On a 2003 BMW 320i, the dipstick has 3 bars with 2 separations in between (I don't know how to explain it but could take a picture if you don't know what I am talking about). Next oil change is due in about 3400 KM's and yesterday when I turned the car off, the yellow oil light turned on. I turned the car on right away and it went off and stayed off. My question is where is the oil level supposed to be on the dipstick?
amcclor
OP, you are to check your oil level (PER THE OFFICIAL BMW E46 OWNERS MANUAL) APPROXIMATELY 5 minutes after engine shut down. The oil should be between the upper and lower marks. PERIOD. These marks were calibrated to read correctly when the recommended viscosity oil has flowed back into the oil pan after 5 minutes after shut down.
OP,
I think a photo might be a good idea, just because I know mine has two notches...and full is up to the bottom of my top notch.
If you measure oil 5 mins. after shut down, it should be between the two marks, but if you add oil then because it's not up to the full mark, after the oil has drained down in the a.m., it will be overfull, so don't do that.
I check my oil in the a.m. when car is cool...just the same temp the car was when I drained all my oil, added 6.9 qts....it came right up to bottom of top notch.
Your 'three' bars sounds odd and I just thought it might help us figure out what you've got. Also, if you search dipstick, think you'll find many picts. already here...maybe you could 'borrow' one of them if it's the same as yours and post here.
I think a photo might be a good idea, just because I know mine has two notches...and full is up to the bottom of my top notch.
If you measure oil 5 mins. after shut down, it should be between the two marks, but if you add oil then because it's not up to the full mark, after the oil has drained down in the a.m., it will be overfull, so don't do that.
I check my oil in the a.m. when car is cool...just the same temp the car was when I drained all my oil, added 6.9 qts....it came right up to bottom of top notch.
Your 'three' bars sounds odd and I just thought it might help us figure out what you've got. Also, if you search dipstick, think you'll find many picts. already here...maybe you could 'borrow' one of them if it's the same as yours and post here.
Mine is like this, and the oil level is perfectly in the middle between the lower and upper mark so I guess this is good. I will watch out for that light if it ever comes on again but about 125 km later and still no light.
What is the oil change interval for the US cars that are in miles? Is it 15000 miles? I know my (Canadian) BMW has an interval of 15000 and I was wondering what it is for US vehicles
What is the oil change interval for the US cars that are in miles? Is it 15000 miles? I know my (Canadian) BMW has an interval of 15000 and I was wondering what it is for US vehicles
Yellow oil light means LOW OIL.
If you shut the car off and get a Yellow oil light, BUT your oil is up to the level when you check it, this means your oil level sensor is bad. Common problem, my car has it too, very annoying.
If you shut the car off and get a Yellow oil light, BUT your oil is up to the level when you check it, this means your oil level sensor is bad. Common problem, my car has it too, very annoying.
Checking the oil level
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface
2. Switch the engine off after it has
reached normal operating temperature
3. After approx. 5 minutes, pull the dipstick
out and wipe it off with a clean
lint-free cloth, paper towel, or similar
material
4. Carefully push the dipstick all the
way into the guide tube and pull it
out again
5. The oil level should be between the
two marks on the dipstick.
As with fuel economy, oil consumption
is directly influenced by your driving
style and vehicle operating conditions.
The oil volume between the two marks
on the dipstick corresponds to approx.
1.1 US quarts/1 liter. Do not fill beyond
the upper mark on the dipstick. Excess
oil will damage the engine
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface
2. Switch the engine off after it has
reached normal operating temperature
3. After approx. 5 minutes, pull the dipstick
out and wipe it off with a clean
lint-free cloth, paper towel, or similar
material
4. Carefully push the dipstick all the
way into the guide tube and pull it
out again
5. The oil level should be between the
two marks on the dipstick.
As with fuel economy, oil consumption
is directly influenced by your driving
style and vehicle operating conditions.
The oil volume between the two marks
on the dipstick corresponds to approx.
1.1 US quarts/1 liter. Do not fill beyond
the upper mark on the dipstick. Excess
oil will damage the engine
The bottom of the top notch is full. In the notch is fine. Above the top notch is overfilled. If it's just a little bit above, it's fine too.
Start reading fanatics...or your car is going to get very expensive, very soon. Spend your money on stuff you need, not stuff you want.
In around $3,000 you can go around and mess up the car all you want with my blessing!
Start reading fanatics...or your car is going to get very expensive, very soon. Spend your money on stuff you need, not stuff you want.
In around $3,000 you can go around and mess up the car all you want with my blessing!
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
