E90 Engine Oil Level

[GHS]

Hello guys, on the E90 we can check the engine oil level via the onboard computer.1) I juz checked mine today and noticed that the level is only about 1/3 (between the Min & Max levels), but the computer display still shows "OK".Called up my dealer to check and they said that I can ignore it until it shows "+1 litre" or something like that, only then a top-up is needed.2) They are charging RM40 for 1 ltr of engine oil top-up, according to them it's not included in the 3 yrs maintenance-free package?3) Can I top-up the engine oil myself? What brand/grade of oil is recommended? Full-synth?Would like to confirm the above points with the sifus out there.Appreciate your advice

 

[danc]

Hi GHS,
I thought you just got your car. What is your milage? Seems too early for an engine oil top up. I have driven my car for 13,000km + and have never topped up even once, but there are some users who have.

1) Your dealer is correct. You only need to top up once the BC prompts you to add 1 liter. DONT top up before that or there is a chance you will add too much oil and that is no good.

2) Yup, the 3 years/60000km service does not cover fluid top ups. They will even charge you for washer fluid. However, if you do know the service guys well enough, washer top ups can be free, but not oil. If you catch my drift.

3) I guess as long as you use the BMW specified engine oil, I guess you can top it up yourself, as for me I am finicky and would not like to have different oil in my engine at the same time, so I will still go pay RM40 to get the same brand. However do note that AB Sg Besi has switch their oil to Petronas, while the others are still using Shell Helix. Not sure when but I think the rest will follow suite.

 

[GHS]

Hi danc, yup the car is quite new - a little over 5 months. Mileage is nearly 10,000km.

Guess you have answered all my queries. Thanks bro!

 

[anxious]

Well topping up seems to be a common issue with newer BMWs which use long life engine oil, is it 25000km now.

Honestly I cant imagine engine oil lasting that long in our weather condition.

Anyway as long you continue to service at AB thats the rule.

If you are a low mileage user then you have to change every year regardless of mileage.

 

[Equalizer]

2) They are charging RM40 for 1 ltr of engine oil top-up, according to them it's not included in the 3 yrs maintenance-free package

I recently went to AB Glenmarie for my first service at about 8,300km and they treated it like my first free service (apparently scheduled for 10,000km) so I did not have to pay for it. I have had the car one year now.

However, I bought a one-liter can of oil from them for future top-ups and I was charged RM69!! So you should really grab your top-up for RM40!!

 

[David Yong]

Yup, I bought it before and the price is RM 69. Dunno why u guys are so lucky to get it at RM 40!

 

[danc]

FYI the 10000km oil change is for N52 engines only and subsequent recommended change is at 25000 km. I for one will not wait till 25K. Will change at 12K at my own expense. (AB quoted me RM400++)

 

[E46Fanatic]

If you are a low mileage user then you have to change every year regardless of mileage.

On the N52 OBC, it not only has the mileage of when you have to change also the date, whichever comes soonest. I'll hit the date first. My first "9k" change is due in Aug 07, but I have since only clocked up 3.8k Kms since I got the car. Trying hard to drive the car more

So far no signs of oil burn. Also the exhaust tips are still somewhat clean and not very carbonized... *fingers crossed*

 

[Spaceman]

changed mine at 7K km, the bloody idiot mechanic didnt pour enuff oil causing the computer blinking '!' asking for +1 ltr the next day.

so guys, go drive around immediately after engine oil is changed and check the oil level if its 'OK', for my case when i drove off the dealer nothing showing the '!' sign, the sign came on the next day.

 

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[mnas]

On the N52 OBC, it not only has the mileage of when you have to change also the date, whichever comes soonest. I'll hit the date first. My first "9k" change is due in Aug 07, but I have since only clocked up 3.8k Kms since I got the car. Trying hard to drive the car more

So far no signs of oil burn. Also the exhaust tips are still somewhat clean and not very carbonized... *fingers crossed*

err bro..is the 1st service should be 10k km or 25k km...im confused. i got my car in end-May..only driven 1500 km so far, n the OBC says there should be 24000 km more to go n expiring in May-09 !!

 

[David Yong]

For the 325i model or the N52 engine, the first service is 10,000km, follow by next service at 25,000km and subsequently every 25,000km service interval.

 

[rookie]

err bro..is the 1st service should be 10k km or 25k km...im confused. i got my car in end-May..only driven 1500 km so far, n the OBC says there should be 24000 km more to go n expiring in May-09 !!

If your ride is a 320i, then the service interval is 25k km or 1 year whichever comes 1st. For the 325i with the N52 engine, the 1st service is 10K km, and subsequent service interval is 25K km.

 

[keneshiro7]

Hi all, tumpang threat here. Question to ask, how come my e90 engine oil
Level are fluctuate? Thanks for help.

 

[gc3000]

My mum is a Amway member. I used to use ELF fully syn for my previous car.. ELF 10W50... can I use in my E90 325i?

 

[rayncc]

My mum is a Amway member. I used to use ELF fully syn for my previous car.. ELF 10W50... can I use in my E90 325i?

In my opinion 10w50 too heavy since factory specified 5w30. The heavy oil not helping on performance & fuel consumption. 0w40 or 5w40 more compatible.

 

[gc3000]

In my opinion 10w50 too heavy since factory specified 5w30. The heavy oil not helping on performance & fuel consumption. 0w40 or 5w40 more compatible.

Thanks bro... Cos many ppl said for bmw if oil too thin, will so call 'makan minyak' very fast.. I got my car for 2 weeks, at fist the oil level show ngam ngam ok, then now drop 1 petak.. Is that consider fast? I seldom rev the car also...

 

[rayncc]

Thanks bro... Cos many ppl said for bmw if oil too thin, will so call 'makan minyak' very fast.. I got my car for 2 weeks, at fist the oil level show ngam ngam ok, then now drop 1 petak.. Is that consider fast? I seldom rev the car also...

I used Mobil 1 Long Life 0W-40 and clocked 8700km before oil change. Did not require any top up and still has +/-6.5L when drained. Now using Shell Helix Ultra 5w-40.

You used 10w-50 and yet need top up after 2 weeks? Too thick oil may harm vanos system (my opinion, stand to be corrected).

 

[alxy]

Hi all, tumpang threat here. Question to ask, how come my e90 engine oil
Level are fluctuate? Thanks for help.

Depends what you mean by fluctuate. I had similar problem where mine was MAX, then when engine got heated up, it would go to MIN. When cool again next day, back to MAX. Turned out to be oil sensor problem. But initially I had feared engine oil was leaking, so I topped up oil just in case. In the end, mech said I had around 6+litres in the engine! 320 supposed to have 4.5litres only. So best let ur mech check things out. If your engine is not losing oil, then just change the oil sensor and all's well.