[Mark e90]

I have just noticed that my electronic oil gauge had went from MAX to now one away from MIN. It has been 1800 miles and 6 month since I changed the oil and had it at MAX ( I do very little millage ). I read when it's at MIN you add 1 full litre so I have added 500ml but it hadn't moved the level still sitting in exact same spot !
My old car ( golf mk5 Gti ) used oil but this is widely known and accepted with that particular engine plus a lot easier to check the level as it had a dip stick.

What should I do. I'm concerned that I have topped up with 500ml and hasn't made a difference. It's just I have a long journey coming up and don't want to get caught short !

Oil I used when I done the last change was valvoline 5w30 fully synthetic. Also I have had a look under at the drain plug and no sight of any leaks. However the oil cap had a fair bit of oil round it but I wouldn't say any more that expected.

[M4rius]

It's normal to use 1ltr per 1000 miles , add another 250-300ml and you'll be fine

[Mark e90]

Originally Posted by M4rius

It's normal to use 1ltr per 1000 miles , add another 250-300ml and you'll be fine

Add that on top of the 500ml I have already added ? I'm just confused as to why it's not showing on the digital gauge

[Mark e90]

How does the gauge actually work anyway.

[I6Touring]

Originally Posted by Markcaughey

Add that on top of the 500ml I have already added ? I'm just confused as to why it's not showing on the digital gauge

How far have you driven since adding the oil? Takes a few miles to register the new level in my experience.

[Mark e90]

Originally Posted by balernoStu

How far have you driven since adding the oil? Takes a few miles to register the new level in my experience.

Not drove the car atol. Just let it run until it came up on the display.

[Efthreeoh]

Originally Posted by Markcaughey

How does the gauge actually work anyway.

See attached.

[I6Touring]

Originally Posted by Markcaughey

Not drove the car atol. Just let it run until it came up on the display.

Ok I'd maybe run it longer or take a drive, say 10 miles or so. When I've topped up the next reading is same as it was before, then moves a short time later.

[Mark e90]

Originally Posted by balernoStu

Ok I'd maybe run it longer or take a drive, say 10 miles or so. When I've topped up the next reading is same as it was before, then moves a short time later.

Think il do that then before adding anymore oil. Also I will be carrying 1l of oil with me from now on just incase I get caught short !

[Mark e90]

Took it a run today and it's went up one notch after adding 500ml. What do use recon I should add now ? I was thinking just another 250ml ?

[M4rius]

No need to add anything ,it's right in the middle between mi and max .Another 500ml will show max .

[Mark e90]

Think i will just add another 250ml and that should take in up one more notch. Il be happy at that and will need to buy 1l of oil to carry with me at all times in the car.

Do these cars burn oil faster with lots of short stop start journeys or do they burn oil faster on a long distance run ?

[coloradoe92m3]

FYI the oil your using is thinner than recommended . BMW 5w30 is really a 40 weight and has same properties as mobile 1 0w40. You are using thinner oil and especially as engine ages and rings loosen you'll lose much more oil into combustion chamber which obviously gets consumed

[E81]

Originally Posted by coloradoe92m3

BMW 5w30 is really a 40 weight and has same properties as mobile 1 0w40.

Not true. BMW 5w30 is 30 weight, otherwise it would be out of spec and not allowed to be sold as 30 weight. It is at the heavier end of 30 weight viscosity chart but still 30 weight.