Exhausts and Engine » Oil fill level query

Unlike my two previous BMW boxers, my 1250RS habitually uses a bit of oil between services; nothing serious but I do need to keep an eye on it between oil changes.

Now, recently before I set off on a European trip of 2,600 miles, I noted the level was at about 50%, so obviously I filled it to maximum before leaving (took about 0.4L I think, as expected.). I checked it about halfway through the tour and noted it was back down to 50%. I didn't really want to be topping it up again unless I really needed to, simply because I was due an oil change as soon as I got home; so I just kept an eye on it. And in fact, on reaching home the level remained unchanged at 50%.

I'm changing the oil this weekend, and it's got me wondering - do I really need to fill it to 100%? I do normally keep it topped up between oil changes, but is there actually a benefit to doing so? Seems to me the top half-litre is burning off pretty quickly, after which it seems to stop. Maybe if I fill now just to 50% it won't need topping up again until the next oil change...?

(By the way, I'm fastidious about following the BMW process for reading the oil level, so I'm certain it's correct!)

I checked my old oil a few times and found I drained around 3.8 litre including the upturned filter.
I suspect the owners manual states 4 l. for oil with a filter change is from a dry engine rather than a service.
I now add 3.8 litres on any oil/filter change rather than the posted 4 litres and neither my 2015 or current 2017 R1200RS needs oil between yearly oil changes.
Even when the main dealership changes these on my service, timed with the brake fluid change every two years, the invoice has always had that 3.8 litre charge rather than 4 litres.
Over filling the extra 200/400cc probably gets forced out and lost as the engine gets itself back into balance as you seem to have found once it sets back to a natural level.

I personally like to keep the oil level at the "50%" or middle of the sightglass. About 3 1/2 liters at oil change sets it there. I have had 3 liquid cooled boxers so far and none of them has used enough oil to make a difference in the sightglass indication. At the initial 600 mile service of my 1250, it was filled to over the top of the sightglass so I popped the valve covers off to drain what was in them and got it at least to the full mark.

Frank

Good to know, thanks.

Just out of interest, when my bike was in a dealership a few months back for a valve clearance check, they sent me their 'complimentary' once-over video, checking for safety stuff etc, and gave me an advisory that my oil was low (it was - of course - at about 50%)

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Zitat von Freddyfruitbat im Beitrag #5

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Good to know, thanks.

Just out of interest, when my bike was in a dealership a few months back for a valve clearance check, they sent me their 'complimentary' once-over video, checking for safety stuff etc, and gave me an advisory that my oil was low (it was - of course - at about 50%)

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My 2018 had a complimentary service at 600 miles. Too bad being over 2 hours away from the shop took away any value that it offered me.

My oil warning light came on a couple of months ago. Was a bit surprised as it has never really used much. So I topped it up to midway. That’s the only time in 3 years I have had to top it up.