'03 M45 Oil Consumption Testing results: Informal "Poll"

[M45Caliber]

I am taking my M in for another oil/filter change in a few weeks. I mentioned to the service manager @ Infiniti of Superstition Springs, while I had my wifes EX35 in for an oil change last week, that I am adding between 2 and 3 quarts of oil between changes on the M45; changes which I have been doing (only at Infiniti) at 2500 to 3500 mile intervals.

He said when I bring it in they will perform an Oil Consumption test. Exactly WHAT is that, how is it performed and what has been the consensus and outcome for any of you NICOers that have had this test performed?

I'm assuming they change the oil, double check to make sure the sump is topped off and reading full on the dip stick, then wire the drain plug, dip stick and oil cap shut so I can't eff with it at all? Then have me bring it back every 1,000 miles or something for a look-see?

No smoke at start up, but adding 2 to 3 quarts seems excessive on a motor that has only 38K miles on it and has been serviced every 2,500 to 3,500 miles ONLY at Infiniti dealers. I can't recall ANY car that I've owned in the last 15 years that required more than maybe 1/2 quart max between changes. And this M45 is my 56th car owned (no, that's not a typo).

Will this oil consumption problem get worse, or will it stay at about 2 1/2 quarts added between changes?

And finally, at what consumption point did Infiniti finally break down and replace your engine? Or, if they haven't, what is the current oil usage on your M between oil changes? What's the consensus here, amigos?

thanks -- M45Caliber

[M4T5]

Wow! That's really excessive. I too have only had vehicles consume 1/2-1qt between 3,500 mi oil change intervals. Though that was on vehicles with more than 120K mi. They should replace that engine if it is still under warranty. I too would like to know what this "Oil Consumption Test" actually is too.This is your 56th vehicle??? You sure like to buy cars!!!

J

[sr79labrat]

That is excessive! You can tell them that if they dont take care of you I will not buy a car from them ever again...nor their brand. I love my M, but that is NOT ok.

Good luck!Kyle

[eric313131]

I have 66,000 on mine and I don't burn any or lose enough to even tell. Knock on wood! So, there may be something going on. Under the car there is a big plastic cover so if you were dripping a little at a time, you may not be able to tell. That does seem like a lot of oil.

[kamezzle13]

my 03 burns about 1-1.5 quarts in between changes. no signs of leaks. i will say that since my last oil change with royal purple, i haven't had near as much disappear.

[Double E]

If you crank it from cold, then immediately go watch your exhaust, you'll see where some consumption is going. My understanding is that once the rings expand a bit, it make a better seal. When you stomp on it, it also burns some as the rings are being pushed more to handle the increased pressure.

Under increased pressure from WOT, they'll seal up tighter again as the combusture chamber temp goes up again from normal cruising to WOT.

Again...that's my understanding...

Have someone following watch you punch it from normal cruising and see if they see a little blue...

[M45Caliber]

That's the wierd thing -- NO blue smoke at start up or otherwise (I followed my wife as she drove it - I was in her EX35. I had her floor it several times - I know because I had to try and keep up with her...) and no smoking at all. The dealer started my consumption test last week, after my latest service there. Back in for a measurement in 1,000 miles. Keep you all posted.

[ken in az]

If you crank it from cold, then immediately go watch your exhaust, you'll see where some consumption is going. My understanding is that once the rings expand a bit, it make a better seal. When you stomp on it, it also burns some as the rings are being pushed more to handle the increased pressure.

Under increased pressure from WOT, they'll seal up tighter again as the combusture chamber temp goes up again from normal cruising to WOT.

Again...that's my understanding...

Have someone following watch you punch it from normal cruising and see if they see a little blue...

You are right except for your terminology. Smoke on startup is likely caused by bad valve seals.

Overnight the oil will seap into the intake and into the combustion chamber because the engine is cold and seals are allowing oil to get past them. Then you start it up and the oil is then burned off and you'll see a bluish haze in the exhaust.

When you stomp on the gas after you've been driving for a while could be a few things actually which requires a little more diagnosing to really say for certain.