2002 318ci high oil consumption

[rochelleb]

Hi, have already replaced the PCV, no oil leaks, oil light comes on every 1000kms, so I add another 1 litre of 15 40 til next time! Any help appreciated, thanks!

[MarcoZandrini]

First of all, 15W40 is too thick for that engine. Check the owner's manual for the correct viscosity. Do you drive your car primarily on short trips (less than 10kms)? These engines don't like short trips as they don't reach full operating temperature. This prevents the burn off of condensation in the engine. How many kms on the engine? How frequently are you changing the oil and filter? By "PVC" I assume you mean the crankcase ventilation system (CCV). It seems BMW has a problem designing g a proper CCV. Who installed the ccv? We're the ccv parts bought at the local parts store? What brand are the parts?

[Eaglesail]

First of all, 15W40 is too thick for that engine. Check the owner's manual for the correct viscosity. Do you drive your car primarily on short trips (less than 10kms)? These engines don't like short trips as they don't reach full operating temperature. This prevents the burn off of condensation in the engine. How many kms on the engine? How frequently are you changing the oil and filter? By "PVC" I assume you mean the crankcase ventilation system (CCV). It seems BMW has a problem designing g a proper CCV. Who installed the ccv? We're the ccv parts bought at the local parts store? What brand are the parts?

I agree with 'MarcoZandrini' ...........I also have an 'oil loss' issue with my 03 three series (120k) Mine is the 2.5 litre inline. It leaks motor oil from the 'oil-filter housing gasket' (common) I need to add 1/3 quart every other tank of gas. I see multiple drops of oil seepage dripping and accumulating in my driveway spot...where I park my 3...more lately.

A gasket is on order from Pelican...If you plan to DYI...there are many good YOUTUBE vids. The 'indies' will hit you under a grand and a half...dealerships 2500..or so.... DIY...cost of parts ONLY!

[feels1]

Removes both plastic under body cover, as well as aluminium cover to confirm there is no engine oil leak. OFH gasket (oil fitler housing gasket) a common gasket failure in BMW cars regardless it is 20 yr old, or 3/4/5/6/7 series. One of the owner I knew need to replace him every 3 yr until he sold it after 5 yr of ownership.

If there is no leak, and due to engine burn off, yet you have new CCV, then please tell us whether you see yellow oil in the engine oil cap. A workaround is to connect the unused cap in the CCV to the back of intake manifold (buy 3' or 1m vacuum hose) to make the pressure build up in CCV more stable.

If it still doesn't resolve it, then try to replace CCV with oil-catch-can to eliminate engine oil burn-off due to CCV completely. This will give us a confirmation that the issue is really due to the engine itself, then you have to either rebuild the cylinder (ring) or swap engine,..... or continue to add engine oils periodically (cheaper)