Loss of 1 litre of oil

[AndyH101]

Greetings, my vehicle appears to be consuming one litre of oil around every month. I recently placed it on a ramp and observed no oil accumulation on the tray, nor could I identify any leaks. The rocker head gasket exhibited a minor issue, but my mechanic indicated that it is not severe enough to account for such a significant loss within a month. I suspect that there is a burning issue within the engine of my N57 3-litre. While I understand that diagnosing the problem without disassembling the engine is challenging, does anyone have insights on common failures in these engines that could lead to oil consumption?

[AbdulBMWi3]

What is your monthly mileage?

[AndyH101]

Likely between 300 and 500.

[AbdulBMWi3]

Indeed, that is unfavourable. BMW specifies a consumption of 1 litre per 1000 miles. Verify that the crankcase breather is not obstructed, as this may lead to increased oil consumption by the engine.

[AndyH101]

If I were consuming one litre per 1,000 miles, would it be considered acceptable?
I have inspected the exhaust for smoke and found none.

[AbdulBMWi3]

Affirmative, as stated by BMW.

[AbdulBMWi3]

The Diesel Particulate Filter in the exhaust will eliminate the smoke.

[Hunger_for_love]

In my experience, it is atypical for the n57 to consume oil.

I would begin by inspecting the pipework to the turbo to determine the presence of oil on the intake side, followed by an examination of the boost pipework for oil accumulation.

[AndyH101]

I am now concerned since you mentioned the turbo; when I accelerate fully, I hear an air sound emanating from the turbo. I have owned the car for a few months, and this has always occurred. The vehicle still accelerates powerfully, and I observe no performance issues, so I assumed it was normal. Do you believe these potential issues could be linked to the depletion of oil? Is the air within normal parameters?

[RobertDavies88]

It is challenging to articulate your perception of air sounds, as the N57 produces more intake noise than earlier M57 versions due to differences in the intake systems. It could indeed be pertinent if the turbo is nearing the end of its lifespan. If the engine is eating that much oil without substantial visible leaks, it must be burning it, and the DPF, as said, obscures the exhaust gases. A turbo internal breakdown is likely the primary cause of oil consumption, rather than excessive breathing or blow-by. I would initially detach the intake duct from the turbo and assess the oil accumulation on the intake side as well as the play on the turbo axle. You did not specify whether we are discussing single or twin turbo, 30d or 40d.