I own a 2002 530i with the M54 engine, and yes like many others, it consumes oil, presently about 1 qt every 2500 miles. I noticed since I purchased it in 2005 that I always had to top-off more often in this vehicle than any other that I have owned. I finally started keeping track since last August. I did have the crankcase ventilation system changed out; it was not clogged and that did not help my oil consumption. There are no leaks.
My question is not about the oil consumption but about the top-off recommendation as stated in the owner's manual. My usual routine is it top-off when the level is half-way between the full and add marks on the dipstick which would be a half quart. BMW specifically states to wait until the oil level is at the ADD mark (one quart low). I wonder why that is. Perhaps BMW thinks we are more likely to make a mistake if we are topping off mid-way or third down or whatever. Any thoughts why the owner's manual would specifically state that?
My question is not about the oil consumption but about the top-off recommendation as stated in the owner's manual. My usual routine is it top-off when the level is half-way between the full and add marks on the dipstick which would be a half quart. BMW specifically states to wait until the oil level is at the ADD mark (one quart low). I wonder why that is. Perhaps BMW thinks we are more likely to make a mistake if we are topping off mid-way or third down or whatever. Any thoughts why the owner's manual would specifically state that?
