High mileage 320i e90 using lots of oil...

[ixiart]

I have a 2006 e90 320i which I've had nearly 7 years. It's up to 140k miles and it still drives very well but for the past few years it's developed an increasing thirst for oil. There don't appear to be any oil leaks under the bonnet and my drive/garage floor doesn't have any oil stains. There's no smoke and the engine runs well enough. BUT... I think I've noticed a pattern for sudden heavy oil consumption. Any high speed motorway work, where I'm, erm...., making good progress, appears to lead to a sudden increase in oil consumption. No blue smoke haze in the mirrors so I'm at a loss as to what might causing this. Blocked crankcase breather? Usual round town commuting etc doesn't seem to affect the oil level so much. Recently the level dropped 300ml worth in 150 miles of motorway driving.

Due to the car's high mileage and other possible additional items that might need attention e.g corrosion on the rear brake pipes - £450 to replace as the fuel tank has to be dropped out apparently, rattling suspension arm, rattling broken catalyst, slightly obstructive 1st gear and some transmission whine. Is it time to call it a day and get rid?

I'm loathe to be shot of it because it's a been a pleasure to drive it, reliable and the spec is the best I've ever had, loads of toys: heated seats, cruise, climate, parking sensors, electric folding mirrors (the dipping left mirror when I reverse is genius), leather, auto dimming mirror, auto lights/wipers etc etc... Money's tight at the moment so I'd end up having to get some bargain basement basic hatchback shopping trolley to replace it. But if I keep hold of it am I potentially holding a hand grenade with the pin out, mechanically/financially?

[Smuler]

My E46 325 had such poor oil consumption, oil leak concluded but nothing visible on drive.
I know the final diagnosis had something to do with rocker gasket cover as garage who bought it repaired that befor sale.
It drove superbly, but putting in oil is a pain and cost of repair was too close to trade value of car, so as I wanted something faster I said goodbye.
Had I not the urge for more speed, however, I would have hung on.

So if you's not got that urge, keep it; better the devil you know and love

[Craikeybaby]

Rocker cover gasket/vacuum pump go on these engines causing oil leaks, although when the vacuum pump went on mine it seemed better on long journeys than short ones. There was also a distinct smell of oil in the cabin.