Burning oil
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 137
Likes: 1
2007 e550
Burning oil
I just purchased a 2007 E550 w/ 52,000 miles and was wondering if it was normal for these cars to burn oil. I've put about 3000 miles on the car and it needs a quart of oil...is this normal?
I also have a 2005 BMW 330i w/ 75,000 miles and a 2002 BMW M3 w/ 92,000 miles which also burns about a quart of oil around every 8,000 miles. Do european vehicles just burn oil? I first thought it was a BMW issue!
I also have a 2005 BMW 330i w/ 75,000 miles and a 2002 BMW M3 w/ 92,000 miles which also burns about a quart of oil around every 8,000 miles. Do european vehicles just burn oil? I first thought it was a BMW issue!
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 413
Likes: 3
2003 E320
Do you have a dipstick to insure that
A: The car was at or near full of oil when you purchased it ?
B: It really is 1 qt low?
The reason I ask is that the sensor that displays oil level on the FSS can be erratic.
I don't think oil consumption is a normal problem on this board.
If I were you I would wait until I had an oil change, making sure that the full capacity was added and then monitor it from there.
Unless you have a dipstick, all oil consumption information is questionable.
A: The car was at or near full of oil when you purchased it ?
B: It really is 1 qt low?
The reason I ask is that the sensor that displays oil level on the FSS can be erratic.
I don't think oil consumption is a normal problem on this board.
If I were you I would wait until I had an oil change, making sure that the full capacity was added and then monitor it from there.
Unless you have a dipstick, all oil consumption information is questionable.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 137
Likes: 1
2007 e550
Do you have a dipstick to insure that
A: The car was at or near full of oil when you purchased it ?
B: It really is 1 qt low?
The reason I ask is that the sensor that displays oil level on the FSS can be erratic.
I don't think oil consumption is a normal problem on this board.
If I were you I would wait until I had an oil change, making sure that the full capacity was added and then monitor it from there.
Unless you have a dipstick, all oil consumption information is questionable.
A: The car was at or near full of oil when you purchased it ?
B: It really is 1 qt low?
The reason I ask is that the sensor that displays oil level on the FSS can be erratic.
I don't think oil consumption is a normal problem on this board.
If I were you I would wait until I had an oil change, making sure that the full capacity was added and then monitor it from there.
Unless you have a dipstick, all oil consumption information is questionable.
I didn't think it would be a problem because I assumed it wasn't topped off from the dealership when I purchased it.
3000 miles later, the warning light is on again but I haven't checked the level yet.
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 413
Likes: 3
2003 E320
You have an advantage over me. I have an older model and it has no dipstick. I purchased an aftermarket one but it cannot be left in the block with the motor running.
Certainly it could be a consumption problem but I would look for a leak first. The V-8 is pretty robust and I doubt that it was abused to the point of excessive wear. Check around the filter and the oil plug. After that it could be a sending unit or (hopefully not) a rear main seal. One quart / 3000 miles is more of an image problem than an actual one. I am sure that you would rather not top off three quarts of expensive oil between changes.
If you have a garage or carport, put a piece of cardboard down and park over it for a couple of weeks. If it is a leak, it will show up. I have added a quart between changes once and I am pretty sure it was burned so I can empathize with you. Still on an American car, you would not get any face time with an SA regarding a complaint like that.
Certainly it could be a consumption problem but I would look for a leak first. The V-8 is pretty robust and I doubt that it was abused to the point of excessive wear. Check around the filter and the oil plug. After that it could be a sending unit or (hopefully not) a rear main seal. One quart / 3000 miles is more of an image problem than an actual one. I am sure that you would rather not top off three quarts of expensive oil between changes.
If you have a garage or carport, put a piece of cardboard down and park over it for a couple of weeks. If it is a leak, it will show up. I have added a quart between changes once and I am pretty sure it was burned so I can empathize with you. Still on an American car, you would not get any face time with an SA regarding a complaint like that.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,254
Likes: 15
From: Louisiana
03 E500 and Corvette
Do you have a dipstick to insure that
A: The car was at or near full of oil when you purchased it ?
B: It really is 1 qt low?
The reason I ask is that the sensor that displays oil level on the FSS can be erratic.
I don't think oil consumption is a normal problem on this board.
If I were you I would wait until I had an oil change, making sure that the full capacity was added and then monitor it from there.
Unless you have a dipstick, all oil consumption information is questionable.
A: The car was at or near full of oil when you purchased it ?
B: It really is 1 qt low?
The reason I ask is that the sensor that displays oil level on the FSS can be erratic.
I don't think oil consumption is a normal problem on this board.
If I were you I would wait until I had an oil change, making sure that the full capacity was added and then monitor it from there.
Unless you have a dipstick, all oil consumption information is questionable.
You have too many questions unanswered.
1) What oil was used
2) Was it full
3) Do you have any leaks
If the wrong oil is used it is possible to have higher than normal consumption.
My 2003 E500 with 95,000 miles using the M1 0w40/fleece runs 13,000 miles between service and never needs oil.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 6,019
Likes: 531
From: Alexandria, VA
07 E63 AMG, 10 C63 AMG, 07 E63 Designo, 07 E350, 09 C300, 07 C230
I have talked to my shop foreman about this very same subject, on my E63. It was consuming oil, and I thought that same thing, maybe it wasn't topped off in the beginning. He said that Mercedes when breaking them in can consume up to two quarts within 5000 miles, and he's a Master AMG mechanic. But a car with 52K shouldn't consume that amount, I'm not going to say that you have a problem. But consider piston oil rings, oil pan gasket leaks. I recommend getting an oil change, and then fill the oil to the correct level. Then you will know for sure if you have a problem or not. Check the block for oil leaks, check the ground where you park for spots of oil, remove the engine belly pan to see if any oil is collecting in the pan. Just my .02 cents, good luck.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,254
Likes: 15
From: Louisiana
03 E500 and Corvette
I have talked to my shop foreman about this very same subject, on my E63. It was consuming oil, and I thought that same thing, maybe it wasn't topped off in the beginning. He said that Mercedes when breaking them in can consume up to two quarts within 5000 miles, and he's a Master AMG mechanic. But a car with 52K shouldn't consume that amount, I'm not going to say that you have a problem. But consider piston oil rings, oil pan gasket leaks. I recommend getting an oil change, and then fill the oil to the correct level. Then you will know for sure if you have a problem or not. Check the block for oil leaks, check the ground where you park for spots of oil, remove the engine belly pan to see if any oil is collecting in the pan. Just my .02 cents, good luck.
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Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 137
Likes: 1
2007 e550
Sorry guys...false alarm. I finally had a chance to check my oil level and it was full. I'm not sure why the warning on the cluster told me to check my oil level but it is full. Thanks for all your input. 
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 15,901
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From: North Scottsdale, AZ
'71 Pinto
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,254
Likes: 15
From: Louisiana
03 E500 and Corvette
I learned as an engineer years ago. Get all the data possible,, then verify what is suppose to happen and what is not.
From what I understand (haven't done it) changing the oil level sensor means pulling the oil pan.
