oil consumption...is it an issue?

[HelpMeHelpU]

I have a 2014 S4 with about 86k miles. The car has been flawless and problem free--really, nothing has gone wrong or needed repair. I follow the regularly schedule maintenance regime, all at Audi dealers (I know I am paying up for it), and the only things I have changed are brake pads twice and rotors once (both done at independent shops). About a month ago, just before I brought the car in for the 85k service, I got a low-oil light for the first time ever. So I added a quart. That's that. A few weeks later the car had the 85k service, which of course includes an oil change. Today, after less than 1,500 additional miles, the low-oil light reappeared.

I assume the dealer topped off the oil at the recent service (for better or worse, I did not check it; never have).

Are these cars known to start to consume oil? If so, any way to address it now? I recognize adding a few quarts every 10k miles is no big deal. It's not what I am used to, but still no big deal.

Looking forward to hearing any thoughts.

Thanks so much.

[GandalfTheIbis]

My car shows no real issues and I add a half quart roughly every 2000 miles. I believe mine consumes more than most, but it hasn't been definitively linked to any problems, although I strongly wonder if I have a bad PCV.

[Morritse]

I've found certain oils to burn much faster than others, it's possible whatever the dealer used burns faster than what u had.

Don't interpret that as faster burning oil being worse for your engine, it just has different properties.

Personally I've found Castrol edge to burn pretty slowly

[Dr GP]

Almost all oil consumption issues with this engine are due to a faulty PCV valve. Based on your mileage and history.I would bet the ranch that the PCV valve is bad. To replace it requires removing the Supercharger. You can also expect the t stat to fail shortly,I recommend replacing the PCV valve ,T stat ,water pump and coolant tube. If you expect to keep the car for some time, have the oil in the in the SC changed as well. Your 2014 should have the revised version PCV valve ,so replacing it with the same type will not require ant VCDS change

[sangaroo]

I've had oil issue before with a few Audis I've owned. First time was PCV, but the second Audi had drain plug leak being soaked into the padding of splash shield. I've never had an oil mark on my parking spot because it was all absorbed. Checking the drain plug might be worth it, but PCV is more likely.

[GandalfTheIbis]

Almost all oil consumption issues with this engine are due to a faulty PCV valve. Based on your mileage and history.I would bet the ranch that the PCV valve is bad. To replace it requires removing the Supercharger. You can also expect the t stat to fail shortly,I recommend replacing the PCV valve ,T stat ,water pump and coolant tube. If you expect to keep the car for some time, have the oil in the in the SC changed as well. Your 2014 should have the revised version PCV valve ,so replacing it with the same type will not require ant VCDS change

I've seen more than a few instances where people change their PCV and continue to burn oil at the same accelerated rates. So while its a possible culprit, I think you're making too large of a blanket statement here.

[Silver Streakin]

5k intervals and I usually add around 3500-4000 into it. 1/4 to 1/2 qt to get back into full on both the stick and MMI.

Check your oil often. It's in the MMI.

Like others said, if it's more than that, then look into the PCV. But you'll need to check oil more often to know if you have an actual issue.

And I'd recommend more frequently changing it. 10k is long, especially if you're not stock.

[jygesq]

Buy a dipstick, so you will know accurately the actual level of oil.

[hilmar2k]

Castrol tends to burn. Switch to Liquimoly or Motul and that will help.

[B8S4inKC]

Castrol tends to burn. Switch to Liquimoly or Motul and that will help.

+1 for Liquimoly


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[roadrunner800]

I have a 2009 A6 with the same engine. Mine was using a litre of oil every 400 miles. I had the PCV swapped about 18 months back and it made no difference but did fix a coolant issue.
After trying various piston soaks to try and free the piston rings i found that a strong engine oil flush before oil change made a difference. I can't remember the make of flush that I used, my local mechanic gave it to me.
But i now get 700 miles to a litre.
I've resealed chain cover and I need to replace cam cover gaskets.
All that and some regular high rev runs can help.
If i can get to the 1000 mile mark before topping up i will be a happy fellow.
I've had the car for 2 and a half years by the way.

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[JonS4]

Another PCV solution to oil consumption story here. Had the Supercharger ported last year and did the PCV at the same time. Prior consumption was about a US quart per 1500 miles (since new) down to zero in 5000 miles since the swap. Experiencing the same level of oil consumption on our mostly stock 3.0T Q5 so planning to do the PCV on that one too, maybe even sneak in a supercharger port job while the Mrs. isn't looking!

