Which car brands have oil burning issues?

[MacVivian]

Engine oil, also known as engine lubricant, plays multiple roles including lubrication and wear reduction, auxiliary cooling, sealing and leak prevention, rust and corrosion protection, as well as shock absorption. It is often referred to as the "blood" of a car. The following car brands are known to have oil burning issues: 1. Audi. 2.0T and 3.0L V6 engines (A3, A4, A5, A6, Q5). 2. BMW. 4.8L V8 and 4.4L twin-turbocharged V8 engines (5 Series, 6 Series, 7 Series, X5). 3. Subaru. 3.6L six-cylinder and 2.0L/2.5L four-cylinder engines (Forester, Impreza, Legacy, and Outback).

[MacEden]

Having driven many cars and often chatted with fellow car enthusiasts, oil burning is relatively common in German cars, especially those from the Volkswagen Group. My colleague's Audi A4 always keeps a bottle of engine oil in the trunk, as his 2012 EA888 engine burns about one liter of oil every thousand kilometers. The BMW N52 engine in older 5 Series models is also a major offender, often emitting blue smoke during cold starts. Among Japanese cars, the horizontally opposed engine in the Subaru Forester is quite thirsty for oil, especially in vehicles with over 100,000 kilometers. Some turbocharged models from American brands like Ford have also encountered this issue, but overall, they fare slightly better than German cars. Modern cars have improved significantly, but when buying a used car, it's essential to check the exhaust pipe for smoke.

[DeLukas]

My family runs an auto repair shop, so we're used to tearing down engines every day. The Volkswagen Tiguan models with the EA888 engines burn oil the most, and the pre-2015 versions basically require frequent oil top-ups. The old Volvo five-cylinder engines are also regulars, especially the S60 models from about 10 years ago. Nissan's VQ series engines develop this issue as they age, though it's not as severe. The most troublesome are the BMW V8 models—just repairing the oil seals on an N62 engine can cost 6,000 yuan. The diagnosis method is pretty simple: when starting the car cold in the morning, wipe the exhaust pipe with your finger—if there's black oil residue, it's likely burning oil.

[DeKarter]

Once while chatting with a dealer at a used car market, he mentioned that the Subaru Outback, especially the 2.5L version, is the model he fears most when taking in as trade-ins. After about seven or eight years of use, there's an 80% chance the engine will start burning oil. Among German cars, the Audi Q5 with the second-generation EA888 engine is notorious for its numerous issues, burning oil faster than it consumes fuel. Nowadays, inspection shops have started using endoscopes to check for piston ring carbon buildup, which is particularly evident in older Volkswagen group vehicles. In fact, oil consumption exceeding 0.3 liters per 1,000 kilometers is considered abnormal, and many German cars have long surpassed this standard. Japanese cars generally fare better, but exceptions exist like the Mazda RX-8 with its rotary engine.

[VonElaina]

After years of modifying cars, I've noticed that turbocharged vehicles are particularly prone to burning oil. The Volkswagen Golf GTI is a classic example, consuming oil rapidly after spirited driving. The BMW N54 engine in the 135i is another notorious oil burner, especially when modified with aftermarket intake and exhaust systems. Even the French 1.6T engine in the Peugeot 308S has had its share of issues. Fortunately, newer models like Toyota's 2.0T engine have improved piston ring designs. If you notice blue smoke from the exhaust or significant oil level drops on the dipstick every two weeks, it's time for an engine inspection. Seasoned drivers know it's wise to always keep a spare bottle of oil handy.