Oil consumption & analysis

[Mikulski]

I have put 2500 miles on the car since I bought the car (oil changed when purchased) and I just received the +1 quart of oil warning message. I figure this is about right for early model E92 M3s but it does make me question whether the original owner adhered to the break-in period process.

I heard you could do an oil analysis to check metal contents which would give you a good idea if the rod bearings were about to go. They apparently take a sample of your oil nearthe end of your oils lifetime and send it to an independent lab. Either way for $50 it seems like a cheap preventative measure to avoid replacing the entire camshaft. I just hope the analysis is legit and not some way to get people to replace the rod bearings. Has anyone ever did this "oil analysis"?

[Nordstat]

http://www.blackstone-labs.com/

[Someone?]

How many miles are on your car? a quart after 2500 seems to be A LOT of oil missing, my car is newer but it hasn't burned/missing any even after 9500 miles.

[skypx]

There's info out there that claims the first 20 miles of a new engine's life is the most important. I recommend researching that info to get a better understanding of why some ///M cars burn oil.

[Mikulski]

Originally Posted by Nordstat

http://www.blackstone-labs.com/

Thanks I am going to check them out to see what my results are and I will share.

Originally Posted by ibmike

How many miles are on your car? a quart after 2500 seems to be A LOT of oil missing, my car is newer but it hasn't burned/missing any even after 9500 miles.

I currently have 56,XXX miles right now. From what I have read it seems like the data is suggesting that over 5000 milesis most common(and obviously preferable). But would you say that burning more oil is inadverently damaging the engine in some way?

Originally Posted by skypx

There's info out there that claims the first 20 miles of a new engine's life is the most important. I recommend researching that info to get a better understanding of why some ///M cars burn oil.

M3forum's thread a good discussion about this:

http://www.m3forum.net/m3forum/showp...3&postcount=42

Which leads me to believe that an improper break-in would cause the piston rings to incorrectly seal and create excessive oil consumption

[Candide13]

Have you added the quart already? Add just half a quart and wait what it says; in my case it went to 3/4 full after that, others have reported that it went all the way to max! The oil gauge is not accurate. Half a quart on 2500 miles would be completely ok in my book. BMW "allows" up to a quart per 1000 miles, which most people would not be happy with.

[drifts500]

My 08 M6 is random...there was no oil consumption before hitting 31,000 miles, but after I added three quarts total..now 34,700 miles. I do not even have to change oil if I add up one quart per 1000 miles lol....I hope the oil level indicator is not damaged...

[Mikulski]

My mistake I actually only added half a quart at 2500 miles. As of now I am almost at 4000 with about 900mL added so far (and it is at the full mark). So I guess there isnt really much to complain about right?

I thought I heard some ticking noises and I decided to go ahead and get the rod bearings done. I want the peace of mind knowing my camshaf isnt about to go BOOM. I dropped the car off last night so it should be ready by saturday sometime. I will give an update on this thread and share my info and oil analysis data when it comes in.

[dogears]

Who in Jersey do we trust with the bearing job?

Originally Posted by Mikulski

My mistake I actually only added half a quart at 2500 miles. As of now I am almost at 4000 with about 900mL added so far (and it is at the full mark). So I guess there isnt really much to complain about right?

I thought I heard some ticking noises and I decided to go ahead and get the rod bearings done. I want the peace of mind knowing my camshaf isnt about to go BOOM. I dropped the car off last night so it should be ready by saturday sometime. I will give an update on this thread and share my info and oil analysis data when it comes in.

[Mikulski]

Originally Posted by dogears

Who in Jersey do we trust with the bearing job?

I went with Tom from ACM in Fairless Hills NJ. It is a bit of a drive but I am confident he will do an awesome job. Looks like we have the same car - mine has 58,XXX miles. I just got the car couple months ago and from the best of my knowledge the previous owner's wife drove the car daily. It is from my experience and opinion that men generally know more about cars than women so I am nervous if she beat on the car before the oil was at optimal temperature (i mean no disrespect). Rather be safe than sorry.

[dparm]

Some cars consume oil and some don't. It's just part of the manufacturing variances.

If the rate of consumption is constant, I wouldn't worry. (i.e. it consumes 1qt every 5,000mi)