"add oil" indicator after 360 miles?

mike-y · 12-02-2008, 10:56 AM

I picked up a CPO 325i last week (28k miles) from southbay bmw, and was told all the services were done before delivery, and that I wouldn't even need an oil change for 12,000 miles. I even checked the oil level last week, and it was "good" - right in between the low and full marks.

This morning, when I got to work, the oil symbol popped up, and I checked the oil again in the parking lot. it was down to the Low mark and says "add 1 qt".

I've only gone through one tank of gas since I had the car, and it was almost all completely easy driving and cruising. No hooliganism whatsoever. So I can't believe this can be normal.

Also, when I start the engine after it's been sitting for a while, I noticed the engine will buck slightly (like it's knocking), then after a few seconds it goes away and runs smooth. don't know if this is normal either.

noro · 12-02-2008, 11:15 AM

I would add oil and watch it again. If the oil was changes right before you picked up the car then this is normal. I always find that the oil level drops a bit a day or so after a change. Perhaps a full heat cycle actually modifies the oil density I dunno.

If the problem persists then have it looked at. As for the engine, not much can be diagnosed with just that info. Run a bottle of Techron fuel cleaner (add to an empty tank then fill the tank up). See if that makes a difference.

Aurora Bearialis · 12-02-2008, 11:26 AM

I had that happen to me but it wasn't after 360 miles. I just added a quart of oil and haven't had anything pop up since. Except for low tire pressure but I took care of that

mark1996 · 12-02-2008, 11:33 AM

The oil level indicator can be erratic. It has been in my 335i. Over the past 3 months, it has indicated "low on oil" on a couple of occasions and then after restarting it indicates that it is "full". One thing you do not want to do is rely on the perhaps faulty indicator and add a quart to an engine full of oil. My advice: take it back to the dealer and tell them about the low oil indication. They can check it and then add oil for you if it is truly low.

mike-y · 12-02-2008, 11:39 AM

Thanks for the advice and quick responses.. I'm going to take it to the dealer after work today and have it checked out before I add any oil on my own.

12-02-2008, 10:56 AM	#1
mike-y just another bmw douche bag 195 Rep 3,640 Posts Drives: 1.9L of fury Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Los Angeles, CA iTrader: (4)	"add oil" indicator after 360 miles? I picked up a CPO 325i last week (28k miles) from southbay bmw, and was told all the services were done before delivery, and that I wouldn't even need an oil change for 12,000 miles. I even checked the oil level last week, and it was "good" - right in between the low and full marks. This morning, when I got to work, the oil symbol popped up, and I checked the oil again in the parking lot. it was down to the Low mark and says "add 1 qt". I've only gone through one tank of gas since I had the car, and it was almost all completely easy driving and cruising. No hooliganism whatsoever. So I can't believe this can be normal. Also, when I start the engine after it's been sitting for a while, I noticed the engine will buck slightly (like it's knocking), then after a few seconds it goes away and runs smooth. don't know if this is normal either.
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12-02-2008, 11:15 AM	#2
noro Colonel 90 Rep 2,707 Posts Drives: '91 M3, '04 E46 ZHP, '72 2002 Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Boston iTrader: (0)	I would add oil and watch it again. If the oil was changes right before you picked up the car then this is normal. I always find that the oil level drops a bit a day or so after a change. Perhaps a full heat cycle actually modifies the oil density I dunno. If the problem persists then have it looked at. As for the engine, not much can be diagnosed with just that info. Run a bottle of Techron fuel cleaner (add to an empty tank then fill the tank up). See if that makes a difference. __________________ zhpregistry.net - ZHP stats and free classifieds.
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12-02-2008, 11:26 AM	#3
Aurora Bearialis ¡Barça! 168 Rep 12,042 Posts Drives: Rainbow Sandals Join Date: May 2008 Location: Ohio iTrader: (5) Garage List 2008 E92 335i [0.00]	I had that happen to me but it wasn't after 360 miles. I just added a quart of oil and haven't had anything pop up since. Except for low tire pressure but I took care of that __________________ Tate's chicken sucks!
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12-02-2008, 11:33 AM	#4
mark1996 Private First Class 13 Rep 110 Posts Drives: 2015 320i Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Seattle iTrader: (1)	The oil level indicator can be erratic. It has been in my 335i. Over the past 3 months, it has indicated "low on oil" on a couple of occasions and then after restarting it indicates that it is "full". One thing you do not want to do is rely on the perhaps faulty indicator and add a quart to an engine full of oil. My advice: take it back to the dealer and tell them about the low oil indication. They can check it and then add oil for you if it is truly low.
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12-02-2008, 11:39 AM	#5
mike-y just another bmw douche bag 195 Rep 3,640 Posts Drives: 1.9L of fury Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Los Angeles, CA iTrader: (4)	Thanks for the advice and quick responses.. I'm going to take it to the dealer after work today and have it checked out before I add any oil on my own.
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