M44 z3 consuming lots of oil

MikeK

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Could be the ccv had a similar issue with my old e46
Could be that, i was just checking and the ccv hose is a bit loose maybe a vacuum leak or something.
I will be doing a lot of tests this week i will keep posting here.
I am sure in the future someone will find this thread very helpful.
 

MikeK

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Update:

I have remove 3/4 spark plugs. They smell petrol but when I wipe them with my finger some black oil seems to be there.
I have no idea what a bad one looks like to be honest. They were super tight so it's mostly the tip that was wet and I assume petrol would be clear but there was definitely some black on them.

I got a cheap compression tester kit so maybe that will tell where the leak is from if there is a leak and how bad it is. Even if the leak is external or a pcv valve issue it will be good to know cylinder condition.

I appreciate any feedback ideas and any help.
Thanks!!!

PXL_20210604_180756436.jpg

PXL_20210604_181116307.jpg

PXL_20210604_181403429.jpg
 

t-tony

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I wouldn't expect the plugs to be that clean if those cylinders were burning a lot of oil. Is the inside of the exhaust tailpipe sooty and dry or sooty and oily?

Tony.
 

MikeK

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So exhaust looks dry.
Still need to check compression and clean the engine a bit to make sure there is no oil coming out.
But...
The car has been sitting for a week and I checked oil cold yesterday it was full. Warmed up the engine, still full (within range on the stick).
Did this again today same. But last week it was at the minimum mark both cold and hot.
I have googled how to test the oil in case I am that stupid but no I've always done it correctly.

My plan is to take it for an easy drive see if anything changes and then do all the engine checks.
I got a new CV valve to replace anyways, my old one has some wear on the tubing.
Weird. Or maybe not weird? Any ideas?
 

MikeK

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And after a drive it's now close to min again.
 

MikeK

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I have been trying to solve this issue. It looks like my dipstick is a bit inaccurate but still there seems to be a small leak somewhere but can't find out where.

It looks like this:
PXL_20210619_112623705.jpg

Looks like the front seal of the engine is leaking but only at the bottom? Or a seal behind a pulley or something?
There is a lot of build up oil so it's hard to tell how new it is, but it's all soft and shiny.
I found this almost everywhere on the undertray/splash guard and on the line that goes from the power steering reservoir to the pump.
Power steering fluid is close to low but I remember that's where I left when I filled it last time so seems fine.
I cleaned a few accessible spots to see if it will build up again.
 

D R Oldfield

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I don't know if it applies to m44 engine , I used to have a 2LTR valve T4 that was using a litre of oil in about 300 miles then I found the crank case breather blocked one it was cleaned out and a hose replaced it was fine
 

2bmws

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Have a look around the oil filter housing where it bolts to the engine there prone for leaking round there
 

t-tony

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By far and away the best way to clean up oil leaks is by using these items.
20210619_182631.jpg

A gallon of brake cleaner (sorry but it was a gallon for a long time) and a decent sprayer (one which can be adjusted to a fine spray or powerful jet). Will set you back around £20, and safe to use round rubber items as long as you let it dry well.

Tony.
 
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