OIl Again

[Dr Beakstraum]

Over the 6,000 miles to date, I have been using approx 1/2 litre per 1,000 miles on Castrol mineral oil. Had a service at the BMW place in Nice, France where they put in Castrol semi synthetic 20/50 and in 1,ooo miles, have used no oil at all. But when I picked it up, oil level was just above the sight glass. I took it back and they said it was filled to the BMW specification and anyway the level will drop in 100 kms or so. But as it isn't using oil, it still seems over full. Is this as critical as the handbook suggeste, should I go to Four Marks and have the level reduced? Sorry about another oily question. PS engine much quieter with the new oil! Thanks for your help (and patience!)
Dr B.

 

[wessie]

If you can clearly see the oil level just above the sight glass (perhaps by getting a mate to tilt the bike) then don't worry about it.

If you are worried about it then simply unscrew the oil filter, pour out the oil form within and refit. This will drop the oil level by quarter of a litre according to the handbook. Run the bike and check the level. Repeat until you are happy with the level.

You shouldn't need to visit a dealer for such a simple task: although you might need to buy or borrow an oil filter tool.

 

[Dr Beakstraum]

Thanks very much, you have put what is left of my mind at rest!
Dr B

 

[birdseye]

Bound to be quieter - the new oil will be at the correct viscosity. The old oil will have thinned out in use. So the new oil will be just as noisy in the end with the proviso that being semi synthetic it might thin out more slowly

 

[Dr Beakstraum]

Thanks for your help, birdseye!
Dr B.

 

[JayGee]

I've got 24,000 miles on mine and every time it's been serviced it has been slightly over full, just above the sight glass (tilt the bike and you can see the top of the oil in the glass). It's never caused a problem so I shouldn't worry. I always have mineral oil (I reckon synth or semi synth is a waste in the boxer engine), untill the last service it was always 10/40 Castrol GP but last time I asked for 20/50 (didn't notice any difference). Of course, the bike doesn't really need bike oil as the clutch is dry and the gearbox seperate so next time I'll use car oil (Castrol GTX for 75,000 plus is what I've been told Castrol recommend!), but then I'm now doing my own servicing.

 

[Dr Beakstraum]

Thanks very much for the reassurance, Jaygee.
Dr. B.