chasing the oil level

[GJEMD]

There seems to be much consternation over appropriate oil consumption in the VK engine in the M45. Rightfully so given the frequency of 2003 M45 and even G35 coupe engine replacement. With that said, its important to realize most high performance engines that are driven hard will consume some oil. Ask any Corvette,BMW or Ferrari owner. I've owned all the above from new and they all would seem to use oil only to a point . I use to always top out my cars like many people on the forum. My experience you can repeatedly replace several 1/2 quarts over the OCI. The top marking on the oil stick is so not to overfill the crankcase with all that entails. The lower mark is a very early warning mark. The Vk engine can run on 4 quarts with no significant decline in oil pressure. Oil pressure is the critical issue not oil level. Racing engines use dry sumps with oil just in engine under pressure. But still use significant amounts of oil during a race. I use Amsoil and filter @ 7500 OCI. The oil level seems to reach just below the 1/2 point after 2000 miles and it stays there for the next 5500 miles. Now I drive 75% Highway 75-80 mph. The first yr I owned my 2004 M45 I top out frequently making it seem like I was using more oil than in reality. My current true oil consumption is 3/4 quart ever 7500 miles since i stopped topping off.

Now before all the know- it- alls jump on this thread. And you know who you are. This is just one owners story of a 2004 M45 owned new to 60,000 miles. Also I drive it hard as the situation dictates. I've had it to red line innumerable times . Mine also will show a little smoke after its sat up for a few days. This is only incidental to an otherwise marvelous running engine. Best car I've ever owned.

[New2Import]

This is all true that you state. But the problem Im having is the blue smoke start up. Have any answers for that problem? I think a catch can for the PCV system.

[GJEMD]

I've not seen the smoke in your situation. I believe its common for the VK to smoke on cold starting including mine. People in warmer climates never know it and in colder climates it is indistinguishable with the water vapor. I know "blue" smoke usually means bad things to come but not in this case per say. Most engine swaps reported on this forum have been massive oil consumption without smoke I believe

[M45Runner]

Mine is the case as GJEMD described. The oil level will drop 1/3 between the high and low mark and will stay there until next oil change, which I do mine every 5-6K.

I have only had the blue smoke once in cold winter (of Texas), which is about 14F with snow AND I had the car sit there for 3 days. Other than that, it never smokes that can be visually identified. So, it could be true that the blue smoke only occures in northern part where it can get really cold.

[CakeDaddy]

Nice title….”Chasing the Oil Level”

I’ve read and heard so much about this oil consumption its enough to drive you crazy and make you paranoid so I decided to start my own test with a ruler and digi camera. After an oil change back in Nov-21-2008 @ 34,740miles I measured my dip stick on a cold engine and recoding my findings. As of today (Mar-27-2009) and 600 miles later after normal driving……. It measures damn near the same on a cold engine as it did back in Nov-21-08. I wish I had more to add, but I’m happy to report that my 2003 seems normal. I may stage another test during the hot months to see if the result will change.

For those with the serious oil issues.... I wish you luck

[GJEMD]

Cake, Whats up with 600 miles in 5 months??? Soo busy waxing the PIANO FINISH on your M you can't find time to drive it.

[CakeDaddy]

Cake, Whats up with 600 miles in 5 months??? Soo busy waxing the PIANO FINISH on your M you can't find time to drive it.

Say hello to my garage king! We have three other cars in the stable. I drive the M when I can, plus we fly to PHx AZ on occasions for weeks at a time during foorball season. Im hardly here to drive