2011 x5 5.0i oil problem

mercedes123 · 02-11-2011, 08:54 PM

Back in November I picked up a 2011 x5 5.0i which has about 2900 miles right now. A few days ago I got the "Oil level is at the minimum, please add 1 quart" message. I added the 1 quart of oil, and when I checked the oil level today, I had already lost 1/5 of the oil. I don't drive aggressively at all or race. I've been driving mostly local roads for the past few weeks, so the car hasn't even gone past 55mph. I am not sure if its an oil leak, if the gauge is malfunctioning, or if something is actually wrong with the engine. Anybody have similar problems?

pfbz · 02-11-2011, 09:46 PM

I don't think you can really accurately measure 1/5 of a quart with the electronic or manual dipstick...

But I'd keep track of total consumption, or better yet make sure you top off at the dealer so they have a record of consumption as well if you think it's excessive.

X5Beemaah · 02-13-2011, 07:43 PM

Yes...I have 4600miles on my '11 50i and had to add 1qt of oil in two different occasions. once in November and the 2nd was just this weekend. I'm like you, yea I drive it but i sure dont beat on it. This past weekend I started it up and i got an "engine malfunction" warning stating that the engine was in "safe mode" and to carefully transport the vehicle to a dealer. of course I had to be out of state and 3hrs from home when this happened. The engine was running very rough like it was only on 3 or 4 cylinders and shaking the entire vehicle. I added 1qt of oil and restarted thh engine, the error code seemed to have gone away but I'm not sure why it happened or why it goings through so much oil. Doesn't sound normal but maybe it is. I will contact my local dealer this week and see what they say........Anyone else have a similar experience???

chrgosselin · 02-13-2011, 11:38 PM

I ordered a 2011 X5 50i in November 2010 and when it finally got to the dealer in January 2011, they detected a problem with the engine: it was leaking oil. It seems that the engine has some oil canals built-in so they can prevent overheating while they machine it at the factory. These canals are soldered shut at the end of the process but those on my X5's engine were not shut properly. I refused delivery of the vehicle because they had to replace the engine entirely and ordered a new one instead. Sounds like you guys may have the same problem. Check with your dealer.

Christian
2012 BMW X5 50i Black Sapphire/Black Nevada (on order)
2003 BMW 325i Jet Black

hsiung · 02-16-2011, 01:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by :help:chrgosselin

I ordered a 2011 X5 50i in November 2010 and when it finally got to the dealer in January 2011, they detected a problem with the engine: it was leaking oil. It seems that the engine has some oil canals built-in so they can prevent overheating while they machine it at the factory. These canals are soldered shut at the end of the process but those on my X5's engine were not shut properly. I refused delivery of the vehicle because they had to replace the engine entirely and ordered a new one instead. Sounds like you guys may have the same problem. Check with your dealer.

Christian
2012 BMW X5 50i Black Sapphire/Black Nevada (on order)
2003 BMW 325i Jet Black

You do find oil on the floor where you park your X5 right?
I have my 50i eating oil so fast, which only have 2700KM on it, but the measure from iDrive shows 4/5 oil were gone already.
But dealer said that is normal during the break-in period and happens during cold weather (-20 or lower).
Is it really normal ?

TheWanderer · 02-16-2011, 11:59 PM

At just over 5800 miles in my '11 X5 5.0i, I just added my *second* quart of oil.

mercedes123 · 02-17-2011, 12:06 PM

I guess this seems to be an unintended nuisance, but unfortunately normal. I wonder if the other cars that use this engine also suck up oil really fast.

E70MGU · 02-17-2011, 05:18 PM

Not the same engine, but my 04 X3 has drank it's share.

X5Beemaah · 02-17-2011, 07:44 PM

My SA told me that this is normal and these vehicles can consume 1qt of oil per 800 miles if they are alot of highway speeds!! Normal? I don't think there is anything normal about it and they are just saying that for now until there is enough people to complain before they look into the real cause and fix it. Also, I think the 750i has the same engine?

TheWanderer · 02-20-2011, 05:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by X5Beemaah

My SA told me that this is normal and these vehicles can consume 1qt of oil per 800 miles if they are alot of highway speeds!! Normal? I don't think there is anything normal about it and they are just saying that for now until there is enough people to complain before they look into the real cause and fix it. Also, I think the 750i has the same engine?

