[WhatADream]

Hey guys, im a newby on these forums, and just picked up my 09' 335i a couple months ago.
It seems that I get a low oil light every 1000-1500 miles and I have to add a quart.
Is this normal? It seems crazy! what could be wrong? where should I look?
Sorry for not using the search button, I had limited time to research.
thanks...

[smallseafishie]

How many miles are on the car?

for comparison, mine takes a quart every 8k miles.

[E90_boostjunky]

inspect the engine bay for leaks. Or when you get home tonight lay a piece of cardboard under the car and see if it leaks ( i just remembered we have a cover nvm).

[ttribe]

Every 1,000 - 1,500 miles seems excessive. My E60 M5 (5.0L V10) used a .5-1 liter approx. every 5k miles, by way of comparison. I'd have two things checked - 1) the oil fill sensor; and 2) have the engine checked for leaks. Are you seeing smoke at all or smelling burning oil?

[techwhiz]

Excessive.
Less than a quart about 8k miles. I usually top up at about 5K, 10K and then go for the oil change. I never get the light.

[335iaz]

Excessive for sure!

[cuiter23]

Definitely too much, older cars burn a lot more oil. My friends 89 prelude changes at around 1.5k kms (1k mls). An e90 of ANY year should not be burning a quart every 1k mls.

[3er BMW]

Originally Posted by WhatADream

Hey guys, im a newby on these forums, and just picked up my 09' 335i a couple months ago.
It seems that I get a low oil light every 1000-1500 miles and I have to add a quart.
Is this normal? It seems crazy! what could be wrong? where should I look?
Sorry for not using the search button, I had limited time to research.
thanks...

Problem with PCV-system ?

[fenixxishot]

I currently have a small leak in the oil filter housing and need to replace the gasket. Its not critical but it needs 1L of oil every 3k -3.5k. So i would suspect you may have a similar issue. Just a heads up if this is your issue the part is dirt cheap but its like a 500 dollar repair because of labor. However I will definitely be doing it myself. Relatively easy to do just takes a very long time.

[Monster900]

Originally Posted by fenixxishot

I currently have a small leak in the oil filter housing and need to replace the gasket. Its not critical but it needs 1L of oil every 3k -3.5k. So i would suspect you may have a similar issue. Just a heads up if this is your issue the part is dirt cheap but its like a 500 dollar repair because of labor. However I will definitely be doing it myself. Relatively easy to do just takes a very long time.

It's more like $1200 repair. Don't ask me how I know

[TheTal0n]

oil filter housing gasket? Mines leaking right now. lulzzzz...

[fenixxishot]

Originally Posted by Monster900

It's more like $1200 repair. Don't ask me how I know

Well you got royally screwed because Momentum BMW in Houston just quoted me 550. I just ordered the part for like 10 bucks I think and I'll take care of it myself.

[Monster900]

Originally Posted by TheTal0n

oil filter housing gasket? Mines leaking right now. lulzzzz...

330 shouldn't be this much as you don't have direct injection=lest parts to take off.

[Monster900]

Originally Posted by fenixxishot

Well you got royally screwed because Momentum BMW in Houston just quoted me 550. I just ordered the part for like 10 bucks I think and I'll take care of it myself.

That was two years ago.

[WhatADream]

the car has about 50k miles on it. I now just got a P2A87 and 3100 Vanos Plausibility Check engine code

Im taking it in on Wednesday to get the vanos solenoid replaced and perhaps the oil filter housing gasket.
Ive never seen a car consume so much oil!

[TheTal0n]

Originally Posted by Monster900

330 shouldn't be this much as you don't have direct injection=lest parts to take off.

1 of the 3 bolts is stripped. right by the lower coolant hose. I took off the hose, I couldnt even get anything wrapped around it. so it discouraged me.

[pracklam]

Rule out any leaks first. The cardboard as mentioned helps to determine if have a leak, and it's probably best to temporarily remove the plastic underbody cover so any leaks will drip in general area below leak. With the underbody cover on, it could tend to funnel drips away from leaking area. You also need it off so you can look up into the engine compartment to check for leakage.

Although you are probably not losing much oil from the leaky oil filter housing gasket, I would replace it as it could cause oil contamination of the coolant as the gasket gets worse. Check valve cover gasket for any signs of leaking. If you find no large leaks try the following: After car sits for several hours, wipe finger inside exhaust tip to check for large amounts of black, oily deposits. A light coating of dry, dark brown residue is normal. Remove a few spark plugs and check for oily deposits. Normal plug should be dry with a light tan or brown color. Blue smoke out the exhaust while idling could indicate worn valve guides or maybe just worn valve seals. Remove oil fill cap while idling. If excessive smoke blows out there could be worn rings. If any of these items are questionable, have a leak-down test and compression test performed to determine if rings are leaking.

[bmodzelewski]

man mine is more like a qt every 750 - 800 miles... dealer found no leaks and i dont have any smoke coming out of the tailpipes

[Jnat]

Most manufacturers say one quart per one k miles. Whether u accept that or not is up to u!

[mike5809]

BMW will say there is no 'issue' unless it consumes a quart of oil every 1,000 miles of less. My Z4 consumed about a quart every 2,000 miles. On the other hand, I have never had any oil loss in my 335i - I change the oil every 7,500 miles and only once did it register oil loss (which was at a 1/4 of a quart).

I don't necessary agree with BMWs 'standard' about no issue unless less than 1,000 miles.

[F32Fleet]

Originally Posted by jnat

Most manufacturers say one quart per one k miles. Whether u accept that or not is up to u!

+1. Plus piddling around in urban traffic doesn't help. Our cars engines are built to run.