6 Warning Signs Your Engine Oil Needs Changing

Avoid a busted engine and a busted bank account—here’s how.

When you’re driving a high-performance European car in Melbourne traffic or cruising down the Mornington Peninsula, your engine is doing a lot more than just getting you from A to B. It's the powerhouse of your investment—and like any finely tuned machine, it needs the right care.

Engine Oil Change Warning Signs Every BMW, Audi, VW & MINI Owner Should Know

At BM Tech, we regularly see BMWs, Audis, Volkswagens and MINIs come in with preventable engine damage. The culprit? Often something as simple (and as overlooked) as dirty, old engine oil.

So, how do you protect your pride and joy? Start by watching for these six warning signs that it’s time for an oil change.

1. 🔔 Engine Oil Dashboard Warning Lights

Most European vehicles are smart—sometimes smarter than their owners (no offence, Gary). If the oil pressure drops or the level gets too low, your oil light or check engine light will appear.

These aren’t gentle suggestions. They’re flashing neon signs saying: "Oy! Sort your oil out!"

What to do: Check your oil level with the dipstick. If it’s low, top it up with a quality European-approved oil. Still seeing warning lights? Book a service with BM Tech and we’ll check for leaks, sensor faults, or bigger issues.

2. 👂 Strange Noises from the Engine

Your Audi shouldn't sound like a Massey Ferguson. If you’re hearing knocking, ticking, or rumbling, your oil may no longer be protecting your engine components properly—leading to metal-on-metal friction.

What to do: Don't wait. Book in before the damage becomes catastrophic. These noises often mean parts are already wearing out.

3. 👀 Dirty, Sludgy Oil

Clean oil is a golden amber colour. Dirty oil looks like someone cooked Vegemite in it—dark, gritty, and thick.

Quick check: Pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, and look at the oil. If it’s pitch black or you can feel grit between your fingers, it’s overdue for a change.

4. 💨 Smoke Coming From the Exhaust

A bit of white vapour is normal in winter. But thick blue or grey smoke? That’s engine oil burning—often due to worn piston rings, valve seals, or internal leaks.

What to do: This is a big one. Book in immediately with BM Tech. Continuing to drive can cause major internal damage, not to mention fail a VicRoads roadworthy check.

5. 👃 Burnt Oil Smell Inside the Cabin

If you’re getting a strong oil smell while driving—especially when the heater’s on—it could mean oil is leaking onto hot engine parts.

Possible causes:

• Rocker cover gasket leak

• Oil dripping onto the exhaust manifold

• Loose or cracked oil filter seals

What to do: Pull over safely and call us. Oil + hot exhaust = fire risk. Best not to play that game.

6. 📆 It’s Been Too Long Between Services

Even if your engine seems fine, oil breaks down over time—especially in stop/start conditions like Melbourne peak hour or short trips to the shops. This leads to sludge, carbon build-up, and poor lubrication.

BM Tech Tip: Service your BMW, MINI, Audi or VW every 10,000 to 15,000km, or annually at a minimum. Short-trip drivers? You may need to service even sooner.

Final Thoughts

Whether you're navigating Nicholson Street in your BMW X3, heading to the Yarra Valley in a VW Tiguan, or zipping through Carlton in your MINI Hatch, protecting your engine starts with simple, routine maintenance.

And nothing’s simpler—or more effective—than keeping your oil fresh.

🛠️ Book with BM Tech Today

At BM Tech, we’re Melbourne’s trusted European car specialists. An oil change with us includes:

✅ Logbook service✅ High-quality European-approved oil✅ OEM filters✅ Full vehicle inspection

📍 Canterbury Location | Servicing BMW, MINI, Audi & VW across Melbourne’s east.

Don’t wait for a blown engine. Keep your car running like the premium machine it was built to be.