Oil like sludge

[Nezquick]

Hi all
I've owned my R56 MCS (2007 with 21,000 miles) for about 5 weeks now. The last service was done about 750 miles ago and included an oil change (done in August 2011) according to the BMW/Mini dealer stamp.

When I checked the oil the other day, it was like black sludge and was more resemblant of oil which had been in a car for many 000's of miles as opposed to a few hundred. I can't accept this is right. Surely oil shouldn't look like this after such a short period of time. I've never encountered this problem with any other car i've owned.

Does this mean there are underlying problems?

Any suggestions greatly appreciated. It's still under warranty so taking it back shouldn't be a problem.

[marque]

Hi

If the oil was changed 750 miles ago and its a black sludge, I would take it back and show them just incase it may have been over looked and not changed.
What ever happens I would say get an engine oil flush treatment done and change the oil and filter. Then keep a close eye on it.
If you use a flushing agent which you will have to if its as bad as you say. make sure you drain it from the sump plug and dont use a vacum extraction method
Hope this helps

[S8RAH]

Did it have an oil change or an inspection service? I was shocked to discover that a service isn't a service anymore and the inspection does not include an oil change.

[Lawrothegreat]

Yes do take the car back and get an opinion. I've had things overlooked before in services. It's not usually deliberate fraud, just that garages get busy, paperwork gets signed off without adequate checks that the work has been done.

[MiniDeLux]

I don't want to be the bearer of bad news, but if your oil is indeed a "sludge" consistency, you may also have some problems with the turbocharger.

Might not hurt to have the dealer inspect the turbo unit. The sludge can easily block up the turbo oil feed pipe. Any restriction of the oil supply to the turbo can lead to bearing damage very rapidly.

[Nezquick]

The car's at Bowker Preston today for the "death rattle" to be looked at and i've also asked them to look at the oil issue. I'll report back when i've heard.

Thanks all.

[gatoman39]

Quote: Originally Posted by Nezquick (original)

The car's at Bowker Preston today for the "death rattle" to be looked at and i've also asked them to look at the oil issue. I'll report back when i've heard.

Thanks all.

any update on this?

[Nezquick]

Death rattle fixed (hopefully for good!). The oil "problem" wasn't found to be a problem at all - they changed it for me while it was in so i'm keeping an eye on it for now.

[marque]

Quote: Originally Posted by Nezquick (original)

Death rattle fixed (hopefully for good!). The oil "problem" wasn't found to be a problem at all - they changed it for me while it was in so i'm keeping an eye on it for now.

Hi ya

That's good news :-)
I personally change my oil every 6000 mies and flush every second oil change
I personally think the oil service periods are to far apart.
Anyway glad it's fixed