I love my 530, but her M54 is sucking oil! - BMW Forum

arbuckle@rochester.rr.com · 09-13-2009, 07:44 AM

BimmerWerkz,

I recently purchased a 2003 BMW 530 VIN WBADT63413CK42094 (M54 straight 6).

At 41909 miles I changed the oil with 7 quarts of 0w30 German Castrol. I was very disappointed to find that the engine was down a quart at 45861! That’s a quart in 3952 miles! My 1976 2002 doesn’t use that much oil and it smokes when you start it up!

I have to say that the 350 runs strong but did I buy a lemon or what? I have a lot of respect for German engineering but come on. What is going on?

Dan

Rochester, NY

2003 BMW 530
1976 BMW 2002 automatic
1990 Volvo 240
1989 Volvo 240

witeshark · 09-13-2009, 08:58 AM

I would imagine you've checked, but is there any sign of a leak while under pressure? A good place to look is at the back of the engine.

will3hawks · 09-13-2009, 09:15 AM

For a German engine, it is not excessive for one to consume 1 quart in 1000 miles. While most do not use that much, you and your engine are in good shape all other things being equal. Enjoy your car.

rashid · 09-13-2009, 10:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by will3hawks

For a German engine, it is not excessive for one to consume 1 quart in 1000 miles. While most do not use that much, you and your engine are in good shape all other things being equal. Enjoy your car.

I would agree with you except for the smook when starting up that requires more details.

arbuckle@rochester.rr.com · 09-13-2009, 10:40 AM

Rashid,

Its my 1976 2002 that smokes when it starts up. But thats OK. At 30 years old that car is old enough to smoke!

Dan

rajk9800 · 09-14-2009, 02:51 PM

did you consider that your oil filter with the oil filter hosing can hold up to 1qt.

when you had your oil changed or did yourself, did you presoak your filter. remember your e39m54b30 engine has it's oil filter on top and needs time to fill up and the filter to soak the oil up. so on a bmw with inline 6 that can be normal. check between for extra loss of oil.

also, if you see oil leaking out the bottom but cant find it. it may be the oil filter hosing gasket. hopefully not anything major

arbuckle@rochester.rr.com · 09-14-2009, 08:16 PM

I changed the oil myself and did not presoak. I just drained the oil, put in a new filter and dumped in 7 quarts. I hope that was ok.

drz · 09-14-2009, 08:42 PM

This is what the M54 does (at least the 3.0). My car does the same, and if you look around on all BMW boards online, the issue has been discussed plenty. Some do people get lucky and get one that doesn't swallow as much oil, however.

I just carry around a quart of oil in my trunk. In fact, I just recently bough a cool, BMW branded carrying case for said quart of oil.