additive to mediate that problem? My 2002 E39 never burned any oil. All of a sudden it is starting to use 1 quart every 2 to 3 thousand miles. I dont see any drips so I am surmising it is burning it. A few days ago when I started the car a large cloud of smoke came out of the exhaust. I wiped the exhaust with my finger and it was oily. It only did this once but it seems coincidental. The car has 103,000 miles and is a Salvage Title so I don't want to throw a bunch of money in it. Is there an additive or perhaps another suggestion as to what I might check or do?

Check your Positive Crankcase Vent system. It can cause high pressure in the crankcase and push oil thru the rings from below.

it probally just need valve seals- there pretty good about that- have an oil anlisis done on it at your big truck shop-cost you about 15 bucks- will tell you alot about what going on in there- haow much bearing material in oil