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Sedans BMW 3-Series BMW 3-Series Oil Questions
258 messages, Last post on May 09, 2009 at 6:40 PM
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Replying to: sunilb (May 13, 2008 1:03 pm) What is an oil separator valve? I can't find any mention of it in Bentley.
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Replying to: kominsky (May 14, 2008 9:44 am) You have to be burning the oil or leaking it. There is no other explanation under the laws of the universe (as we now know them)  Cylinder leakdown might not show worn valve guides or bad valve stem seals. One quart every 1K is just about minimum tolerable level.
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Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (May 14, 2008 12:34 pm) Can this be discovered through another test or just visual inspection with a trained eye?
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Replying to: sunilb (May 14, 2008 12:37 pm) What you have done is create a situation of high engine vacuum (coasting downhill in gear) and then relieve it by hitting the gas. Valve stem seals might not be too expensive (not sure on procedure on your engine) but badly worn valve guides require removal and re-machining of the cylinder head.
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Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (May 14, 2008 12:34 pm) As soon as I put the finishing touches on my 100% efficient machine, I'll tackle this one.  Thanks! |
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Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (May 14, 2008 1:23 pm) He's suggested changing the oil separator valve ($120 part + $150 in labor) as that might be the culprit, and monitoring it (ie, the oil level). He said that there's little way to know if this is the real problem until he pulls the old one out. Thoughts?? Again, this mechanic has always been straight-up with me so I have little reason to suspect that he's trying to empty my wallet. That being said, this is getting to be a more expensive situation than I would like (especially if this doesn't solve the issue). I was (am?) hoping to keep this car to 150K... but I don't know how feasible of an idea this is.
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Replying to: sunilb (May 15, 2008 2:36 pm) Perhaps it could be the oil separator and perhaps you can't see the blue smoke while you drive? I think the car needs to go to a shop that knows how to diagnose worn valve stem seals and guides or can insert dye into the oil and then shine a black light on the engine to spot the point of exit. I get the sense nobody's really trying here, just guessing. That oil separator installation isn't that cheap. What if he is $300 wrong? We also have this method: Vacuum gauge testing |
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Replying to: sunilb (May 13, 2008 1:03 pm) I was told by dealer BMW spec was 1qt per 1000 miles while the car was under warranty. I was told today that BMW spec is 1qt per 700 miles (funny how this has changed now!). I have been documenting this for the last 50K but it has not really gotten me anywhere. There is no consistency about how many miles to the quart I get. BMWNA paid to have a leak down test and pressure test done at 98 or 99K (just recently) - everything was in spec and no problems found. Prior to that they replaced the the oil sensor, the cyclone valve, the oil filter housing, and the head gasket (I paid for head gasket, but it was a super tiny leak and didn't change the oil consumption) In the end it still uses 1qt every 700 miles to 1500 miles. It drives great so it isn't a problem - but a concern - at this point I give up until something drastic happens to the engine.
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Anyone know an easy way to check the oil w/o a dipstick? Just wondering in case the computer goes out some day or just for sanity check to know that the computer is actually working!
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Replying to: pdude1 (May 19, 2008 9:04 pm) Other than having the engine seize up, that is.
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