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2003 E46 320i Oil Consumption

2K views 8 replies 4 participants last post by  null50 
#1 ·
Happy new year all.

Firstly I've read through a few threads, but nothing is quite specific to my issue given the steps i've already taken.

I'll lay everything out and hopefully can get some advise.

- Had the car since 2011 bought at c.44k (long term members on this forum may remember!)
- Serviced with up to spec oil but usually on Long Life...
- replaced faulty oil level sensor so that is ruled out.
- noticed excessive* consumption so went about replacing a few things as follows.
- CCV and pipes all replaced - made no difference.
- Rocker cover gasket (including inner 6 rings) and bolt grommets replaced. There was fresh oil on sides, after replacement this has gone, so thought all good - but made no difference as light still came on.

*excessive definition - after rocker cover gasket replacement, filled to make line and today the light came on (after ignition switch off) after 461 miles. as such 1 litre in 460 miles. Also validated with dip stick.


Additional pictures included of other suspected oil leak area...

1. From engine bay but difficult to see in pic, but have highlighted where i can see some fluid
2. 2 x underneath car from passenger side front wheel. Underneath.

For both of these, i've read online that the oil filter housing gasket could cause this, however is nearly 1L/460 miles expected? I have no oil dripping on drive etc.

Any advise, guidance info appreciated. Happy to check extra things and report back.

As an aside, also had new plugs put in at same time as rocket gasket change, so it's running sweet. 4x New Uniroyal tires also invested in for MOT (passed with no advisories).
 

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#4 ·
Update....currently consuming 1 litre every 200 miles....going to a garage tomorrow and they aim to tell me if its s leak or internal engine problem.


CCV pipes and rocker cover gasket change.

I reckon oil filter housing gasket also is culprit but I think its burning too ?
 
#5 ·
Update Indy garage reckons Stem Seal Valves have gone based on what they saw / tested.

OFGH is weeping but not enough to warrant lose I'm seeing.

Suggested adding additives to reduce burn, but I've since read that it stops short term issues, but makes worse longer term?

Thoughts welcome on any advice as repairing costs 1000s and frankly isn't worth it.
 
#6 ·
Had the same problem, similar oil consumption (1lt for 400 miles). Took it to garage which did valves top seals in situ (i.e. without taking the head off), paid about £400 for my 318i including head cover gasket.

If you can't find a garage that has the equipment to do it (it's a special tool that pressurises the cylinder so the valves don't slide into it), check if this is close enough to you: BMW N54 specialist turbo rattling flappers repairs walnut blasting valve stem seals On the site it's quoted £500 + VAT for 6 cyls

Check everything works fine as in my case they pinched an injector wire on the head cover and after a while it caused a short and therefore a breakdown (thank you RAC!).
 
#7 ·
Hi thanks for that useful link, not just for this, but for also knowing they can do the timing chains on N57 engines.

Anyway back to topic at hand, are you saying the job described on their website solved your oil consumption issue?

Did they also compensate and resolve the mistake they made?
 
#8 ·
My oil issue was completely solved: from 1lt every 450 miles to zero for the last 5k miles. If you still have high oil consumption, before looking at piston rings etc I'd check the CCV and especially the hose that goes from the CCV to the dipstick if you have one.

I didn't seek compensation for the breakdown: it was obviously a genuine mistake that anybody could have made, since the plastic bracket that holds the injector wires has virtually disintegrated, and it's been 4 months since the job was done. It was fixed with some electrical tape as only the rubber shield was damaged.
 
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