My new (to me) E430 had its last oil change at the dealer on Mar 28, 2007. The dealer used synthetic 5W30 oil. Mileage was 131,900 Km.
I just checked the oil today, June 17, 2007, and it is getting low. Mileage is now 136,400 Km. So it has been about 4500 Km since the last oil change. Of the space between the upper and lower limits on the dipstick, the oil level is at the last 1/4 before hitting the minimum mark. The car has not displayed a 'low oil level' message yet, but I am due for an 'A' service, which will be done this tuesday.
How much oil consumption is normal for this engine?
I have no idea if the dealer filled it to the top, and it seems that this car should be using at least a 40 weight? As in 5W40 or Ow40? My owner's manual does not contain info on oil weight. It says 'check you local dealer'. From my research online here -
http://www.whnet.com/4x4/oil.html - , it seems it should have 5W40 229.3 spec full synthetic oil.
I am wondering if the lower weight oil could be an issue. I thought I saw a bit of smoke from the exhaust when I started the car today, but if I did, it was minimal.
Oh - and I had the engine tested for emissions this past April 2007, and it scored perfect zeros. All 0.00 on HC and CO2, etc. at idle and at speed.
TIA,
Chris