[Dr GP]

I've seen more than a few instances where people change their PCV and continue to burn oil at the same accelerated rates. So while its a possible culprit, I think you're making too large of a blanket statement here.

There obviously can be other reasons for this and other engines to burn oil. However ,based on what I have been seeing on the B8 S4 Forums since 2009, the PCV valve is the most likely and most common cause of the issue.The vast majority(including myself) have seen a major reduction of oil consumption after replacing the PCV valve,This is especially true with the earlier cars that do not have the updated PCV valve, It would be my first step.If it doesn't solve the problem,you probably are looking at something more serious.I would also switch to a higher viscosity oil as well.At least in warm weather.

[GandalfTheIbis]

@OP, try pulling your oil cap off. Rotate counter clockwise so that you know it’s loose and then when you pull up if it feels like it takes more than 3-4lbs or pressure then it is likely you have a bad PCV. If it pulls off easily then it’s probably okay.


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[nitro_rider2001]

Had a catch can on my B7 A4 and it fixed this issue.. currently starting to see a bit more oil consumption after going dual pulley last month. Do you guys recommend going catch can route on this platform as well?? or just replacing PCV

[Dr GP]

Either or both should help. I believe more owners have replaced their PCV valve then have added a catch can.

[roadrunner800]

Just a quick update.
After replacing chain cover seals I now have achieved over 1000 miles between top ups. How much over I still don't know, it's still going. 🤞

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[Karl_757]

I had the same issue last week. 2013 B8.5 S4, had 85k Audicare service done recently and after 1500 miles received a "low oil warning - add 1 quart." First time I had received the warning in 3 years of ownership. I added a quart of Castrol and it's ok for now. If I do have to replace PCV, T-stat, and water pump, what are the estimated costs?

Also I am APR stage 2 DP, TCU tune and CPS. Upgrades were completed last summer at a reputable Euro shop. Car had about 75k miles when I had it tuned.

[edyco]

Guys, unlike BMW, Audi was nice enough to leave oil dipstick tube. So, go get oil dipstick and do manual check often.
Also, move away from that POS Castrol 5W40. Castrol 0W40 is much better option due to lower evaporation loss and especially Castrol Edge 0W30, except price of 0W30 fluctuates a lot.


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[Jayz691]

Guys, unlike BMW, Audi was nice enough to leave oil dipstick tube. So, go get oil dipstick and do manual check often.
Also, move away from that POS Castrol 5W40. Castrol 0W40 is much better option due to lower evaporation loss and especially Castrol Edge 0W30, except price of 0W30 fluctuates a lot.


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I was running edge 5/30, but wanted to change to 5/40. Didn't have it the day I picked up oil, so got 0w40. Well see how it is.

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[edyco]

I was running edge 5/30, but wanted to change to 5/40. Didn't have it the day I picked up oil, so got 0w40. Well see how it is.

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0W40 is much more sophisticated oil.
Which Edge 5W30 were you running?


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[Jayz691]

0W40 is much more sophisticated oil.
Which Edge 5W30 were you running?


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Honestly, I can't rem which variety it was. Either reg castrol edge, or the high mileage. Its also in a b7 a4, I just came across this thread. I was getting a bit of consumption before with mobile 1. So switched to castrol. Wanted to run 5w40 in summer, but like i said, they were out.

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[edyco]

Honestly, I can't rem which variety it was. Either reg castrol edge, or the high mileage. Its also in a b7 a4, I just came across this thread. I was getting a bit of consumption before with mobile 1. So switched to castrol. Wanted to run 5w40 in summer, but like i said, they were out.

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.


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[edyco]

That Castrol 5W30 should not get into European engines, of any variety, under any circumstances. No wonder you had oil consumption.
That is so called energy conservibg, ILSAC GF-5 oil. Always make sure there is VW502.00 on the back label and preferably MB229.5 approval.




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[Langley1023]

Definitely start with buying a dipstick. I just bought a 2016 S4 and had a low oil light issue. Sometimes it's the hood latch, PCV valve, oil level sensor, etc. I took mine into Audi to have everything looked at because it's still under the warranty. It was actually caused by the previous dealership putting an extra 3/4ths a quart of oil into my car. Why that triggered the low oil light is beyond me, but the sensors are sensitive. Anyways, it's been fine ever since they drained some oil out of the car. Best of luck!

