'97 323I High Oil Consumption

[Racer75]

HI all,

I have a 1997 e36 323i which has a problem with oil consumption. Granted, I don't know how much its actually burning but it shouldn't be burning any!!!

I have read into it and, since the car has completed 190,000 miles, starts every time and still has plenty of pull, I have decided to rule out the fact that the engine has the dreaded 'Nikasil' issue and am spit-balling that it could be the CCV.

According to the web, the CCV can gum up the hoses and this can lead to oil consumption.

I hope to take the car for an MOT soon and am worried about it failing on emissions.

Any advice would be appreciated in solving this problem.

Cheers

[Guest Mister Dabsy]

If I remember, only the "V" engines had nikasil linings, but if the piston-rings and valve guides are ok then it will most deffo be poor engine breathing, gunge in the pipes... I would give her a major oil service and flush the pipes

[Racer75]

Alright cool. Thats a massive relief :) I guess I'll change the CCV to be on the safe side though

Thanks mate.

[Ockyclarke]

I had a 2001 320SE for a couple of years from 2009 to 2011, mileage from 84 to 115k. It was using around 1 litre per 1,000 miles which I never got to the bottom of. It ran well but using Castrol Edge was a bit expensive.