Alpina Oil usage
Oil use
G'day all...geez some of you seem to be using a lot of oil!!! My B10 3.5 has 150,000 miles (had it since 30,000) and uses less than a litre per 3000 miles... including track work!!!
Was on Mobil 1, then Redline racing oil, now use Penrite HPR30 Fully synthetic) 10W-60. Ok conditions are different here in Queensland, Aust. but I do not wait for the service lights to 'go out', but religously change oil & filter at 5,000k's (3,000 miles). It's the cheapest part of the engine!
Maybe I need to flog it harder? I know engines need to burn some oil to lubricate the bore, but some of the posts here seem to over-use?
Had the head off @ 130,000 & 'hash' marks were still in the bore...& NO LIP!!!
Was on Mobil 1, then Redline racing oil, now use Penrite HPR30 Fully synthetic) 10W-60. Ok conditions are different here in Queensland, Aust. but I do not wait for the service lights to 'go out', but religously change oil & filter at 5,000k's (3,000 miles). It's the cheapest part of the engine!
Maybe I need to flog it harder? I know engines need to burn some oil to lubricate the bore, but some of the posts here seem to over-use?
Had the head off @ 130,000 & 'hash' marks were still in the bore...& NO LIP!!!
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- Joined: Wed Jan 17, 2007 12:47 am
- Location: West Sussex
B3 3.3 Oil usage
Well, this thread saved me from going mad. I am a long time bmw owner but new to the alpina. I bought a 2001 b3 3.3 in Oct 2006 and it has been using 1 litre every 300 miles!!! I don't drive hard, well only every now and again to exercise the car and the oil usage terrified me. I thought I'd been sold a 'pup' but there are obviously others out there with a similar issue.
I am now aware of the 1 litre per 1000k but I'm not happy about my even worse consumption. I've done quite a bit of forum reading about this now and this 'alpina feature' appears to be restricted to 3.3 engines produced between 1999 and 2001, does that sound right to everyone?
Like the other uniniated drivers I've been pumping in fully synthetic 0/xx at GBP12 a litre. I am going to try the 10/60 edge oil but I am also going to write to alpina 'cos this just doesn't seem right.
I am now aware of the 1 litre per 1000k but I'm not happy about my even worse consumption. I've done quite a bit of forum reading about this now and this 'alpina feature' appears to be restricted to 3.3 engines produced between 1999 and 2001, does that sound right to everyone?
Like the other uniniated drivers I've been pumping in fully synthetic 0/xx at GBP12 a litre. I am going to try the 10/60 edge oil but I am also going to write to alpina 'cos this just doesn't seem right.
if the car has warranty i'd push for an engine change (not unheard of) if not then i'd use a slightly thick grade like 5w-40 as it'll not be as thin when warm and will be less liley to burn past the seals etc...
2011 BMW 520d M Sport Saloon
2008 BMW 120i M Sport 5 Door
Previous ALPINAs
1984 E28 B9 3.5
1989 E32 B11 3.5
2000 E39 B10 V8 Touring
2005 E85 Roadster S #344
Twitter: d4bmw (follow me for all the latest ALPINA updates and other car related guff)
2008 BMW 120i M Sport 5 Door
Previous ALPINAs
1984 E28 B9 3.5
1989 E32 B11 3.5
2000 E39 B10 V8 Touring
2005 E85 Roadster S #344
Twitter: d4bmw (follow me for all the latest ALPINA updates and other car related guff)
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- Posts: 3
- Joined: Wed Jan 17, 2007 12:47 am
- Location: West Sussex
B3 3.3 Oil usage
Thanks for prompt reply. I didn't buy this from an authorised bmw dealer but I did buy an extended warranty. I have notified the dealer (ikn writing) and did buy an extended warranty, but I thought they'd palm me off with a 'wear and tear' excuse hence I was going to start a dialogue with Alpina who might be more inclined to avoid negative publicity on the internet? What do you reckon?
I will try a thicker oil, thanks. I've had the 'burning past the seals' conversation with someone recently. That worried me even more, if the oil is burning and you don't see any unusual exhaust emission does that mean the cat is soaking up unwanted emissions and will need replacing itself soon? That also sounds expensive!
