Oil consumption

[3.0L]

I'm getting the impression that the new normal for new and recent cars is an increase in oil consumption.

From what I've been reading, engineers have reduced piston ring tension against the cylinder wall to reduce friction and increase fuel efficiency. The downside is increased oil consumption.

I only checked a few 2021 car brands and sure enough, folks have been complaining about oil consumption. Hyundai cars across most or all of the engine line seem to be using about 1 quart per 1000 miles (there's a class action lawsuit going on regarding the oil consumption). Recent Ford Mustang v-8's have been said to use as much as 1 quart every 600 miles while under "spirited" driving.

High oil consumption is foreign territory to me. My 8 year old M235i uses very little oil between the annual oil changes. Same, same for my 10 year old Mercedes Benz GLK350. I've never had to add oil.

So, is higher oil consumption also the new normal for new BMW's?

[heavyD^2]

I had no oil consumption in my M2 or X3M. In conjunction with the low tension rings, economy and mid range cars now use 0W-20 and 5W-20 oils which will exacerbate the issue. I imagine this is something that you will have to live with on economy cars as most performance engines use higher viscosity oil.

[dgoldenz]

I know that both the Macan and Cayenne owners manual states that the oil consumption is normal and you may need to add half to one quart of oil every few thousand miles. My Macan GTS has used up about 1.5 quarts in 10k miles of driving with 69k currently on the clock.

[KennyFSU]

*laughs in rotary*

[mikado463]

one of the issues with the Ford (Coyote motor) was a PCV issue that was a computer software fix, so I've been told ......

[3.0L]

Originally Posted by KennyFSU

*laughs in rotary*

I once owned a 1985 RX-7 and a 2004 RX-8, so I am pretty well acquainted with the routine.

[5.M0NSTER]

My M2 ate some oil at track days. I was a full qt low after 4 days.

I had a Mustang V8 in the past, and that one only ate oil during the first track day. Not a drop after.

The Camaro was 1/2 qt low after half a day doing full send around Mid Ohio yesterday. Topped it off and kept improving on my previous personal best lap time.

Oil is cheap. Check and top off as needed. No need to worry.

[zx10guy]

Not entirely related to the intent of this thread. But there have been reports of high oil consumption to the point of smoke coming from the exhaust with the M1000RR engines. The theory is due to possibly the 2 ring piston design along with possible improper break in. On the RR forum, there have been reports of two engines being replaced by BMW due to this issue.