Does the N52 engine need a dip-stick other than the driver?

[MikeE89]

AS there is no dipstick I tried to find out how the oil sensor system works. Notably, most BMW dealers have little idea about the function of the 'oil check'. For anyone who is interested, there is a multiple sensor somewhere in the sump I presume that measures oil pressure and viscocity, and volume. Advice as far as I can see is to oil change every year or about 7000 miles depending on use. Of-course, if your car is on contract hire, does it matter??? For those of us who care about our cars more than BMW care about their customers, OIL CHANGE/ don't wait for the orange and red warning lights because the damage could well be done by then.
Just how much simpler would a dipstick be???? Will BMW take notice???

 

[hard top]

Same with a Merc and I hate it.

 

[t-tony]

Bad idea all round. Becoming more common though.

Tony.

 

[GazHyde]

It's all part of the general trend BMW seem to be following. Add to this stupidity things like 3 cylinder engines and front wheel drive, it doesn't really bode well for the future.

 

[t-tony]

Front wheel drive is here to stay for the mainstream Gaz, has been for more than 50 years but anyone who wants to manufacture "real" sports cars must realise that rear wheel drive is the only way to make one.
3 cylinder engines first came to my attention in the early 70's as a Perkins diesel in a Massey Ferguson tractor when I was an apprentice agricultural engineer.
To be honest, it's not just BMW who are following this trend but, beleive me, it is here to stay. More's the pity.

Tony.

 

[MikeE89]

BMW virtually told me I should be thankful for the oil sensor as it prevented me from getting my hands dirty. Actually, in all the years using a dipstick I have never got my hands dirty but I could see oil volume, and look at the oil quality. Oh how quaint 'old' technology was...who would have thought putting a mark on a stick would have solved a problem? How much easier to put a mutli sensor into the engine so that 'oil' can only be checked with the engine running, and might encourage the friver to 'check' his oil whilst driving. Thanks to BMW for safety first.
I have had a phone call from BMW (sorry! not from BMW but one of the dealers we all love so much) about the oil sensor. This man was the workshop manager but handed me on to a technician who had recently completed an electrical course for the answer. Beg you pardon...only now does this chap know the answer about how the oil sensor works when the cars have been about since 2009. I have been told that BMW labour costs are so high because the dealers have to pay for update courses from BMW!!!! BMW 'customer service' are two words that in my opinion should not be used in the same sentence like 'italian steel'. That's a nod to those of us who have owned Alfa's.

 

[Brian4]

Hi Mike and welcome and just to continue the above once you get past the trophy receptionists in Service dept the Senior Technicians are very helpful but a lot of the others still have to read the manufacturers manuals to do anything except change the oil.

Our old E60 had no temp gauge and annoyingly had a habit of failing thermostats (there were 3) and the engine running cold at least the F11 has both a dipstick and temp gauge.

PS probably has no drain plug on the sump either so oil has to be sucked out!!

 

[MikeE89]

Thanks Brian4. That gem about sucking the oil out has made my day, and looking at the BMW service records, it simply says 'Oil Service'.
Can't believe the E60 with no temp guage although the Z$ doesn't have one; just oil temp!
I have had BMW's for the last 15-20 years. I'll ask abput the sump plug!!