I will try a thicker oil, thanks. I've had the 'burning past the seals' conversation with someone recently. That worried me even more, if the oil is burning and you don't see any unusual exhaust emission does that mean the cat is soaking up unwanted emissions and will need replacing itself soon? That also sounds expensive!
as far as I know if the engine is using more than the 1 litre per 1000km them BMW/ALPINA will replace the engine so long as there is warranty and the car has a full BMW service history - if this is the case then I wouldn't try any different oil yet - i'd simply get it into a main dealer and request a replacement engine (if i'm right then they should replace it for you)
2011 BMW 520d M Sport Saloon
2008 BMW 120i M Sport 5 Door
Previous ALPINAs
1984 E28 B9 3.5
1989 E32 B11 3.5
2000 E39 B10 V8 Touring
2005 E85 Roadster S #344
Twitter: d4bmw (follow me for all the latest ALPINA updates and other car related guff)
2008 BMW 120i M Sport 5 Door
Previous ALPINAs
1984 E28 B9 3.5
1989 E32 B11 3.5
2000 E39 B10 V8 Touring
2005 E85 Roadster S #344
Twitter: d4bmw (follow me for all the latest ALPINA updates and other car related guff)
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- Posts: 3
- Joined: Wed Jan 17, 2007 12:47 am
- Location: West Sussex
B3 3.3 Oil Usage
Right, thanks. I'm on it, I'll let you know what happens.
- Sunnyville
- ALPI
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Just thought I would update things as it has been a while since my initial concern.
I did have the oil changed over to the TWS when I did the inspection 2.
Ever since the car has done in access of 1500 miles per ltr so I have been totally happy with that.
It wasnt done at a main dealer in the end as I didn’t buy the car with warranty and therefore if the engine would have failed I wouldn’t have been covered anyway.
Still I am happy with the performance and the consumption of things. From what I have been told discussing this very issue with the guys at my local $tealer, It is worse on the M cars. They also said that ALL the six pot engined cars use some oil.
I suppose it is a little price to pay for such a good car.
I think that if there was a problem you would definitely know about it. You would be pouring oil in faster than fuel
Blade Runner
How are you getting on with your enquiries at the dealer/Alpina??
No news is good news I hope?
Kev
I did have the oil changed over to the TWS when I did the inspection 2.
Ever since the car has done in access of 1500 miles per ltr so I have been totally happy with that.
It wasnt done at a main dealer in the end as I didn’t buy the car with warranty and therefore if the engine would have failed I wouldn’t have been covered anyway.
Still I am happy with the performance and the consumption of things. From what I have been told discussing this very issue with the guys at my local $tealer, It is worse on the M cars. They also said that ALL the six pot engined cars use some oil.
I suppose it is a little price to pay for such a good car.
I think that if there was a problem you would definitely know about it. You would be pouring oil in faster than fuel
Blade Runner
How are you getting on with your enquiries at the dealer/Alpina??
No news is good news I hope?
Kev
D3 BiTurbo Coupe #067 (now with new war paint)
B3 3.3 coupe (SOLD... I was VERY sad to see her go)
Mk2 Escort RS2000 custom (Still in the garage awaiting my TLC)
E36 328i sport NOW SOLD very good car
B3 3.3 coupe (SOLD... I was VERY sad to see her go)
Mk2 Escort RS2000 custom (Still in the garage awaiting my TLC)
E36 328i sport NOW SOLD very good car
- Simon Davey
- ALPI
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- Joined: Mon Dec 29, 2003 3:28 pm
- Location: Aberdeen, UK
- Contact:
I think it's a little more complicated than that - if I remember from my E39 M5 days, the service advisor dug out some very detailed oil recommendations per engine / build number / month of manufacture. BMW have (or had) changed to using 10W-60 on a variety of engines (including the M5 V8 built up to Feb. 2000 I think it was, all of the M3 engine builds in the E46, and some (or was it all) Alpinas). So I think that they would argue for a 10W-60 change first before doing the engine.D4 wrote:as far as I know if the engine is using more than the 1 litre per 1000km them BMW/ALPINA will replace the engine so long as there is warranty and the car has a full BMW service history - if this is the case then I wouldn't try any different oil yet - i'd simply get it into a main dealer and request a replacement engine (if i'm right then they should replace it for you)
AM DBS V8 Red / Tan (1971)
E70 Sapphire Black 4.8i SE / Camel
And some previous ones: see http://homepage.mac.com/sddavey/Cars
E70 Sapphire Black 4.8i SE / Camel
And some previous ones: see http://homepage.mac.com/sddavey/Cars
Does anyone have any Alpina documentation regarding the affected 3.3 engines having a tws 10-60 recommendation
My oil useage is around the 800 mile per litre mark and wanted Sytner to put in some TWS but the helpful check in girl claims its not the recommeded oil. I would rather give her a copy of the Alpina letter if possible to shorten the discussion.