This same engine is in the 750i, the new 550i, and the X6. I haven't been watching the other forums though to see if owners there are experiencing the same thing but I'd be surprised if they weren't.

richard in NC · 02-20-2011, 05:56 PM

I used 1 quart in 5000 miles. Not unusual for the BMW V8.

263464757 · 02-20-2011, 06:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by richard in NC

I used 1 quart in 5000 miles. Not unusual for the BMW V8.

Except for the fact that my 540i with the prev generation 4.4 has 86,000 mi and doesn't use a drop in 7,500. Just did the valve cover gaskets last week. The cams, lifters, valve train, timing chain, and gears looked like it just rolled off the assembly line....not even a pin prick of crud or sludge anywhere...ANYWHERE...it was a sight to behold!

X6M · 02-24-2011, 01:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hsiung

You do find oil on the floor where you park your X5 right?
I have my 50i eating oil so fast, which only have 2700KM on it, but the measure from iDrive shows 4/5 oil were gone already.
But dealer said that is normal during the break-in period and happens during cold weather (-20 or lower).
Is it really normal ?

Yes, it is a norm for cars with 5.0L: engine particularly:

- a brand new car before 10,000 miles
- very cold
- driving a car at a high speed

04S · 02-24-2011, 04:56 PM

I have a X5 with the 4.4 turbo. 3000 kms. 2 months old and 5 minutes ago the oil light came on the for second time.

Never driven fast, mostly used by my wife, and the weather down here in Australia is certainly not cold at this time of year.

claym3 · 02-24-2011, 06:16 PM

I have a 2011 x5 50i, Just passed 10,000 miles and just added 3rd quart of oil. SA said it is turning out to be very typical for the 4.4L twin turbo v8's that he's responsible for to have similar oil consumption issues. oh well

mercedes123 · 02-25-2011, 09:06 AM

My dealer and service center both said that this high consumption of oil is normal in the v8's. At least they gave me a free quart of oil after complaining enough

JOHNBMWM5 · 02-28-2011, 10:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheWanderer

This same engine is in the 750i, the new 550i, and the X6. I haven't been watching the other forums though to see if owners there are experiencing the same thing but I'd be surprised if they weren't.

Well just my 2P, I have the new 550i M Sport ( 2011 jan 15th) to date 1550 miles NO Oil used at all, and the engine is being worked.
I have never put any Oil in any of my new BMWs, the last one was the E90 M3 2010, it covered 11K and after the 1200 mile service needed NO Oil.

enzocel · 05-02-2011, 03:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mercedes123

Back in November I picked up a 2011 x5 5.0i which has about 2900 miles right now. A few days ago I got the "Oil level is at the minimum, please add 1 quart" message. I added the 1 quart of oil, and when I checked the oil level today, I had already lost 1/5 of the oil. I don't drive aggressively at all or race. I've been driving mostly local roads for the past few weeks, so the car hasn't even gone past 55mph. I am not sure if its an oil leak, if the gauge is malfunctioning, or if something is actually wrong with the engine. Anybody have similar problems?

I GOT MY X5 IN JULY 2010, I PUT 11000 MILES IN THIS AMOUNT OF MILES
I HAD TO PUT OIL 5 TIMES ,SO OIL EVERY 2500 MILES.
I DO NOT THINK THIS NORMAL AT ALL. I HAD TWO 7 SERIES AND TWO MASERATI QUATTROPORTE NEVER HAD THIS KIND OF PROBLEM! THEY TRY TO TELL ME THAT THIS IS NORMAL FOR HIGH PERFORMANCE ENGINES......HIGH PERFORMANCE ENGINE TODAY TAKE OIL AFTER 12000 TO 15000 MILES!TIME TO FIND ANOTHER EXCUSE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
AND I AM NOT GETTING IN TO IT REGARDING NOISES FROM THE DOORS
METAL AGAINST METAL! WHAT IS GOING ON BMW???????????????????????

