Oil lamp light indicator

[bowj]

I purchased a 2004/330i approx. six months ago and has been into the BMW service center twice, to have my oil fluid topped off.

I currently have 9k miles on the vehicle...I havn't had an oil change because the service mgr. tells me service is not yet required. However, the oil lamp indicator came on twice within 6 months to advs, that I am low on oil.

I believe this is unusal for a new car.

My last visit, I needed one qt. of oil. Can someone tell me if this is the sign of a manufacture defect? Furthermore, why is it recommended to wait until 15k to get my first oil change? (give or take a couple miles... they claim depending on driving style)

 

[f1racer77]

BMW may say change your oil ever 15,000mi, but you should do it every 7,500mi! BTW trans and diff fluid change every 30,000mi. Thats just good maintenance. This oil usage is not a good sign. It could be something as simple as a valve cover gasket or something major like the engine internals. You should poke around the engine bay and look for fluid leaks, and under the car too. Thats my best guess as to where the oil is going. It could also be leaking internally. Check to see if there is a wisp of smoke when you lift of the throttle (valve seals), or is it smoking all the time (rings). Can you smell burnt oil? This is not a comon occurrence at all. My guess is an improperly manufactured seal. Take it to the dealer and insist they find and fix the problem for free. If they don't fix it. Find another dealer!!