This can’t be right. BMW 1 series.

[zxzzxzxx]

I recently bought a 2006 118 se Petrol bmw with 37,000 miles on the clock. I had to change the oil 3 times in the first 3 weeks which I’m concerned about. The car has no has no signs of oil leaks and isn’t blowing any smoke, white or black. I have noticed if I start the car and stand at the rear there appears too be excessive smell of what I can only assume are fumes. Maybe it’s because it’s in a confined space and I’m being overly worried.

Had the car serviced last week and and the correct oil ( Castrol start stop, 05/30 C3) and filter were changed . And was happy as the last 7 days the level appeared too stay fixed, however last night I noted the level on the dash board has crept down ever so slightly. I hasten to add it’s better. It’s been suggested the stem seals may be leaking. There’s no sign of any leaking both below or above the engine so would a slightly thicker grade oil help. 05/40?

Can any body give advise as too what could be happening.

Many thanks Gary

 

[Diagro]

I would try some 5w40 and see what happens.

Can't be good for the catalyst if it's burning oil

 

[Vita]

Put your finger in the exhaust and check for oily residue? I'm sure that's a way to check if the stem seals are leaking but I could be wrong.

Check for leaks as sometimes it can be hard to tell. Are you able to manually check the level and not go by the computer?

 

[zxzzxzxx]

Many thanks for the quick replies. I’ll look into which is the correct Castrol oil 05/40 oil. I’m going by the computer Vita. When the oil and filter were changed the amount of oil drained was 4.25 ltrs which ties in with what the engine holds. Bearing in mind I’d had too top it up prior to the change.

 

[wedrum]

my old E39 was like that. put 20w50 in it and was much better.

 

[zxzzxzxx]

Thanks Wedrum. Just checked the Castrol website and the oil you suggested applies too cars that have in excess of 75,000. This has just under 37,000

 

[Firestar_3x]

Do you know if the millage is genuine?

 

[zxzzxzxx]

Hi firestar. Yes. The women I purchased it from lived in Spain for 6 months of the year and the uk for the other 6 months. I know it seems very low mileage but I’ve every piece of paper work, including services and MOTs and I checked on the DVLA website as this now tells you not only the dates of MOTs but the millage at the time. Whilst I know it’s not a true way too check but it’s in mint condition. The engine looks mint.

 

[ShivP]

BMW N46B20 common problems
1. High oil consumption. Reasons for this problem are the same as in BMW N42 and it is mainly connected with usage of low quality motor oil. Drivers need to use oil that is recommended by BMW brand. Otherwise it can lead to malfunctions in valve stem seals and later pistons rings can also go out of order. Such problem occurs every 30,000 miles (50,000 km) of mileage.

 

[jpaul]

I had to change the oil 3 times in the first 3 weeks which I’m concerned about

you mean you topped it up ? how much is it actually loosing ?

fi you only bought it recently and its outside spec then speak to garage who sold it to you ?

 

[Firestar_3x]

In which case i'd get a compression test done.

 

[zxzzxzxx]

you mean you topped it up ? how much is it actually loosing ?

fi you only bought it recently and its outside spec then speak to garage who sold it to you ?

Was a private sale.

 

[[TW]Fox]

Thanks Wedrum. Just checked the Castrol website and the oil you suggested applies too cars that have in excess of 75,000. This has just under 37,000

It's 12 years old though whicu nullifies the benefit of the low mileage.

 

[zxzzxzxx]

Cool. So if I were too go for a thicker oil the general consensious would be?.

 

[acemastr]

You need to visually inspect the level rather than relying on the onboard computer.

Did you actually change the oil 3 times in 3 weeks?

 

[SC0TTRS]

You need to visually inspect the level rather than relying on the onboard computer.

Did you actually change the oil 3 times in 3 weeks?

Does he mean 'top up' 3 times in 3 week?

 

[zxzzxzxx]

Hi guys. Not top up. My error sorry.

The first week I did less then 400 miles and the oil top up light came on telling me to top up with 1 later which I did. The same thing happened in the second week and the third week. Each time I topped up in accordance with the hand book just one ltr.

The oil used each time was mobile as informed by staff at Halfords. After having the oil changed last week I was told I should be using Castrol as recommended by bmw. Since the complete change last Tuesday and having done Aprox 600 miles there’s no warning light now however when checking the level, using the computer I can see there has been a slight drop. Only slight as in perhaps an 1/8 of the level when checked last week.

 

[Drollic]

A compression test is probably good for peace of mind I'd think?

 

[acemastr]

Yea, stop using the computer and visually inspect the dipstick. Computer may be off.

You might have found the reason the car is old with such low mileage

 

[jpaul]

... if you have the paperwork that may show what oil was used too - synthetic or not ? what mobil had halfords added

putting thicker oil 20/50 - I have used 5-50 titan on similar aged bm, castrol's expensive.
- going too thick, and the oil has not been quickly distributed during the initial warm up => wear, so that's bad if you are making many cold starts or live somewhere cold.