TheWanderer · 05-07-2011, 11:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnbmw6

Well just my 2P, I have the new 550i M Sport ( 2011 jan 15th) to date 1550 miles NO Oil used at all, and the engine is being worked.
I have never put any Oil in any of my new BMWs, the last one was the E90 M3 2010, it covered 11K and after the 1200 mile service needed NO Oil.

I didn't need my 1st quart until about 2500 miles. I need to go in today for my 3rd quart, at about 200 miles short of 10k.

JOHNBMWM5 · 05-07-2011, 11:55 AM

Update 3600 miles NO Oil used at all.

SPolo · 11-24-2011, 12:36 PM

My 2011 X5 5.0 has 25000 miles, I drive aggressive it uses 1qt every 3000 miles. Your usage is normal, enjoy your X5...........

kormaster · 11-25-2011, 01:00 AM

Hope my 2012 doesnt have that problem.

My dad's 550i did the same... went into limp mode.... dealer fixed it... but again.. the car isnt droven that much either..

Makes me want to lease this car instead of buying.. cant imagine owning it for 7-8 years... everything will fall apart..

02-11-2011, 08:54 PM	#1
mercedes123 Private 3 Rep 50 Posts Drives: 16 X5 50i, 18 M2 Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Jersey City, NJ iTrader: (0)	2011 x5 5.0i oil problem Back in November I picked up a 2011 x5 5.0i which has about 2900 miles right now. A few days ago I got the "Oil level is at the minimum, please add 1 quart" message. I added the 1 quart of oil, and when I checked the oil level today, I had already lost 1/5 of the oil. I don't drive aggressively at all or race. I've been driving mostly local roads for the past few weeks, so the car hasn't even gone past 55mph. I am not sure if its an oil leak, if the gauge is malfunctioning, or if something is actually wrong with the engine. Anybody have similar problems?
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02-11-2011, 09:46 PM	#2
pfbz New Member 2 Rep 19 Posts Drives: Many Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: CO iTrader: (0)	I don't think you can really accurately measure 1/5 of a quart with the electronic or manual dipstick... But I'd keep track of total consumption, or better yet make sure you top off at the dealer so they have a record of consumption as well if you think it's excessive.
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02-13-2011, 07:43 PM	#3
X5Beemaah Private First Class 29 Rep 118 Posts Drives: 2011 X5 50i Alpine White Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: North of Boston, MA iTrader: (0)	Yes...I have 4600miles on my '11 50i and had to add 1qt of oil in two different occasions. once in November and the 2nd was just this weekend. I'm like you, yea I drive it but i sure dont beat on it. This past weekend I started it up and i got an "engine malfunction" warning stating that the engine was in "safe mode" and to carefully transport the vehicle to a dealer. of course I had to be out of state and 3hrs from home when this happened. The engine was running very rough like it was only on 3 or 4 cylinders and shaking the entire vehicle. I added 1qt of oil and restarted thh engine, the error code seemed to have gone away but I'm not sure why it happened or why it goings through so much oil. Doesn't sound normal but maybe it is. I will contact my local dealer this week and see what they say........Anyone else have a similar experience???
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02-13-2011, 11:38 PM	#4
chrgosselin New Member 4 Rep 19 Posts Drives: 2019 BMW X5 40i Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: British Columbia iTrader: (0)	I ordered a 2011 X5 50i in November 2010 and when it finally got to the dealer in January 2011, they detected a problem with the engine: it was leaking oil. It seems that the engine has some oil canals built-in so they can prevent overheating while they machine it at the factory. These canals are soldered shut at the end of the process but those on my X5's engine were not shut properly. I refused delivery of the vehicle because they had to replace the engine entirely and ordered a new one instead. Sounds like you guys may have the same problem. Check with your dealer. Christian 2012 BMW X5 50i Black Sapphire/Black Nevada (on order) 2003 BMW 325i Jet Black Last edited by chrgosselin; 02-13-2011 at 11:46 PM..
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02-16-2011, 11:59 PM	#6
TheWanderer Private 3 Rep 59 Posts Drives: X5 50i in transit.. Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Seattle, WA iTrader: (0)	At just over 5800 miles in my '11 X5 5.0i, I just added my second quart of oil. __________________ In My Garage: 2011 X5 5.0i, Carbon Black/Black Nevada ZAV ZCW ZMP ZPP ZPS ZTP 322 4BP 456 5AC 6NF
