Z4 3.0L Oil level indication

[Redline]

I looked at the oil level indicator last week and it was reading in the middle. Fine I thought.

After reading about propensity of the 3.0L engine to use oil at a vast rate of knots, I looked again to find it down to two. On Friday I was startled to find it down at one and started to worry a little, so, I bought two litres of oil. One to put in as soon as I got the warning came on and the other to carry as reserve.

On the way up to N. Wales it stayed at 1. It was a gentle drive.
However, on the way back after the short and low(ish) speed cruise, I was equally startled to find it had gone back up to just below maximum and it has stayed there.

Can the indicator be relied upon, even if it says add oil?
I've seen plenty written on oil used, but, if the indicator itself is a bit random, even if you use it under identical conditions, how can you be sure of the actual oil level?

 

[billz]

We too have the 3.0si model and the only time oil goes in is on its yearly Service. Never have had the warning light on even though sometimes we do 8k a year

 

[Redline]

We too have the 3.0si model and the only time oil goes in is on its yearly Service. Never have had the warning light on even though sometimes we do 8k a year

That's just what I'm hoping for. It's the reliability of the oil level indicator that's got me. I'd simply doesn't seem to tell you with any accuracy what the level actually is. I hope the refill light comes on well above the minimum level.

 

[Mint]

Can't beat a good old fashioned dipstick. Don't know why they've overcomplicated it.

 

[Redline]

Can't beat a good old fashioned dipstick. Don't know why they've overcomplicated it.

Me neither - I know a few dipsticks that are really quite uncomplicated
Seriously though, it is a technology looking for a solution when a perfectly good one has been around for decades.
i wonder if the new BMWs send you a text message saying 710 installation required.

 

[Mint]

...saying 710 installation required.

Ha, that's an old joke ian

...it is a technology looking for a solution when a perfectly good one has been around for decades

Just like the new fangled devices that are now fitted to heating oil tanks. Just so you can tell how much oil is in the tank from inside the house. Nothing wrong with a sight glass in my opinion - more accurate as well... (sorry @Grumpy, using your smiley)

 

[t-tony]

Me neither - I know a few dipsticks that are really quite uncomplicated
Seriously though, it is a technology looking for a solution when a perfectly good one has been around for decades.
i wonder if the new BMWs send you a text message saying 710 installation required.

IIRC Merc's were the first that I came across that had no dipstick. Basically it's just so someone doesn't have to open their bonnet and get their hands dirty. There's nowt wrong with a mechanical dipstick which can't lie to you .................... unless your eyes are crap !!

Tony.

 

[Grumps]

My truck has no dip stick and cannot be filled from the top! Has to go to the dealers for a top up!

 

[Grumps]

Ha, that's an old joke ian


Just like the new fangled devices that are now fitted to heating oil tanks. Just so you can tell how much oil is in the tank from inside the house. Nothing wrong with a sight glass in my opinion - more accurate as well... (sorry @Grumpy, using your smiley)

Don't make a habit of it Dave lol!

 

[Low Rider]

Don't make a habit of it Dave lol!

 

[Mint]

Don't make a habit of it Dave lol!

Perhaps 'Daves' could share it???

 

[Lee]

Might find after driving the car the oil is sat on engine components giving you a lower reading, then an hour or so later (parked up) it will increase because the oil level because it has run back to the sump

 

[Redline]

Might find after driving the car the oil is sat on engine components giving you a lower reading, then an hour or so later (parked up) it will increase because the oil level because it has run back to the sump

It's an electronic reading that is done with the engine hot and running. A plain old dipstick even I can understand.

 

[t-tony]

the engine hot and running

That makes sense because when an engine is running the amount of oil actually in the sump is constantly only enough for the pump to be able to pickup oil to circulate around the engine.

Tony.