Oil Consumption

[scottdelamancha]

Hello, can anyone give me an idea of the amount of oil used? I own a 2002 R1150R with 25K miles. I called the dealer where I purchased it and they said that it will use a small amount of oil . Any info is much appreciated. Thanks!

[Brooksie]

I also have an '02 and go through less than a liter every 1000 kms
Sometimes the oil consumption is less, sometimes more

I think some R's use less than mines does, but I am constantly checking it pre ride

[Boxer]

At 25K you should be at the point of minimal usage. Less if it was broken in right and more if not. Mine uses more than it should because I babied it pretty much during breakin. But it still only uses about...hmmm...maybe a 1/4 of a quart during the 6K mile interval. I use all synth Mobile1.

[challey]

It appears to me that oil consumption varies pretty widely from bike to bike. With 16k on the clock, my '03 now goes through about 4-6 oz in 6,000 miles using full synthetic.

[Samiam]

Six thousand miles on mine and my consumption is just like Boxer's. I'm still on standard BMW oil.

[TicTac50]

I have a little over 42k on my bike and I use synthetic Amsoil 20w50 for the last 30k. When I change the oil, I put all 4 quarts, it is just a little over the top. After 6000 miles the oil level is in the middle of the oil level indicator. I think that my bike uses about 3-4oz for every 6000 miles.

[vexlak]

I have a problem right there. My sight glass is all milky and I am not sure how to replace it. I am just guessing how much oil I shoud add and I am playing this russian rullete. Any suggestions how to replace it or how to check my oil level?

[CycleRob]

vexlak,

A milky sightclass means you're making too many short trips and, since you're in New York, I'm guessing in cold weather too. Trips under 20 miles or so in cold weather can heat the motor oil up enough IF you gently stuff half of a hand towel in each oil cooler tunnel. That stops oil cooling airflow and the oil heats up like Summertime.It'll prevent the oil cooler thermostat from limiting the oil temp to 172F and it will go over 200F. It will not overheat, in cold weather, as long as you're moving, because the fins on the heads and crankcase can easily dump the engine oil heat with COLD winter air. If plugging the cooler tunnels seems too risky, you can also get the engine hot enough to prevent milky winter riding formations if, after 15 minutes riding you gradually work up to the 4,500----5,000 rpm range using the gearbox to maintain your speed limit until your destination.

The oil sightglass is made of plastic and is removed by drilling a pilot hole for a sheet metal screw so you can pry or pull the lens out with the screw. Drill the hole in the outer red circle and right into the existing holes in the metal plate behind the lens so you do not drill into the metal plate..I heard tell the replacement is cheap and easy to replace.

You must NOT overfill the oil level !!!!. It will submerge the spinning crankshaft, aspirating the excess oil,overwhelming the crankcase vapor recovery system and pushing it all into the airbox, ruining the airfilter.and soon after that, entering the combustion chambers. Even when the oil barely or does not show in the window, there is still about THREE QUARTS in the motor. That's plenty for everything except a Bonneville land speed record. Overfilling is more damaging than underfilling because this bike doesn't use that much oil since you last saw oil in the sightglass last week. It is almost always cold oil still in the coolers and valve covers that didn't drain down because the engine wasn't hot enough to open the oil cooler thermostat - - - - causing rider panic and then unnecessary overfilling.
.

[taosports]

CycleRob,

I've said it before and I'll no doubt say it again, your BMW mechanical knowledge and your willingness to take the time to share it with the rest of us is much appreciated.

Thank you!

[ProductUser]

Oil in the air filter collector can also be caused by running your bike at high revs ( revs > 5k) for extended amounts of time. This is not the case for all bikes. My bike does this. I assure you that the oil level is either at or below the red dot.

ProductUser.

[jm1515]

Oil in the air filter collector can also be caused by running your bike at high revs ( revs > 5k) for extended amounts of time. This is not the case for all bikes. My bike does this. I assure you that the oil level is either at or below the red dot.

ProductUser.

I think you're right...
I run in the 3.5k~5k range. I don't stay @5k for long...5k in 5th gives ~74mph, so I'll kick it up one if I'm going that speed for long.
I changed to Mobil 1 @~8700mi. Maybe a little early for synth in the 'break-in' period...maybe not.
I put in exactly 3.75qts oil, then I forget about it until I cannot see any oil the glass when warm on the centerstand.
Then I add a bit just to keep the level between the dot and the top circle while warm on the sidestand. That's where it is now...so I know I never overfill.
Yet I get a smidge of oil in the air box after every ride.
Probably changed to synth too soon....

FWIW...I use just about a qt of oil during a 6k mile OCI.....

[ebincia]

Hello, can anyone give me an idea of the amount of oil used? I own a 2002 R1150R with 25K miles. I called the dealer where I purchased it and they said that it will use a small amount of oil . Any info is much appreciated. Thanks!

2005 R1150R 12500 miles. About a litre every 2000 miles, but I'm fairly new to the oilhead engine. My airheads all burned some oil , but the "K" bikes burned nary a drop even during break in.

[bransan]

I have 25k mi on My 04' R. I hardly use a pint between changes. I have been running Castrol since the 6k service. Just adjusted the valves today and everything is spotless inside.

[johno]

Mine probably uses about a small cup full between services(10,000ks)
I run Mobil Racing 4T. Full synthetic. 10,000ks is the BMW recomended mileage to change over to synthetic from mineral oil.