BMW E60 N53 oil consumption: causes and topping up
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How do you monitor the oil level of the N53 engine?
There is no dipstick, so the level cannot be checked with one. The level is monitored from the bars in the instrument cluster and the on-board computer messages. When a message asks you to add oil, the top-up must be done within 200 km, otherwise the engine may be damaged.
What oil is added to the N53?
Add the oil specified in the owner's manual, preferably LL-04 quality. LL-01 also works. The car does not need to be told about the top-up.
What causes excessive oil consumption on the N53?
The suspected causes are the injectors, the breather pipe or rubber, and a leaking valve cover gasket, in which case the spark plug wells fill with oil. Replacing the injectors with rev11 injectors has calmed the consumption. The factory campaign checks the injectors' serial numbers, so ask about it at a BMW dealer or specialist.
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