E34 M5 normal oil consumption and steering gearbox questions... - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

RobReb · 14th September 2001, 05:28

Questions:
1. What is the normal oil consumption for an M5 driven in a spirited manner? I am putting in a quart about every 1,000 miles or so, because the "ENGINE OIL LOW" warning comes on and sure enough, it's low.

2. I think my steering gearbox is shot, because something is leaking out of it. Is there a gasket or other fix for that, or does it need to be replaced for $1200? I hope there is something out there that can be done.

3. Does the M5 have any oil leak tendencies that I need to watch for, because I am noticing a little bit of accumulation of my garage floor.

Thanks to anyone who can help.

Robert in Nashville

Xipe · 14th September 2001, 21:24

The 3.8 M5 is notorious for drinking alot of oil, the packings also have a tendency to start leaking. Your oil consumption, with a non-leaking engine, will be worse the more worn you engine is.
I had an oil leak from the engine and had to fill up a bit every 350 kilometres, since I had that problem fixed (€600) I haven't had any Oelstand-messages (~1200 kilometers).

Can't tell you wether a quart every 1600 kilometers is normal or not, since I haven't driven that kind of distance after I had the engine fixed.

Richard I · 15th September 2001, 01:51

I can't help with the steering but I can offer my experince with oil comsumption.
At 113000 miles I was using a litre between services, about six thousand miles. So I think yours is quite high. I have heard that a litre every three-four thousand is reasonable. You may be looking at future problems.

mikek · 16th September 2001, 20:10

Hi,

My 3.6 with 119,000 miles needed half a litre at 3000 miles after it`s oil change. So I expect 1 litre every 6000 miles. That is mixed driving style, I like to use the performance !!!! :-)

Regards

Mike

RobReb · 17th September 2001, 04:12

I just topped it off, so I will hit the trip odometer and see how many miles I get before the light comes on. I had my mechanic look at the undercarriage and said he saw no major oil leaks, other than possibly the power steering gear box. So, we will see what happens. I will keep the board informed of anyfindings or hopefully good news!!

BTW, any knowledge from anyone on the power steering gearbox leak and if there is a fix??

Thanks again.
Robert in Nashville

BigMac · 18th September 2001, 11:02

Robert,

I am no expert on these matters, but I believe the power steering and the suspension system share the same fluid. I recently had a leak in one of my front suspension tubes, which was pretty obvious; however, replacement of one tube may also lead to the replacement of others as the new tube puts more strain on the old ones. Or so my BMW garage explained when I had to wait another week or so for the other tube....

So maybe you have a small leak somewhere in your suspension system?