C160

So I got this message just when arriving to work today...
To get to the place that sells oil with correct specs I need to drive 100 miles. However, I have some 5-40 semi-synthetic available where I am.
So what is best way to get to the workshop (or "least bad");
Driving with low level with the old/low (but correct) oil, or topping up with the semisynth?

Car has just over 50k miles and 7000miles since last change.

Thanks

corkshoppe

i would top of with real close oil to spec, its a lot better then no oil !

samaritrey

I would find out how low it actually is first using Dyno mode or dipstick. If it is really low try to find full synthetic with a good weight for your engine to top up to get you home. Next i would plan to do an oil change very soon to get the proper stuff in the car.

C160

Thanks guys.

I took the chance of putting in the oil I had at hand - probably not close to spec.. but only used about half a litre. Drove it straight to the workshop (without getting any messages), they will change the oil and filter first thing tomorrow morning.
Using dyno mode would probably be a good idea.. Noted for next time! Could barely see anything using the dipstick.

Guess I really should start to check my oil regularly...

tommy

Why? The car warned you properly. Throw a couple of litres in the boot and you're set. Don't over complicate things.

C160

Yes it did warn me.
And good thing that it did, I was under the impression that my car did not consume oil.
Now that I know the opposite is true, I see no reason to run low again on purpose when checking takes like 30 secs.
As for the oil change, the oil has been in the engine for over a year so it is due anyways.

But yeah going to buy some to keep some in the boot as well from now on.

tommy

No modern engine is free from burning oil.
Checking your level on your own is fine, but it's not necessary. Your car was low, not unsafely low. There is a difference. If you add oil when it tells you to, you are not doing any damage to your engine. The warning is not that severe.

C230 Sport Coup

Mmm. C160.
What's the specs on that?
Power, size and fuel consumption?

C160

R4 Petrol (M271)
Disp 1.796 ccm
Power 122 hk/5.200 o/min
Torque 190 Nm/1.500 o/min
Gear Man/6
Alignment RWD
0-100 km/t 11,4 sec
Top Speed 205 km/h
Tankvolum 62 l.
Consumption (fabric numbers) 0,81 l/10km

My consumption is about 0,73-0,74 for driving to work and around city.
0,58-0,59 on longer trips.
Not fast by any means but it gets around. RWD and manual is a must for me since I live in Norway with 6 moths of snow..