Car is 1999 B10 3.3 touring n 11
My oil useage is around the 800 mile per litre mark and wanted Sytner to put in some TWS but the helpful check in girl claims its not the recommeded oil. I would rather give her a copy of the Alpina letter if possible to shorten the discussion.
Car is 1999 B10 3.3 touring n 11
- Sunnyville
- ALPI
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- Joined: Wed Jun 22, 2005 9:57 am
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Hi b10brian.
The letter is on the first page of this post? download it and print it and your away.
I hope this is the letter that you are referring to?
Kev
The letter is on the first page of this post? download it and print it and your away.
I hope this is the letter that you are referring to?
Kev
D3 BiTurbo Coupe #067 (now with new war paint)
B3 3.3 coupe (SOLD... I was VERY sad to see her go)
Mk2 Escort RS2000 custom (Still in the garage awaiting my TLC)
E36 328i sport NOW SOLD very good car
B3 3.3 coupe (SOLD... I was VERY sad to see her go)
Mk2 Escort RS2000 custom (Still in the garage awaiting my TLC)
E36 328i sport NOW SOLD very good car
Hi
The letter on the front page refers to the amount of oil used but not a recommended type change hich aids in a reduction of oil consumption. I wsqanted something which states use TWS 10-60 on early 3.3 engines if indeed such a letter exists.
Apologies if I am being ultra stupid
It does refer to BMW SI 110796 (13) attachment 11 and 12
Is that BMW language for Castrol TWS 10-60?
The letter on the front page refers to the amount of oil used but not a recommended type change hich aids in a reduction of oil consumption. I wsqanted something which states use TWS 10-60 on early 3.3 engines if indeed such a letter exists.
Apologies if I am being ultra stupid
It does refer to BMW SI 110796 (13) attachment 11 and 12
Is that BMW language for Castrol TWS 10-60?
- Simon Davey
- ALPI
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- Joined: Mon Dec 29, 2003 3:28 pm
- Location: Aberdeen, UK
- Contact:
Brian
I'll see if I have the note from my dealer (John Clark Aberdeen) on oil types. Otherwise I'll give them a call as soon as I can and get another copy / get the document reference number. Don't be fobbed off by someone at Shytners...!
Simon
I'll see if I have the note from my dealer (John Clark Aberdeen) on oil types. Otherwise I'll give them a call as soon as I can and get another copy / get the document reference number. Don't be fobbed off by someone at Shytners...!
Simon
AM DBS V8 Red / Tan (1971)
E70 Sapphire Black 4.8i SE / Camel
And some previous ones: see http://homepage.mac.com/sddavey/Cars
E70 Sapphire Black 4.8i SE / Camel
And some previous ones: see http://homepage.mac.com/sddavey/Cars
Aha oil problems getting solved
Apparently TWS has been used in a few 3.3 and recent 3.4 Alpina engines where consumption is a problem (even the Z4 3.4S litre every 300 miles!)
You dont have to specify 10-60 TWS only comes in one thickness.
Spoke to a very helpful parts man Ian at Sytners High Wycombe in the parts department who has his finger on the BMW systems pulse AND www.thealpinaregister.com and its forum
Just waiting for the new front shockers to arrive then
new shocks
TWS oil and filter
KDS
Unhappy credit card plus Happy Driver
Apparently TWS has been used in a few 3.3 and recent 3.4 Alpina engines where consumption is a problem (even the Z4 3.4S litre every 300 miles!)
You dont have to specify 10-60 TWS only comes in one thickness.
Spoke to a very helpful parts man Ian at Sytners High Wycombe in the parts department who has his finger on the BMW systems pulse AND www.thealpinaregister.com and its forum
Just waiting for the new front shockers to arrive then
new shocks
TWS oil and filter
KDS
Unhappy credit card plus Happy Driver
Had an oil service mid December and changed from SLX 0w/30 to Edge 0w/30 and consumption has now dropped to 1700 miles per litre from 1200 miles per litre. I thought Edge was just renamed SLX but maybe it's been improved
B3 BiTurbo Coupe (#104)
B10 3.3 (#055) Sold
Austin Healey 3000 BT7 (Sold)
Every day is a winding road.
B10 3.3 (#055) Sold
Austin Healey 3000 BT7 (Sold)
Every day is a winding road.