If your BMW prompts you to add one liter of oil, you can still drive it, but you should quickly visit a dealership or repair shop to add more oil before it becomes insufficient. If the oil level indeed becomes too low, it will significantly affect the engine and the vehicle.
Engine oil, also known as motor oil, plays a crucial role in lubricating and reducing wear, assisting in cooling, sealing and preventing leaks, rust and corrosion prevention, and shock absorption. It is often referred to as the blood of the car. Insufficient oil cannot adequately protect the engine, leading to poor lubrication, increased friction, and accelerated wear of components. The engine may also overheat, potentially causing severe damage such as cylinder scoring or erosion, resulting in irreversible harm to the engine.
The duration you can drive a BMW with one liter of oil low depends on factors such as driving conditions, vehicle condition, and engine displacement. If driving on the highway, oil consumption will be faster, and the vehicle's power output also affects oil consumption. Generally, if a BMW consumes up to 0.3 liters of oil per 1,000 kilometers, it is considered normal.
There are three main types of engine oils: mineral oil, fully synthetic oil, and semi-synthetic oil. Mineral oil typically needs to be replaced every six months or 5,000 kilometers. Semi-synthetic oil usually requires replacement every 7 to 8 months or 7,500 kilometers. Fully synthetic oil generally needs to be replaced every year or 10,000 kilometers.
