How Keep Your BMW M54 Engine From Burning Oil

How Keep Your BMW M54 Engine From Burning Oil For Business Contact :
Nathan's BMW Workshop
Po Box 115 Altenburg Mo 63732

[mikemoyercell]

I bought my e46 with 33k miles. It has the M54 & I have 54k miles on it now (classic registration). I have always used a quality oil such as Liqui Moly or Royal Purple 5w-30 and every oil change I add a Liqui Moly MoS2 treatment. So far it has never burnt any oil. I know the M54 is known for it. I had a 2000 328i with the M52tu and that car had 306k miles on it when someone rear ended me and it didn't burn a drop of oil.

[sirhcmods]

Got a oil change, a month later my engine is crying for oil, I was so confused why, no leaks turns out driving it in sports mode so much burned oil faster, had to top it off. Thanks for this vid!

[Sf_Mason]

I've been running 5w40 in mine, Millers Nanodrive. All my gaskets have been sorted out (Rear main seal, sump, valve cover and CCV system).
One thing I've found that does help, is give it a good thrashing as well once up to temp. This free's off all the carbon deposits and unsticks the rings. I've found following a track day, the oil consumption drops off completely for a good time before it comes back. Spoken to an engineer at BMW (Mechcanical engineer here), it's the oil rings getting stuck which causes the consumption.
Thicker oil helps this, but also giving the car a good hard run helps to free things up.

[ecavity]

The independent repairshop owner who performs certain repairs for me, gave me exactly the same advice. Use 10W40 for that engine, at that milage (161500 miles / 260000 km). The reasoning behind it sounds credible so that is what is in the m54 engine now.

[pjo]

Great advice. Thank you sir. I also found lots of shorter journeys, such as taking my kid to school, increased oil consumption on my E39 M54 engine. I just arrived back from a 3000 hard mile road trip from southern europe and was amazed to see my M54 had not used a drop of oil.

[MrCparking]

I have implemented the "O2pilot" mod a few years ago and went from consuming a quart every 1k miles to nothing noticeable between oil changes on a 165k M54 engines. The mod runs a vacuum line from the back of the intake manifold to an input port on the CCV. It adds vacuum to bottom on the crankshaft and helps the M54 2 piston ring design perform its job of preventing oil seeping into the combustion chamber. Of course I live in the southern part in the US and this mod might not be recommended if the car is exposed to freezing temperatures plus I fix most vacuum leaks on the car prior to implementing the mod, so your mileage may vary. But I am happy with it.

[cyvox]

Australian People. I use Penrite 5w-30 Complete Protection with a bottle of Morey’s Heavy Duty Oil Stabiliser and the moreys. Actually stops my leaks and lubricates the whole engine. Best stuff I have ever used. I’ve been using moreys for a very long time and ever since I put that in my m54b30. No oil consumption. Better running and makes the engine feel brand new.

[XPaxcho]

I own and daily drive a 2001 325i 5 speed with 205K on the motor. (overheated a couple times, pump went out the first time, belt went out the second time) I bought this car in 2013 with less than 100k miles on it. Prior to the times it overheated I used 5W-30; now I use 10W-30 or 10W-40 in the hotter months, and 5W-40 in the cooler months. I live in Kansas. The car is still strong and other than the regular maintenance here and there I have had minimal issues.

[juliossntana]

Great advice I run 5w-40synthetic always, I daily drive it, even stop and go traffic . I have to add about a half quart every week to keep it in range. 223k and counting 03 530i m54b30

[LA]

I use Liqui Molly 0w40 and my M54B30 loves it! Doesn't burn oil as frequently as it did when it ran with 5w30 and the cold starts are smooth. I could use 10w40 but I frequently make ski trips to Vermont every year so having that 0w rating definitely helps with cold starts.

[bimma-b]

Oh yes the dreaded oil consumption in loss after replacing $3, 000 of oil pan gaskets replacing the oil filter housing gasket replacing the valve cover gasket replacing all kinds of things even radiator thermostat expansion tank belts pulleys water pump and that's at the dealership oil consumption loss don't know where it's going driving me crazy it's so annoying and also not good for the car but I don't know how to even diagnose what's happening as I thank you once again Nathan much appreciated.ive had a 95 325 I convertible 99 323i, 2001 530i M sport pack, 2005 325xi, 2008 535i, 2011 328 xDrive, 2005 330 ci ZHP convertible.i have driven and owned alot of models and need help with the 330ci Zhp.if anyone knows where to go near Springfield Missouri or anywhere I can tow it to I can trust thanks

[themoth]

I drive 120 miles a day, 5 days a work and i believe it. I use 5w-30 royal purple. Car is at 150k and still running Cherry.🤙🏼🤙🏼

[ficoeudovcic]

I've used 10w40 on all of my petrol bmw-s m50 m52 m52tü and on e39 730i and never had any problems. The only noticeable change was on e32 m52(no tü) it reduced the oil leak on some gaskets. The transition was from 5w30 to 10w40...

[_Quis_Ut_Deus_]

Thanks for your content Nathan <3 Plz dont ever stop doing these great videos . Ppl like me who really likes to take on theese things and keep cars in good shape need people like you to teach us :-)

[RikoSuave]

I have always used shell rótella15w40 on my 2004 X5. It has 214k and counting. It burns 1qt every 3, 000 miles so I either use shell rotella t4 15w40 every 3k or semi synthetic every 7k or full synthetic every year so far so good.

[warpet]

2000 528i M52TU2.8, 193, 000 miles, Liqui Moly 5W-40, no oil usage between 5000 mile oil changes. It did not use oil with the BMW 5W-30 oil I used for years, it just runs smoother and quieter with the Liquid Moly.

[edwinbencosme]

My x3 m54 has 194k and runs good. Just fixed a vacuum leak culprit was the intake hose the small hose was put together with tie wraps from previous owner. It was stalling and engine turning off on fast acceleration. its all good now. The only issue i been having is a slight vibration on 40-55 mph. Found out the rear diff has some play. Besides that. That lil suv runs like a tank. I got it cheap so cant expect to be perfect.

[tubefreak]

240k original motor no oil consumption problems at all I love this motor and car

[Martin]

Here's what I did with my M54 engine. Right before my oilchange, I added a little bit of Marvel Mystery Oil to my engine oil and let it run for 10 minutes. I also added MMO in my fuel tank, in order to lubricate the fuel pump, injectors and upper cylinder components, including freeing up piston rings.
After 10 minutes, I drained the old oil and put in new oil and oil filter.
Since then I drove 500 miles, the oil is still clean and, most importantly, no oil consumption!
Have to tell that I also use the pilot bypass, a vacuum hose from the CCV to the backend of the engine.
Engine has 200K on the clock and runs like new, smooth idling and all the hp are still there.

[burakokumus]

Your videos are always there for us when we users are in need! You are a great help, tyvm!