[Sleipnir]

An often overlooked aspect of excessive oil consumption in VAG cars are the piston rings. VW/Audi installed looser piston rings in a lot of their engines to gain better fuel mileage. Basically, they traded fuel consumption for oil consumption.

But...my family has driven VAG cars for decades. I don't remember a single one of them NOT having a spare quart of oil in the trunk.

These cars burn oil, it's just a fact of life. 🤷*♀️

[Morritse]

An often overlooked aspect of excessive oil consumption in VAG cars are the piston rings. VW/Audi installed looser piston rings in a lot of their engines to gain better fuel mileage. Basically, they traded fuel consumption for oil consumption.

But...my family has driven VAG cars for decades. I don't remember a single one of them NOT having a spare quart of oil in the trunk.

These cars burn oil, it's just a fact of life. 🤷*♀️

AFAIK, 3.0ts burn oil, but not at the alarming rate caused by piston rings as in the 2.0t engines, which warranted a lawsuit and rebuild.

I'm on 5w-40 molygen now, and I don't seem to have burned much at all in the past few thousand miles. Highly recommend that oil. I burned through motul very fast.

[Audi Advocate]

I've found certain oils to burn much faster than others, it's possible whatever the dealer used burns faster than what u had.

Don't interpret that as faster burning oil being worse for your engine, it just has different properties.

Personally I've found Castrol edge to burn pretty slowly

2nd ^^^^

… I use MOTUL Synthetic and my (tuned) 2012 eats a quart every 2 months or more when driven hard/tracked.

[bhvrdr]

An often overlooked aspect of excessive oil consumption in VAG cars are the piston rings. VW/Audi installed looser piston rings in a lot of their engines to gain better fuel mileage. Basically, they traded fuel consumption for oil consumption.

But...my family has driven VAG cars for decades. I don't remember a single one of them NOT having a spare quart of oil in the trunk.

These cars burn oil, it's just a fact of life. 🤷*♀️

The 2.0t burned oil because of poorly manufactured and designed pistons and rings. I was one of the people that was burning a quart ever 200 miles... yes every fuel stop i had to put a full quart in.

Ive never known the 3.0t to have excessive oil consumption issues that wasnt related to a bad pcv. Going through one quart between a 7k or 10k mile oil change is not excessive imo and in line with many cars from other manufacturers.

Mike

[edyco]

2nd ^^^^

… I use MOTUL Synthetic and my (tuned) 2012 eats a quart every 2 months or more when driven hard/tracked.

If you see change with consumption using Motul, do not get surprised or worried. Motul recently changed formula, and unfortunately it’s not for better.


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[bhvrdr]

If you see change with consumption using Motul, do not get surprised or worried. Motul recently changed formula, and unfortunately it’s not for better.


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I have the same minor consumption with motul 300v double ester as i have with m1 0w40. No change in startup rattle either. No big deal as i wasnt expecting anything magical.

[edyco]

I have the same minor consumption with motul 300v double ester as i have with m1 0w40. No change in startup rattle either. No big deal as i wasnt expecting anything magical.

300V I think is not changed. X-Clean and X-Cess are completely reformulated and they are not anymore majority PAO based.
As for 300V, did you do UOA? They are great on track but not so much for regular OCI due to oxidation.


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[bhvrdr]

300V I think is not changed. X-Clean and X-Cess are completely reformulated and they are not anymore majority PAO based.
As for 300V, did you do UOA? They are great on track but not so much for regular OCI due to oxidation.


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I talk to the folks at Motul and they said it is perfect for 5000 mile oil change intervals if you happen to not be doing a track day that month

Similarly a lot of people thought you had to change rbF 600 brake fluid every 6 months or so and motul said it's actually no different of a change than any other fluid and once a year is fine

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[Dippy]

Just an observation: Audi did revise the oil control ring (at least according to the SSP) in the evo version of the V6 engine (which did not make it into NA S4/S5), which does imply that someone felt that there was improvement to be had over the previous engine.

[SouthernBoy]

Not for me. I change the oil every 5,000 miles, which works out to around once a year, and what comes out measures out to what went in. In other words, it burns no oil that is noticeable or measurable.