Greetings, everyone,
I recently purchased a 1998 BMW M3 on Bring A Trailer that had an admittedly "sordid" history (the auction comments are quite amusing, by the way). After driving it about 1000 miles I've begun to change all the fluids (the selling dealer's service documentation does not show any fluid changes under their watch). Changing the transmission fluid with UUC's recommendations to reduce lightweight flywheel induced transmission rattle made a huge difference in noise and shifter feel.
Having gotten around to changing the engine oil, I discovered to my dismay that the used oil has a fine but thorough metallic sheen, looking similar to metallic paint (see attached photo).
The day after draining I collected a sample of the used oil after stirring up the bucket it was drained into. I just received my Blackstone analysis back and it shows somewhat elevated aluminum, iron, and copper, but the analyst seems to think this isn't of major concern and I should check back after 3,000 miles (see attached report).
Any thoughts? Am I safe to drive another 3000 miles or is there any further diagnosis I could perform? According to the dealer, the compression test was OK and it's "one of the healthiest S52's they've ever seen" but now I'm not so sure about that sentiment. The car has also recently developed an oil leak on the passenger side of the engine (maybe from the oil pan?) I'm going to be trying to figure this leak out soon, the oil pan doesn't look like an easy job on this car, but I'm not sure what else could be leaking on the passenger side.
Thanks for the help!
I recently purchased a 1998 BMW M3 on Bring A Trailer that had an admittedly "sordid" history (the auction comments are quite amusing, by the way). After driving it about 1000 miles I've begun to change all the fluids (the selling dealer's service documentation does not show any fluid changes under their watch). Changing the transmission fluid with UUC's recommendations to reduce lightweight flywheel induced transmission rattle made a huge difference in noise and shifter feel.
Having gotten around to changing the engine oil, I discovered to my dismay that the used oil has a fine but thorough metallic sheen, looking similar to metallic paint (see attached photo).
The day after draining I collected a sample of the used oil after stirring up the bucket it was drained into. I just received my Blackstone analysis back and it shows somewhat elevated aluminum, iron, and copper, but the analyst seems to think this isn't of major concern and I should check back after 3,000 miles (see attached report).
Any thoughts? Am I safe to drive another 3000 miles or is there any further diagnosis I could perform? According to the dealer, the compression test was OK and it's "one of the healthiest S52's they've ever seen" but now I'm not so sure about that sentiment. The car has also recently developed an oil leak on the passenger side of the engine (maybe from the oil pan?) I'm going to be trying to figure this leak out soon, the oil pan doesn't look like an easy job on this car, but I'm not sure what else could be leaking on the passenger side.
Thanks for the help!
Last edited: