Oil Usage...

[ppanZ4]

I have 9000 km on my 35i and have had to add a liter of oil twice since new
to reach the 9000 km mark. Is this normal oil usage?

[mikeinaustin]

so that is a quart of oil every 3000 miles. i am at 4500 miles on my z4 and my oil level reads as 100% full and have never added a drop. actually, i have never had to add a drop of oil to any car i have ever owned within a typical 5000 miles oil change interval.

[Lewis@MWDesign]

If you drive hard, then more oil changes between the suggested mileage is very typical.

I am a pretty spirited driver and had to top up twice, I'm only at 4,000km.

The 3.0i engine is also known to be a beast when it comes to eating up oil for the spirited drivers.

[Memphis1]

ppanZ4, i think that's a bit much. did you add it because the computer told you too or because you felt the need?? too much is just as bad as too little.
i guess the correct question is, how have you driven the past 5k miles?? if it's all track then you're ok, if it's all city traffic, not ok.

[jannisa]

Exactly. How did you handle your break in period?

[ppanZ4]

I drive hard and probably 60% of my driving is highway where I love to gun it.
( that so far has cost me a ticket doing 40 over). The first time I added oil I got a low oil signal so I added a liter. I now check the cars oil indicator for low oil and that's why I added another liter as it was showing down a liter. I don't think I was too hard on break in, although I don't baby cars when I get them.

[Memphis1]

the break in shouldn't be a problem, unless you're up to 7k rpm from the get go. the manual also states never to add a quart unless instructed to by the computer, otherwise you might end up with too much. and when you check it with the computer always check it maybe after 6miles of driving or when it's temp is at normal range. I think the second liter might have not been needed.