BMW 3-Series E46 (1998 - 2005) - 04 2.5 Oil Level irregular - Major?

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Tue 17 Mar 2009 12:49
04 2.5 Oil Level irregular - Major? - hamilton
My 325i (petrol, manual), 40,000 miles, has been drinking petrol oil {error corrected - DD} for the past few months. I put in 3/4 litre every few weeks when the oil level light comes on. Always check when cold in the morning. The level this morning showed oil all over the stick - even though the car has been parked for nearly a day.

It had a visual inspection at BMW main dealer last week that found nothing. I'm at the end of a PCP and really need to know if now sounds like the time to hand the car back (i would like to keep it if it doesn't sound like there's a big bill looming)

Any thoughts on what it could be? does it sound major?

Edited by Dynamic Dave on 17/03/2009 at 13:45

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Tue 17 Mar 2009 13:05
04 2.5 BMW Oil Level irregular - Major? - Glaikit Wee Scunner {P}
I assume that you meant drinking oil. 'Oil all over the stick' sounds like the sump has been overfilled this time. Some BMWs had big problems with corrosion of the bores leading to replacement engines- may be big problems looming. Need an expert to advise though.
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Tue 17 Mar 2009 13:06
04 2.5 BMW Oil Level irregular - Major? - hamilton
Oops yes, Oil.
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Tue 17 Mar 2009 14:52
04 2.5 BMW Oil Level irregular - Major? - hamilton
On Sunday and when i've looked before it wasn't all over the dipstick, have not added any oil. but yesterday it was, and now the level appears normal again.
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Wed 18 Mar 2009 09:22
04 2.5 BMW Oil Level irregular - Major? - Glaikit Wee Scunner {P}
In the absence of any other replies ,and you want to keep the car, if BMW will give you an extended BMW warranty covering all problems- maybe keep it?
IIRC my friends kept a BMW under a 'paid' warranty for many years.
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Wed 18 Mar 2009 11:17
04 2.5 BMW Oil Level irregular - Major? - hamilton
Thanks. Good idea. Will look into that.
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