Oil filling idiocy

[Cerberus]

Ok so I'm not proud of this, but on Thursday I grossly overfilled my BMW E46 320i's oil. I use Edge 5W40 (not that that matters in this situation).

I was in a terrific hurry and added far too much.

I only realised this a day later when I travelled to Centurion on business and I noticed that the car was making an intermittent "whirring sound". It disappeared after a while and the car drove just fine, but the noise returns intermittently.

This morning, I popped open the hood, pulled out the dipstick and it was wet FOUR INCHES above the top of the plastic indicator.

I am furious with myself.

I hope that no irreversible damage has been done but I want advice at this time...is there anyone in Pretoria who can assist me to drain part of this oil excess at my premises or can anyone recommend a reliable mechanic in the Brooklyn/Hazelwood area that can remedy this ridiculous situation?

I hope no damage has been done to the catalytic converter or the lubrication system!

 

[Nikhil]

I would have helped but im working this weekend unfortunately :sorry:

 

[Loom]

Four inches :skit: Have you wiped the dipstick before checking?

For the price of labour you might consider buying an oil suction gun/syringe. Autzone sells it for less than R200, IIRC.

 

[Cerberus]

I checked four times! :skit:

That's a really cool idea - perhaps that could really save me.

I'm perturbed by the noise it was making though.

Nikhil thanks anyway - I am not going to drive the car today. Mulling over my options. I have no tools or even a garage to work in

 

[OppositeLockMT]

Similar thing happened to me when I needed to top up, my oil level was low and I put a bit too much in. The level was okay when the engine was cold but I only realised a week later after checking the level straight after driving that it was way above.

Had it drained immediately.

 

[Cerberus]

Similar thing happened to me when I needed to top up, my oil level was low and I put a bit too much in. The level was okay when the engine was cold but I only realised a week later after checking the level straight after driving that it was way above.

Had it drained immediately.

Did you also hear an odd whining noise by chance?

I also noticed that the exhaust is blackened. Wasn't like that before...

 

[OppositeLockMT]

In my case the engine was running rough and there was a subtle but noticeable ticking noise.

Hope you come right.

 

[Cerberus]

:smashScreen: yeah mine has quite a lot of tappet noise, and that has become more prominent.

Thanks!

 

[GPGrobler]

I wish I was over there, love working on these cars, would have done it for free! I would think too much oil can cause damage by blowing out seals and gaskets because of the extra internal pressure it creates inside the engine. In essence I would say now your car suffers from something similar to hypertension.

 

[cad]

I have an oil extraction pump that can remove the oil through the dipstick, I would try avoid driving the car if I was you


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[ChefDJ]

I would suggest draining all the oil and filling new oil in, to the correct level, instead of trying to drain only a part of the oil capacity. I know it's expensive, but I would think this to be safer.

 

[Nikhil]

Get a big enough clean container drain out the oil and and then slowly refill checking the oil level. Also clean out your oil breather and intake pipes because with that amount of oil it probably pushed most of it through the breather and the oil formed part of the combustion process hence the funny burning colour on the exhaust. Tools you need is a 17mm socket and rachet from the hardware. Do not over tighten the sump nut. Try and get a low profile 10l container or something so you can drain all the oil into it.

 

[Spiro]

let me know if you need help, i can probably come to you...



T

 

[Cerberus]

I will admit that I haven't got any of the tools to do this job.

I was thinking of taking the car to Club Motors Fountains and just have them service the car - it needs one soon anyway...

Would anyone not recommend I do this?

The car has leaked oil from the main sump gasket since I bought it too...perhaps they can sort that out too?

My cashflow really isn't helping me right now either - just bought a new laptop and my reserves are lower than ever

Anyone have a garage that would be able to do the service (and repair) for me for less, and still do a great job?

Thanks for all the offers to help! I would take you up on it but would feel terrible since I wouldn't be much help myself.

 

[Blue Shirt]

Where are you located?

If you are really in a bind, bring the car to my house one evening and I will drain & refill the oil for you. I'm in Pretoria-East (Mooikloof area).

If the car needs an oil change anyway, just bring new oil and a filter cartridge with. If you buy the OEM filter cartridge from a BMW dealer, you get the sump plug seal and filter housing O-ring with it.

Send me a pm if you want to take up the offer.

---

You could also take the car to German Auto in Elardus Park (Alouette Str tel 012 7556850) and pay them to do it. Should take half an hour to do.

 

[Gizmo]

I will be willing to help you out free of charge, just bring your car round and I will use my vacuum brake bleeder and suck out the excess oil out the dipstick tube. Won't take a minute to do. PM me.

 

[Sankekur]

If you don't come right otherwise give me a shout I can also help you remove the excess oil.

 

[Cerberus]

raise:

thank you all so much for your willingness to help!

I want to avoid driving :hammerhead: I phoned around and people have advised strongly against it.

let me know if you need help, i can probably come to you...



T

Where are you located?

If you are really in a bind, bring the car to my house one evening and I will drain & refill the oil for you. I'm in Pretoria-East (Mooikloof area).

If the car needs an oil change anyway, just bring new oil and a filter cartridge with. If you buy the OEM filter cartridge from a BMW dealer, you get the sump plug seal and filter housing O-ring with it.

Send me a pm if you want to take up the offer.

---

You could also take the car to German Auto in Elardus Park (Alouette Str tel 012 7556850) and pay them to do it. Should take half an hour to do.

---

I will be willing to help you out free of charge, just bring your car round and I will use my vacuum brake bleeder and suck out the excess oil out the dipstick tube. Won't take a minute to do. PM me.

If you don't come right otherwise give me a shout I can also help you remove the excess oil.

Would any of you be willing to try and assist me sometime this week (or next week) at my premises? I would gladly sponsor pizzas and beer (or fuel, your choice) for your trouble! I am based in Brooklyn, Pretoria East.

I think it would make sense to change the oil (it needs a change anyway). I will provide the oil and the filter cartridge if someone would be willing to help me with the oil change. :thumbs:

 

[Jeremy]

Cerberus, if you do not come right and bank with FNB, you could perhaps tow the car to Gizmo or Blue Shirt, FNB will assist you with towing, or you could speak to your insurance company (if the car is insured).

Honestly i think if you can, rather tow the car to someone who offered and get it done properly the first time.

Hope you come right.

 

[Cerberus]

An excellent point! Ok, I can arrange for my insurance to tow the vehicle.

Blue Shirt, I will be messaging you shortly! :thumbs: