Ask Smithy Xtra BMW 318 thirsty for oil
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Asked by Nathan
My 2002 BMW 318 ti has done 168,000 km and is using a litre of oil in 500-700 km. So far I have had my mechanic replace a faulty PCV valve, a leaking vacuum pump on the rear of the cylinder head, and while this slowed down the excessive oil consumption it didn?t stop it. I don't believe the piston rings are a problem since no blue smoke is coming from the exhaust. I am currently using 10W-40 oil; should I use 20W-50? Any other ideas?
Answered by CarsGuide
23 Nov 2010The PCV valve and the vacuum pump are the most likely causes of the high oil consumption, and although you say they have been done I would strongly suggest you recheck them. The pump in particular is a well-documented cause of oil leaks. I doubt changing oil would fix your problem.
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