my bmw had lost 3 1/2 quarts of oil and was ticking loudly

Asked by julied42 Sep 07, 2018 at 08:35 PM about the 2004 BMW 3 Series 330i Sedan RWD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

Hi, I brought my 2004 330i into the shop today as it was ticking loudly.  The
check engine light had been on for three months.  I had it checked before I
left CA for MN and the codes were PO171 an dPO 174. The mechanic
cleaned but did not change the air sensor so the Check Engine Light
remained on. Yesterday, there was a loud ticking, and the lower gears were
dragging as if there were a strong wind when it was a calm day.  When I
brought it in for a diagnostic, the engine was missing 3 1/2 quarts of oil.
Once we topped off the oil, and I drove off, the ticking stopped.  In the past,
the oil light always came on when it was a quart low, and I would top it off.  
Thoughts?  Thanks in advance!

2 Answers

F_O_R answered 6 years ago

Check your oil every week. Maybe more often and carry a quart with you.

1 people found this helpful.
Mark helpful

julied42 answered 6 years ago

Thanks both. I will load up on the oil and check it regularly. And the sensor is due to be replaced this week. The thing that was interesting about the oil light not coming on was that it had come on every time I needed oil in the past as noted above. This is the real mystery. The mechanic I worked with told me that if it were that low, the light would come on and stay on. But it did not come on at all. I am wondering why the light did not ignite. Any clues?

Mark helpful

Your Answer:

Related Questions

3 Series

Looking for a Used 3 Series in your area?

CarGurus has 1,168 nationwide 3 Series listings starting at $1,795.

Postal Code:

Shortcuts

Search BMW 3 Series Questions

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Robert Charlson
    Reputation
    3,950
  • #2
    apbimmer98
    Reputation
    3,100
  • #3
    Abu Luca
    Reputation
    2,980
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used BMW 5 Series
18 Great Deals out of 323 listings starting at $4,500
Used BMW M3
8 Great Deals out of 89 listings starting at $15,995
Used Mercedes-Benz C-Class
98 Great Deals out of 1,450 listings starting at $3,799
Used Lexus IS
18 Great Deals out of 305 listings starting at $6,449
Used BMW M5
3 Great Deals out of 56 listings starting at $26,800
Used BMW X3
40 Great Deals out of 997 listings starting at $4,995
Used Ford Mustang
65 Great Deals out of 1,258 listings starting at $4,995
Used Mercedes-Benz E-Class
30 Great Deals out of 498 listings starting at $5,700
Used BMW X5
38 Great Deals out of 1,133 listings starting at $3,995
Used Chevrolet Corvette
28 Great Deals out of 1,058 listings starting at $15,871

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.