Why does the manual say not to top up oil? - BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum

jhbodle · 07-28-2005, 03:27 PM

In the user manual of both my old E46 and my new E90, it says to not add oil to the engine until the level on the dipstick (or computer in the case of the E90) falls to the minimum mark. At this point, you should add one whole litre.

Anyone know why this is? I don't feel easy about potentially running my new car with almost 1 litre of missing oil from the engine (not that it's lost any oil at the moment, but you know what I mean). What could possibly be the downsides of just topping up the oil when the level drops below maximum?

E90Fleet · 07-28-2005, 04:07 PM

Most top-up oil bottles are 1 Litre
Most people buy one and throw the whole thing in because they dont want to store the rest
Overfilling is VERY bad

So they play safe and tell people to wait till the whole 1 litre is needed

If you take care to only put in the amount of oil required and make shure not to overfill the engine, then topping up before the whole 1 litre is needed is fine

I have found most BMW's dont really need a top-up between services, they dont usually drink muh oil, unless its a //M model

David325Australia · 07-28-2005, 06:33 PM

The engine will require quite a few litres of oil to begin with, so it's only the first of say 5 or 6 (perhaps more) litres that would normally be in the enging that has to be replaced. Not much really. Your enging will be safe on the rare occassion it needs a top up.

Nothing to worry about, really.

Hope you are enjoying your 325 jhbodle.

I take delivery of mine on Saturday 30th July (tomorrow)

jhbodle · 07-29-2005, 06:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by David325Australia

The engine will require quite a few litres of oil to begin with, so it's only the first of say 5 or 6 (perhaps more) litres that would normally be in the enging that has to be replaced. Not much really. Your enging will be safe on the rare occassion it needs a top up.

Nothing to worry about, really.

Hope you are enjoying your 325 jhbodle.

I take delivery of mine on Saturday 30th July (tomorrow)

You are going to LOVE it! Don't worry if the engine seems a little weak at very low revs initially - this goes away during break in. The pull in 1st and 2nd gears is incredible!

dreemcache · 05-30-2006, 04:15 PM

b/c if u pay BMW for their oil, and maintenance, they make money!!! I just brought mine in for a check up, and they didn't hesitate to charge me for a 1 litre top off!!!!!! 10 euros!!!!!

windnsea00 · 06-06-2006, 10:47 PM

If your capable of topping off correctly than it's no big deal. BMW didn't want to deal with people over filling the oil which can cause blowby past the piston rings and damage emission equipment. It's a bit overkill but a possibility for someone who tops off too much.

07-28-2005, 03:27 PM	#1
jhbodle Captain Drives: E92 335i M Sport Individual Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: UK Posts: 614 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 E92 335i M-Spo ... [0.00] 2005 E90 325i SE (E ... [0.00]	Why does the manual say not to top up oil? In the user manual of both my old E46 and my new E90, it says to not add oil to the engine until the level on the dipstick (or computer in the case of the E90) falls to the minimum mark. At this point, you should add one whole litre. Anyone know why this is? I don't feel easy about potentially running my new car with almost 1 litre of missing oil from the engine (not that it's lost any oil at the moment, but you know what I mean). What could possibly be the downsides of just topping up the oil when the level drops below maximum?
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07-28-2005, 06:33 PM	#3
David325Australia Lieutenant Colonel Drives: E90 325i 6sp Auto Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Melbourne Australia Posts: 1,949 iTrader: (0)	The engine will require quite a few litres of oil to begin with, so it's only the first of say 5 or 6 (perhaps more) litres that would normally be in the enging that has to be replaced. Not much really. Your enging will be safe on the rare occassion it needs a top up. Nothing to worry about, really. Hope you are enjoying your 325 jhbodle. I take delivery of mine on Saturday 30th July (tomorrow) __________________ Jet Black E90 325i Step, heated black leather seats, dark wood trim, sports suspension, 17" 161 style mixed tyres, sun roof, sports steering wheel, logic 7, business nav. BMS Power Box set to Map 3.

05-30-2006, 04:15 PM	#5
dreemcache dreemcache Drives: 325i E90 Ti. silver Nav/iDrive Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Italy Posts: 24 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 325i E90 [0.00]	why not to top up b/c if u pay BMW for their oil, and maintenance, they make money!!! I just brought mine in for a check up, and they didn't hesitate to charge me for a 1 litre top off!!!!!! 10 euros!!!!!

07-28-2005, 04:07 PM	#2
E90Fleet Major General Drives: BMW Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: South Africa Posts: 6,815 iTrader: (0)	Most top-up oil bottles are 1 Litre Most people buy one and throw the whole thing in because they dont want to store the rest Overfilling is VERY bad So they play safe and tell people to wait till the whole 1 litre is needed If you take care to only put in the amount of oil required and make shure not to overfill the engine, then topping up before the whole 1 litre is needed is fine I have found most BMW's dont really need a top-up between services, they dont usually drink muh oil, unless its a //M model

06-06-2006, 10:47 PM	#6
windnsea00 Private First Class Drives: Z3 M Coupe Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 144 iTrader: (0)	If your capable of topping off correctly than it's no big deal. BMW didn't want to deal with people over filling the oil which can cause blowby past the piston rings and damage emission equipment. It's a bit overkill but a possibility for someone who tops off too much.