Engine Oil level

[SHAZ1]

Hi,

How long should engine oil last ie; if the car is serviced and the oil toped up perfectly level?

If the oil dosent last the period it should and there isnt any leaks etc... what could be the cause of this or is this possible?

Thanks

[Ziggy]

By 'last', do you mean until it needs changing because it's old, or because it's disappearing somewhere?

The life of an oil will depend on lots of things - such as how the car's driven, how much the car's driven (!), and what oil it is in the first place. But it sounds like you're worried about the oil level going down...

The amount of oil used between services will vary depending on the health of your engine. As an example, worn valve stem seals will mean oil leaks into the combustion chamber, most noticably resulting in blue smoke on startup. But all engines will go through some oil, even when perfectly healthy.

Are you needing to top up often then? How much? What engine is it? How many miles has it done? Does it smoke at all (if so, when)? What oil are you using?

[SHAZ1]

Its a 88/89 (F) 325i sport with no engine mods so fully standard

By last i mean filling up because i purchased the car about 3 weeks ago roughly and checked the oil level which was at 3 quarter level, since then the car has been driven approx 220 miles mostly fast but in straight line motorway mileage mostly and this morning the engine oil light came on but didnt have time to check the level and not sure which oil was used and i am actually away for 2 days untill wednesday evening.

The mileage shows 213k but had an engine rebuild at approx 176k roughly.
Not sure when the car was last serviced but can check when i get back home.
Dont think it smokes at all except the usuall normal white smoke at start up which lasts few minutes before warming up, especially when cold etc...

The engine feels healthy pulls really strongly, when i rev the engine at stand still water or something squirts out of the exhaust hope thats not something related or of concern?
I will double check if there are any leaks etc on wednesday evening when i get back.

If there are any recommended garages in London hopefully specialists i would really appreciate the info.

[SHAZ325iSPORT]

shaz whats happening mate,bring it down to me if you get time,il check it for you to see if you have any leaks.

[SHAZ1]

LOL cheers bro as it goes i will be down your ways on the weekend, you know what i was gona contact you closer to the weekend, thought i get some insight in to the issue first of all as not sure if it even is a problem just yet but will pop in this weekend will call you close to the day

[abelai]

It's an m20 if you can't find a leak I will be amazed. 3 most common are sump gasket, cam cover and cam oil seal front. Not forgetting oil return pipe under inlet manifold, dip stick seal, head gasket and pressure relief valve.

[oakey]

That's a fair amount of oil you have lost Roughly a litre in 220 miles?? Must have a leak. I would definitely check the oil level before you start it next.

[SHAZ1]

Thanks guys sorry for late reply will be visiting Shaz towards the weekend will update accordingly.