BMW M57 engine queries

[groundcontrol]

I've put a deposit down on a 2006 730D and looking for clarification on a few points.

I've come from an M54 330 so used to engines using a bit of oil, is this the case with the diesels? Flicking through the previous MOTs for the car it mentioned 'oil leak' a couple of times and one advisory on low oil level. I couldn't see any visible leaks on the engine and the owner assured me it hadn't used oil (and he seemed like a genuine bloke).

The car is a 2006, are swirl flaps still an issue on this age engine?

Finally when I was leaving the ground was wet and I noticed where I'd reversed the car and done a three point turn on the street there were small patches of diesel or oil on the ground. These disappeared as the car got further down the road. The exhaust tips are pointing down so is this kind of thing normal?

The car is on 67k if that helps.

Out of touch with diesels so any input welcome.

Mike.

[Billyray911]

This article may be of use to you.I think that it suggests that your engine is one that is affected,however don't quote me on that!
http://www.bmwland.co.uk/swirl_flaps_bmw/swirl_fla...

[helix402]

The car in question will have swirl flaps, though they are the later type. They don't generally fall apart, though can have failing seals causing leaks .

[jasesapphy]

My 330d uses no oil (that's at 210k), my dads 330 petrol does litre every 1200

I oil change every 9K

It has used Mobil 1 ESP since 32k (what i purchased it on)

It was remapped at 32.5K and decat removed

In that time I had clutch and fly @ 125K and a turbo at 145k, Battery @ 120k

Still on original starter, alternator, etc

[Fox-]

I don't think the M57 has any known oil consumption habits - the M54 very much does but years ago we had an M57 530d in the family that didn't use a drop of oil in 60k miles and my later N57 530d hasn't used any since I bought it either.

[Sump]

Higher mileage M57s get horrific oil leaks.

[groundcontrol]

Reassuring, thanks. The only concern I have was one of the advisories mentioned there being oil on the steering rack, which is the opposite side to the manifold but the correct side of the turbo. Although I inspected it and couldn't see anything.

I think the spilt oil/diesel when moving off was due to the car being left idling for a while before setting off so there was probably condensation that had collected and got contaminated. Seems logical to me but I'll give it a closer look when I pick it up.