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02-17-2011, 12:06 PM	#7
mercedes123 Private 3 Rep 50 Posts Drives: 16 X5 50i, 18 M2 Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Jersey City, NJ iTrader: (0)	I guess this seems to be an unintended nuisance, but unfortunately normal. I wonder if the other cars that use this engine also suck up oil really fast.
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02-17-2011, 05:18 PM	#8
E70MGU Enlisted Member 2 Rep 49 Posts Drives: 2011 X5 50i Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Central PA and Cape May NJ iTrader: (0)	Not the same engine, but my 04 X3 has drank it's share. __________________ 2011 X5 50i: ZCW, ZPP, ZPS, ZRC, ZTP
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02-17-2011, 07:44 PM	#9
X5Beemaah Private First Class 29 Rep 118 Posts Drives: 2011 X5 50i Alpine White Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: North of Boston, MA iTrader: (0)	My SA told me that this is normal and these vehicles can consume 1qt of oil per 800 miles if they are alot of highway speeds!! Normal? I don't think there is anything normal about it and they are just saying that for now until there is enough people to complain before they look into the real cause and fix it. Also, I think the 750i has the same engine?
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02-20-2011, 05:56 PM	#11
richard in NC Colonel 1229 Rep 2,602 Posts Drives: 2009 Z4 35i Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Charlotte, NC iTrader: (0)	I used 1 quart in 5000 miles. Not unusual for the BMW V8. __________________ 2020 X3M non-comp, Alpine White over black : Exec Pkg, ventilated M Sport seats, 20"s 2020 M2 Comp, Sunset Orange/Blk: Orange stitching, DCT, exec pkg, bicolor rims Gone '18 M550i, '16 X4 M40i, '15 M5, '13 X3 35i, '12 335is, '11 X5 50i, '09 Z4 35i, '08 550i, 06 X3, 06 650i, '02 M5, '99 540i
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02-24-2011, 04:56 PM	#14
04S Captain 174 Rep 839 Posts Drives: M4 xDrive, X5 40i and U11 X1 Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Sydney, Australia iTrader: (0)	I have a X5 with the 4.4 turbo. 3000 kms. 2 months old and 5 minutes ago the oil light came on the for second time. Never driven fast, mostly used by my wife, and the weather down here in Australia is certainly not cold at this time of year.
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02-24-2011, 06:16 PM	#15
claym3 New Member 1 Rep 13 Posts Drives: '11 E93 M3/'11 x5 50i Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: south (think deliverance) iTrader: (0)	I have a 2011 x5 50i, Just passed 10,000 miles and just added 3rd quart of oil. SA said it is turning out to be very typical for the 4.4L twin turbo v8's that he's responsible for to have similar oil consumption issues. oh well
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02-25-2011, 09:06 AM	#16
mercedes123 Private 3 Rep 50 Posts Drives: 16 X5 50i, 18 M2 Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Jersey City, NJ iTrader: (0)	My dealer and service center both said that this high consumption of oil is normal in the v8's. At least they gave me a free quart of oil after complaining enough
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05-07-2011, 11:55 AM	#20
JOHNBMWM5 Live for today tomorrow never comes 1989 Rep 9,498 Posts Drives: 2022 LCI Marina Bay Blue/ Smok Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	Update 3600 miles NO Oil used at all. __________________ Live for now, life is too short. 2021 LCI M5 Marina Bay Blue/ Smoked White Leather
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11-24-2011, 12:36 PM	#21
SPolo Registered 0 Rep 1 Posts Drives: Black 2011 X5 xDrive50i Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Chicago iTrader: (0)	2011 x5 5.0i oil problem My 2011 X5 5.0 has 25000 miles, I drive aggressive it uses 1qt every 3000 miles. Your usage is normal, enjoy your X5...........
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11-25-2011, 01:00 AM	#22
kormaster Banned 3 Rep 44 Posts Drives: POS car Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: SOCAL iTrader: (0)	Hope my 2012 doesnt have that problem. My dad's 550i did the same... went into limp mode.... dealer fixed it... but again.. the car isnt droven that much either.. Makes me want to lease this car instead of buying.. cant imagine owning it for 7-8 years... everything will fall apart..
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