There is a lot wrong with "low oil" and low oil is not normal in a low mileage healthy engine.
The dealer is fobbing you off in the hope you will go away.
If the oil is being changed at least every 5000 miles or so there should be minimum oil depletion between changes with only very minor top up needed. Some oil consumption is normal but it should be minimal.
If the oil level is dropping to a very low level in about 4000 - 5000 miles of normal motoring you have a significant problem. The oil is either leaking out or the engine is burning excessive oil or a combination. If there is no leak through faulty seals or by other means such as oil escaping into the cooling passages of the engine, then there is excessive burning.
These engines are known for excessive oil consumption because the problem is a common one in the 06, 05, 04 and previous year builds back to about 98/99. The dealers know all about this problem - as does BMW - and they will try to fob you off until the car is out of warranty because the fix is expensive.
From what you say the problem has not been fixed on your car. Document the oil loss and insist on your warranty rights because your engine is using excessive oil and this is NOT normal in a properly functioning motor with as few miles as yours has. Make it clear to the dealer that you are well aware that excessive oil consumption is a common problem in many of the 325 petrol engines and you want it fixed under warranty.
Then sell the car as these vehicles will cost you quite a bit in repairs once out of warranty and once you clock up around 60000 miles or more. If you have an auto you can expect major problems at about 65000 miles (later if you are lucky) and replacement of the transmission will be necessary. Once you notice any significant problem with the auto transmission it is on it's way out.
Cheers
Sean
The BMW oil change interval is 15k. I have owned 3 bmws and still do. The only time I ever had an oil problem was due to a leak at the oil filter housing gasket, this is common and expensive issue to repair at a shop. I replaced the gasket myself when I did other work on the radiator, water pump (engine cooling sys). It was a bit more difficult than average and time consuming (you will have to be mechanically inclined) but it cost me $2.18 for the gasket at the dealer.
It does not surprise me that you are burning a quart of oil if you are waiting for 15,000 miles to change your oil. I personally change my oil every 3-4,000 miles and think it is ridiculous that some auto manufacturers have maintenance lights that are set on 5,000 mile intervals. Simple fact of the matter is an oil breaks down with use, when viscosity goes down, its losing it's effectiveness to lubricate and keep things cool. I would be changing my oil at the absolute very minimum of once every 5,000 miles.
Good Luck
The 2006 BMW 325i only requires its oil to be changed every 15k. For those who are recommending to change the oil every 3-5k is obviously not aware of BMW maintenance. Matter of fact, on a maintenance free plan, BMW will not even change the oil unless you go over 15k between oil changes. The other responders must not have a 2006 or newer BMW or they are stuck with American and Japanesse cars which use lower efficiency and quality standards than the Germans.
I would suggest that you go to a different BMW dealer to have the work done. Even under warranty, any BMW dealer and perform BMW service warranty work so don't feel obligated to stay with your current dealer or mechanic.
I'm not sure what BMW recommends for oil change intervals, but you are not changing it often enough. 15k between changes is way too much. I'm surprised you are only down one quart, the engine is great if that is all it uses in 15k. You will see this change though, if oil changes aren't done more often. Go for 5k between changes if you want to hold onto it, and want it to last. Good luck.
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6/1/07/- 12,500 miles-Low oil #1
9/14/07- 17,713 miles-Oil Change
12/26/07- 21,290 - Low oil #2
7/9/08- 27,216 - Low oil #3 -engine ticking noise
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12/8/09- 42,100- Low oil #5
I take it to the dealer, light comes on when 1 quart low, no dipstick in car. Have only been 1 quart low each time, mean time between oil changes is about 15,000 miles
How low is the oil level and how many miles since the prior oil change were you at when it was low?
Low oil on occasion is a big deal, as you know by your ! at the end of the sentence. How often and how much oil do you have to add?
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