. and I would highly recommend doing so. In addition, once you reach 2,200 miles, use caution (read above) for the next 900 miles (until you reach 3,100mi).

Additional Service Note: HIGHLY recommend that you perform an oil and oil filter change at 2,200 miles. You could count on their being at least some additional metal shavings 1,000 miles after the initial break-in service. I would also consider another oil change (can reuse oil filter this time) once you reach 3,100 miles (optional at your discretion). At this mileage mark, your M5 is considered fully broken in.


Related Components Break-In Period
- Clutch: 300 Miles. Then friction of the clutch achieves optimum potential.
- Tires: 200 Miles. Then achieves full traction potential.. use caution prior to.
- Brakes: 300 Miles. Follow proper bedding in procedure by reading this post. This will prevent brake noises (squeal) and maximize brake rotor and pad life.

I followed this break-in protocol with all my cars (3 E60's + many others) and I usually add oil every 6,000-7,000mi (minimum).

The first 2,200 miles (1,200 break-in plus 1,000 post break-in) sets the car up for the rest of it's life and sets its eating habits.

Break-in procedures are VERY controversial. Choose your method. Personally, the above works great for me every time.

[JOHNBMWM5]

I have covered 1000 miles in my LCI, and Oil level FULL, and I did give it a hardish brake-in.

UPDATE: had the 1200 mile service done, Oil changed from 5-30 too 0-30 as recommended by BMW, car feels smoother and a bit quieter, and warmed up in half the time.

The 0-30 oil must be better IMO.

[greentrbo95gst]

6k miles and not a drop added.

[DesertEagle50]

I'm at 6500 miles and the light just came on.

I checked it at 6k and it was totally full. wtf...