Engine Cleaner/Flush for 2002 BMW 325it with 270k miles?

[mckenzie333]

My 2002 e46 has been using a quart of castrol ow40 every 1000 miles. I have never used a flush. Any input regarding using Luqui moli engine flush, or Amsoil engine flush or even High performance engine cleaner would be really great.

 

[OVERKILL]

I'd recommend the HPL engine cleaner. Have you had the valve cover off to see what it looks like?

 

[TiGeo]

My 2002 e46 has been using a quart of castrol ow40 every 1000 miles. I have never used a flush. Any input regarding using Luqui moli engine flush, or Amsoil engine flush or even High performance engine cleaner would be really great.

Sure, try the LM flush, I've used it a bunch, it's not going to hurt a thing and *MAY* improve your oil consumption. Can also try their Motor Oil Saver additive as well. The HPL engine cleaner may also be a good one to do in addition to the LM flush at your next change, you basically replace 1 qt of the regular oil you are using with the HPL product and run it for a few K before changing out the oil again.

 

[mckenzie333]

Putting the LM flush in as we speak. Then Pennzoil euro 0w40 and ordering the high performance cleaner. Sincerely appreciated. I’ll get back with results.

 

[Brian123]

Putting the LM flush in as we speak. Then Pennzoil euro 0w40 and ordering the high performance cleaner. Sincerely appreciated. I’ll get back with results.

Good Luck

 

[TiGeo]

Putting the LM flush in as we speak. Then Pennzoil euro 0w40 and ordering the high performance cleaner. Sincerely appreciated. I’ll get back with results.

Just follow the instructions - how much capacity do you have? KEep in mind it's 1 can for ~5 qts so for my W8, I used 2 cans for the ~9L capacity. Same with the motor oil saver. Key is to follow their instructions. Basically idle it for 15 min.

 

[mckenzie333]

Exactly

 

[kschachn]

So have you had the valve cover off? Do you have any inclination that it needs a flush or needs to be cleaned? Right now you really don’t have any real knowledge of what is causing the consumption nor if cleaning would help. Worn valve seals for example are not going to be corrected with a cleaner.

We just see a lot of people coming on here asking about cleaners when they don’t even know if the engine needs it.

 

[TiGeo]

For the $12 or whatever it is now, try the flush, it's simple and may help. Worst case? It doesn't help and you are out $12. I don't get all the adversity towards these products especially on an older high mileage vehicle where you don't have much to lose. Good video on burning oil and the LM flush/Viscoplus starting at about 11 min in:

 

[Revving2Redline]

No, use the Liquimoly Hydraulic Lifter additive. You might not have a lifter issue but I've been advised that you can use it and it cleans out any and all engines

 

[jeepman3071]

I doubt you need a flush. The most common issue on those engines (probably M52TU) that causes excess oil burning is the rubber PCV valve diaphragm that splits open.

 

[mckenzie333]

Thanks everyone- excellent suggestions. My mechanic did a valve cover gasket recently and I’ll check with him (as well as about that mischievous pct valve). Meanwhile hoping the flush helped a bit.

 

[mckenzie333]

Does anyone think a high ester oil like Redline might make sense to clean things ? Also I the paver diagraphm the part with the pic valve in it for e46s?

 

[mckenzie333]

Should read pcv diaphragm the part with the pcv valve in it

 

[Brian123]

Does anyone think a high ester oil like Redline might make sense to clean things ? Also I the paver diagraphm the part with the pic valve in it for e46s?

The HPL Engine Cleaner has Esters in it that obviously help clean things up inside the engine.

 

[drtyler]

Seems the M54 engine is known for being an oil burner as they get up in miles due to the oil control rings. Not sure how the can of flush can fix that.

Good luck, please post the results.

 

[TiGeo]

Seems the M54 engine is known for being an oil burner as they get up in miles due to the oil control rings. Not sure how the can of flush can fix that.

Good luck, please post the results.

The video I posted talks about the rings and deposits that cause this issue....not on this BMW specifically however.

 

[edyvw]

Castrol 0W40 has PLENTY of cleaning additives. That is NOT an issue.
Most likely it is PCV unless you have valve stems or piston rings went bad, which is not common for those engines.

 

[Marcozi]

I doubt you need a flush. The most common issue on those engines (probably M52TU) that causes excess oil burning is the rubber PCV valve diaphragm that splits open.

It's an M54 engine. BMW started putting them in the E46 in MY 2001.

 

[Marcozi]

Which M54 engine is in the car: 2.5L or 3L? The 3L is know for using oil due to low tension oil control rings. Go to E46Fanatics and search for "DMSO." A member there used DMSO to free up the oil control rings and remove carbon deposits in the pistons' oil drain holes.