E46 2.2ltr Oil use & Warning light

[Stan_Laurel]

Hi I have a year 2000 2.2ltr E46 Saloon. It has been showing a yellow oil light on and off for the last three months. I was not too worried about it as I have been making sure that there has been enough oil in the car. I just though, faulty sensor that will need sorting at some point. What is getting to me is the recent development of oil consumption. I have no idea if it’s normal or not. It all seems to have started since the last inspection. This was the inspection II done March 06. At 54020 Miles. Some place between between 54020 and 60344 Miles I put 1ltr of oil in. Between 60344 and 62020 I put 1ltr in (giving 1676 miles for 1ltr of oil) . Between 62020 and 63253 it’s had another a ½ ltr (giving 1233 miles for a ½ ltr of oil) . Is this normal or a possible sign of something. My neighbour, who has some fleet E46’s did warn me when I got the car that they like oil after 60k. At £12.85 a ltr it’s no fun. My old 2ltr E36 never needed oil between changes and war on 90k when I sold it.
Any advice would be great.
Also how easy is it to get to and change the oil sensor?

[Stan_Laurel]

Well I have just been told by my dealer that the E46 loves to burn oil. 1.5ltrs in a few k is about right. Jesus. I used to think BMW was good for engineering. They seemed to think there is no problem with that. WTF. It looks like the next car will be an Audi or a Mercedes.

[BMWJNKY]

I don't know if you can get it where you are but try putting in a can of Engine Restore the next time you need oil and one can with each oil change. This product cured a massive smoking issue I used to have on my E21 and has almost stopped all oil consumption on my friends E30. It comes in the 3 sizes, 4cyl, 6cyl and 8cyl.