Engine Oil Top Off at 3800 Miles on 2013 X5 35i

on my 2012 35i I added a quart at around 11K miles after the car gave me a 'add a quart of oil' warning message. The car showed the oil level to be full brand new. I notice that it does not burn as much oil now that it has close to 20K mi. I would just wait and buy a quart from the dealer when the computer tells you. Only add one quart at a time. If you buy the oil from bmw dealer you won't be mixing oil brands (a good thing).

Like Rockchips said, I recently had mine changed by the dealer at 3,000 mile and paid out of pocket. Surprisingly, the X5 didn't consume any oil during the first 3,000 miles, unlike my '09 did. I can't see waiting to initally change the oil based on the On-Board Computer recommendation at something like 12k miles. Seems way to long.

Got the add 1 qrt message only at about 7500 miles, I want to bring it in the dealer ship but can't until this weekend, is it safe to still drive, it's another 70 driving miles before the weekend...

Originally Posted by schen75

Got the add 1 qrt message only at about 7500 miles, I want to bring it in the dealer ship but can't until this weekend, is it safe to still drive, it's another 70 driving miles before the weekend...

Dont play with that, you dont know if this is a normal behavior or a oil leak, so you must add the oil at once, thats the only way to protect your engine from a EXPENSIVE and not warranty coverage.

The warranty booklet lists specific oils to be used in an emergency topping off situation.

I don't see any evidence of a leak, so I should bring it into the dealer tomorrow?? Not comfortable just putting any engine oil in...

I guess my question is, is this normal? This is the fist time I need to add engine oil between oil changes? This is my first bimmer...

Originally Posted by schen75

Not comfortable just putting any engine oil in...

Why is that?

Do you have a gas or diesel engine?

Originally Posted by RockChips

Do you have a gas or diesel engine?

Diesel..

Originally Posted by RockChips

Why is that?

Prior post seem to suggest not mixing BMW brand oil with other brand...

Originally Posted by RockChips

The warranty booklet lists specific oils to be used in an emergency topping off situation.

HOWEVER, if you mix oils, you should than CHANGE to a fresh fill of one oil type ASAP. Of course, BMW is silent on this....

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schen-

Please pick up a few quarts of oil from the BMW parts counter to have in the garage or trunck. You do not want to mix, no matter what the manual says.

A

Hmm...it's now saying I'm no longer at the minimal level, sensor issue??

What does the dipstick say?

Originally Posted by ard

ill go further, a quart every 10k is fine for the first 300,000 miles.

first 300,000

Originally Posted by finnbmw

What does the dipstick say?

err...sorry, but where is the dipstick? I thought they stop making those...

Originally Posted by schen75

err...sorry, but where is the dipstick? I thought they stop making those...

Diesels have dippystick, gassers none

Originally Posted by ard

Diesels have dippystick, gassers none

Where is it? I see a diagram for the x6 and a v8 engine in my manual...nothing for my 3.5d

Right hand side of the engine. For easy access, take the engine cover off, comes off easily pulling it.

I had to top off 1/4 of the Oil when my car reached 2600 Miles on a 35i X3.
I guess it depends on your driving habbits i guess.

Originally Posted by schen75

I don't see any evidence of a leak, so I should bring it into the dealer tomorrow?? Not comfortable just putting any engine oil in...

Put any oil on it, different kind of oils maybe not compatible, but the result of keeping your engine without proper oil level is worst for it, as I repeat, when your car asks for coolant or oil do it at ONCE!! fill it... coolant??.. it you have only tap water go ahead fill it up!!, then you can flush your system and everything will be good as new, but not filling that water will blow your gasket or something worst can happen.

Originally Posted by kamigawa120

I guess it depends on your driving habbits i guess.

I'm in the opinion that oil burning depends on how aggressive you drive... Hence, some people don't need to top off their X5 and some do... Also I've read references to the diesels burning more oil? I don't know how accurate that statement is though..

I think I drive somewhat aggressively and my experience was...
My 2007 525i needed a quart of oil before the annual oil change, same with my 2010 535i..
My 2013 X5 35i is still hovering above minimum level.