Car asking for more oil - why?

[merc180k]

Hi all,

A bit baffled since the car started asking for me to "Add 1.0 litres of oil at next refuel!"
Car is 1600 miles from next A service and does not appear to have any visible oil leaks. Topped up the oil approx 4-5 months ago and now it is asking for more. Obviously realise the importance but given I'll do 1600 miles in about 1-2 months reluctant to add more premium oil to have it then drained at service.

Is it normal for these cars to ask for oil between services? Or could this be a sign something is on the way out??

 

[nigel cross]

Have you checked the dipstick?

 

[chrisbrad66]

some engines do use oil rather than visually burn it out of the exhaust, as long as its not smoking out of the exhaust and not leaking adding 1 litre is not much to worry about, what is its mileage? think yourself lucky it's not an Audi s3 or s4!! my old one used 4 litres of oil per 2000 miles from new! Audi said it is normal and i have since spoke to other audi owners who say there s3 and s4 models are the same, they use as much oil as petrol almost.

 

[merc180k]

Have you checked the dipstick?

Don't have a manual dipstick, it's the auto one through the instrument panel.

 

[merc180k]

some engines do use oil rather than visually burn it out of the exhaust, as long as its not smoking out of the exhaust and not leaking adding 1 litre is not much to worry about, what is its mileage? think yourself lucky it's not an Audi s3 or s4!! my old one used 4 litres of oil per 2000 miles from new! Audi said it is normal and i have since spoke to other audi owners who say there s3 and s4 models are the same, they use as much oil as petrol almost.

Really?! Wow, glad I don't have one of them!!

Car has almost 77k on it.

 

[Adam230K]

some engines do use oil rather than visually burn it out of the exhaust, as long as its not smoking out of the exhaust and not leaking adding 1 litre is not much to worry about, what is its mileage? think yourself lucky it's not an Audi s3 or s4!! my old one used 4 litres of oil per 2000 miles from new! Audi said it is normal and i have since spoke to other audi owners who say there s3 and s4 models are the same, they use as much oil as petrol almost.

I could understand the V8 s4 using that much oil, but the S3? that would be weird!

This does sound odd... my old kompressor engine doesn't use a drop of oil between services.... ever.

 

[fabes]

mine did this a few weeks back

Don't put the whole litre in though

Put half in - if you over fill its a pain

I put half a litre of mobil 1 in and that's done the trick

First time in 2 years, like you, no other signs, and the dipstick 'looked' okay

 

[chrisbrad66]

77k is not a lot of miles for the engine, and to be honest 1 litre is not a lot to top up after 5 or 6 months, although my old c class 180 never used oil at all, are you sure there are no leaks? and no smoke visible in the rear view mirror when you get a little heavy footed with gas pedal? if all seems ok then top up and don't worry too much about it

 

[chrisbrad66]

I could understand the V8 s4 using that much petrol, but the S3? that would be weird!

believe me its true, i had the s3 a 2003 model, it spent more time at audi than on the road for "using oil" and even had the audi engineers from germany over to check it, they couldn't find anything wrong with the engine and not long after, they tested one on top gear and found the same problem, audi said in response "it's normal". Cost me a small fortune in the end in synthetic oil for the 2 years i owned it LOL

 

[jaymanek]

The V6 engines tend to ask for oil between services more that the others... in any case nothign to worry about unless it becomes regular.

 

[merc180k]

77k is not a lot of miles for the engine, and to be honest 1 litre is not a lot to top up after 5 or 6 months, although my old c class 180 never used oil at all, are you sure there are no leaks? and no smoke visible in the rear view mirror when you get a little heavy footed with gas pedal? if all seems ok then top up and don't worry too much about it

tbh I've not looked in the mirror if heavy footed, but I will tomorrow. Can't see any leaks, but will get the garage to check when it goes for the service. (There is nothing on the drive in the mornings, makes me think no leak).

 

[wemorgan]

Obviously realise the importance but given I'll do 1600 miles in about 1-2 months reluctant to add more premium oil to have it then drained at service.

It's a pain for sure, but you'll be spending roughly £200 on fuel over the next 1600 miles, so you might as well spend another £10 on oil.

 

[flango]

believe me its true, i had the s3 a 2003 model, it spent more time at audi than on the road for "using oil" and even had the audi engineers from germany over to check it, they couldn't find anything wrong with the engine and not long after, they tested one on top gear and found the same problem, audi said in response "it's normal". Cost me a small fortune in the end in synthetic oil for the 2 years i owned it LOL

Exactly the same with my old Audi drive to Cornwall from Yorkshire top up with 1 litre oil same on the return, used just short of 1 litre for every 1000 miles.

The subaru I have just got rid of was exacly the same but this time 1 litre for every 2000 miles.

Response from both Audi & Subaru dealers, thats quite normal sir, and it even says so in the handbook, Still thats not as bad as the Mazda RX8

 

[Howard]

Don't have a manual dipstick.

You sure ? Have you looked ?

 

[merc180k]

You sure ? Have you looked ?

Yes, no manual dipstick visible. Although if this is not the case on W203 2004 then please correct me and advise where MB hid it.

 

[Rovinghawk]

"Add 1.0 litres of oil at next refuel!"
Obviously realise the importance but ...........reluctant to add more

As you realise the importance, add oil like it says or risk the consequences.

Simple.

RH

 

[merc180k]

As you realise the importance, add oil like it says or risk the consequences.

Simple.

RH

Didn't say I wouldn't add it, just that I was reluctant given service due soon.

Added the oil now, seems happy enough now.