Definitely drinking oil

[travelman]

Hi Lads,

My 1150 adv is drinking oil, its going through a full window every 1000 miles. I am checking it correctly and consistently each time using the same method.

Is this normal for GS's I've only had mine since 21k miles?

 

[Stewart H]

A full window is only around 500ml, so its probably in spec, its also possibly overfilled, if you know the procedure to check the level why not try running with the level in the middle of the window?
Stewart

 

[biggles12]

I was useing synthetic oil 15/40 and was burning the same amount. I then changed to semi 20/50 and useing a lot less.

Pete

 

[The smudger]

Hi Lads,

My 1150 adv is drinking oil, its going through a full window every 1000 miles. I am checking it correctly and consistently each time using the same method.

Is this normal for GS's I've only had mine since 21k miles?

Hello, You dont say what oil you are using. These engines are designed to run on 20/50 Mineral, not synthetic. As for the consumption, BMW state on the new 1200 up to 1 ltr per 650 miles. If your using half a ltr every 1000 miles i would say thats about normal.

Although some dont use any!!!

Hope this helps.

Steve.

 

[motobiker]

In general these bikes consume oil often up to 20,000 miles, that is inherent to its design.. though usually somewhat less than that. Mine stopped (like switching off a tap) at just under 18,000.
If the bikes been filled with semi synth then thats actually defeated the 'bedding in' process and so oil continues to be consumed. I would try switching to a MINERAL oil - either 20w/50 or 15w/40 - Don't expect oil consumption to stop overnight. But I believe that the engine will then 'bed itself in' correctly and with a bit of luck stop using oil given time. You haven't harmed the engine just delayed whats a normal process.

Basically 'semi synth' is 'too good' for the engine. These bikes simply don't need it. They are after all 'two wheeled cars' with understressed engines. Use a basic 'mineral' thats made for car engines and given time all will be well.

 

[madman]

In general these bikes consume oil often up to 20,000 miles, that is inherent to its design.. though usually somewhat less than that. Mine stopped (like switching off a tap) at just under 18,000.
If the bikes been filled with semi synth then thats actually defeated the 'bedding in' process and so oil continues to be consumed. I would try switching to a MINERAL oil - either 20w/50 or 15w/40 - Don't expect oil consumption to stop overnight. But I believe that the engine will then 'bed itself in' correctly and with a bit of luck stop using oil given time. You haven't harmed the engine just delayed whats a normal process.

Basically 'semi synth' is 'too good' for the engine. These bikes simply don't need it. They are after all 'two wheeled cars' with understressed engines. Use a basic 'mineral' thats made for car engines and given time all will be well.

So what is the difference between two bits of metal rubbing together in a Jaguar to those in a Ford Ka? If your mineral oil overheats in either engine, you will wish that you had used semi or full synthetic.

 

[D6]

synthetic is thinner for its wieght, its common for it to go down in older style engines, not jus bmw, semi is ok, its jus mineral wi additives

 

[motobiker]

synthetic is thinner for its wieght, its common for it to go down in older style engines, not jus bmw, semi is ok, its jus mineral wi additives

yes - additives the bikes engine doesn't need. semi is ok ONCE the engine is fully run in. The OP hasn't come back with which oil he's been using. semi was just a guess. His is not the first bike thats consumed oil past the usual cut-off point. Those bikes that continue to consume oil past 20,000 miles nearly always have one thing in common - they've had semi synth put into them.

Once the engine stops using oil then there's nothing wrong with switching to semi - completely pointless doing so. but nothing wrong either... just money down the drain.

 

[D6]

agreed , an dont ever put full synthetic in a new bike either, doesnt let it run in correctly

 

[davegs]

Lubes

BMW once stated in the club journal that if your a hard rider don't use semi until at least 12000 miles, if a "normal" rider this should be 18000 miles, so there in is the answer.
Dave GS. (oil consuption on my 1150 78,000 miles hardly uses much at all).

 

[Speedy]

When I bought my 1150 I was told by two main dealers to use mineral oil for 6000 miles to bed it in, then switch to a good quality 20/50 semi-synthetic. Its now done 28000 miles and hardly uses any oil.

 

[fundura]

Would like to know where i can find fair quality semi synthetic 20/50? the only 20/50 i seen is like carplan B&Q at £9 for 5liters.

 

[Stewart H]

I use Morriss of Shrewsbury 20w50 dino stuff, it comes for £10 per 4.5 litres from my car accessory place, I tried 10w40 semi synth but to my mind the motor got a bit noisy on hot days, At that price I drop the oil every 3k and the filter at 6k.
Stewart

 

[david a hall]

check it while its on the sidestand, never use any then!

 

[biggles12]

I use Morriss of Shrewsbury 20w50 dino stuff, it comes for £10 per 4.5 litres from my car accessory place, I tried 10w40 semi synth but to my mind the motor got a bit noisy on hot days, At that price I drop the oil every 3k and the filter at 6k.
Stewart

They use to get the award every year for the best oil in some mag. I wish I could still get it down here. I think it was called golden film, but not sure. I ran all my bikes and cars on it no probs ever.

 

[The smudger]

Would like to know where i can find fair quality semi synthetic 20/50? the only 20/50 i seen is like carplan B&Q at £9 for 5liters.

That's the one!

I dont get hung up on the oil thing, cheap 20/50, renew every 3000 mls.

Never gave me a problem.

 

[MattW]

I use Rock Oil 'Guardian' 20w50 semi-synth. I get it through Fatal on here at ~£13 / 4 litres (last time I bought some anyway) although its collection only, so only of use if you're Cheshire / Merseyside.

 

[D6]

motul 15/50 is good

 

[Boon]

Use very little oil...................but its done 55000 miles and is just run in ............

 

[travelman]

Thanks guys for all the advice, pre BMW I was riding Jap bikes that didnt use much oil at all. Glad to know that my oil consumption is normal. I have only had the bike myself for 8000 miles and I've been using 20/50 mineral oil. Now the only oil I could get my hands on was Harley oil, but it is true mineral oil (apparently).

I have topped up with Duckhams mineral recently.