[bimmer456]

So why is it you have to run the engine and warm up to operating temperature to check oil? Wouldn't a dip stick be better? I mean if you have no oil by the time you find out you would have destroyed your engine lol.

[Billfitz]

If you have no oil you'll get a dash warning. The purpose of the measurement isn't to make sure that the crankcase isn't empty, it's to see if it's low. In any event the point is moot, it's not like you can retrofit a dipstick.

[edycol]

Originally Posted by bimmer456

So why is it you have to run the engine and warm up to operating temperature to check oil? Wouldn't a dip stick be better? I mean if you have no oil by the time you find out you would have destroyed your engine lol.

A. You can find out whether you are low on oil.
If you lose that amount of oil between two checks, you will notice through incredible smoke or huge oil stain.
B. Sensor measures oil when cold before cranking, during warm up and at operating temperature and calculates average value.
C. Having sealed block helps with PCV efficiency. It is not all about saving on $20 oil dipstick. It increases structural strength of the block.

[auburnf30x]

I’d prefer a dipstick, but the system works okay. If the oil is low enough to be of concern you’ll get an immediate warning. The dash measurement is more for peace of mind and keeping track of the levels over time.

I will say the fill process is the easiest of any car I’ve owned, even without the dipstick. Pour in exactly five quarts and it’ll be right at the full mark, every single time. I don’t even worry about running the measuring thing after a change anymore.

[thejeremyman9]

Originally Posted by auburnf30x

I’d prefer a dipstick, but the system works okay. If the oil is low enough to be of concern you’ll get an immediate warning. The dash measurement is more for peace of mind and keeping track of the levels over time.

I will say the fill process is the easiest of any car I’ve owned, even without the dipstick. Pour in exactly five quarts and it’ll be right at the full mark, every single time. I don’t even worry about running the measuring thing after a change anymore.

I would specify the specific engine when you say you pour in 5 quarts and its full everytime

I always measure my oil level (properly - when warm, level ground, etc) before doing an oil change. Assuming its full per the reading, i measure the oil coming out (use clean and empty containers) since i going to have to go dispose of it or send it back to FCP Euro anyways, and add slightly more than what i measured coming out if its full (since some is lost in the drain pan etc), or the appropriate amount more if it was less than full before the change. Then of course measure it after the first full drive post change.

[Billfitz]

Originally Posted by thejeremyman9

I would specify the specific engine when you say you pour in 5 quarts and its full everytime

My N20 takes 5 liters, N55s take 6.5 liters.

[thejeremyman9]

Originally Posted by Billfitz

My N20 takes 5 liters, N55s take 6.5 liters.

Yeah just wanted to point out for anyone reading that they shouldnt just assume "oh hey i can just pour in 5 liters" when capacity varies by engine.

[Billfitz]

It's also key to know the difference between quarts and liters.

[sonsy]

Does anyone know why with the N47 engine, I get different results when I measure the oil level electronically on the screen and when I measure on the deepstick?

[Billfitz]

Logically it might read higher with the dipstick, assuming you measure it with the engine off and the oil has settled into the pan.

[vanguard8]

Does the oil level reading stop at "Full", without a way to see if you are over full?
Or does the car tell us if we over fill with a warning?

[SLo B48]

From my reading, the gauge stops at full. You aren’t notified of an overfill.

[thejeremyman9]

Originally Posted by SLo B48

From my reading, the gauge stops at full. You aren’t notified of an overfill.

Source of your reading?

[tmorr01]

A few months ago, I got the oil warning light on my dash so I added a quart of oil and the light went away. Since then, I have been checking the level with the recommended technique described in the manual. On some days, it shows that I have no oil and on other days, it shows I have plenty. But in any case, I haven't gotten the warning light again. I feel that I am doing the check correctly but I have no explanation for why I am getting the different readings. I am I OK as long as I don't get the warning light again?

[thejeremyman9]

Originally Posted by tmorr01

A few months ago, I got the oil warning light on my dash so I added a quart of oil and the light went away. Since then, I have been checking the level with the recommended technique described in the manual. On some days, it shows that I have no oil and on other days, it shows I have plenty. But in any case, I haven't gotten the warning light again. I feel that I am doing the check correctly but I have no explanation for why I am getting the different readings. I am I OK as long as I don't get the warning light again?

Are you always checking on a level surface, with car warmed up, etc? Sensor could be going bad. When you change the oil, do you measure how much comes out?

[bimmer456]

Originally Posted by thejeremyman9

Are you always checking on a level surface, with car warmed up, etc? Sensor could be going bad. When you change the oil, do you measure how much comes out?

It should stop the test if not on a level surface or warmed up. For me I just let it tell me if it's low. At least it takes care of that for you as most people don't bother checking their oil and most cars just detect if oil pressure is low.