Oil level question

[E90_M3Ross]

Hi,

I just got an E46 325i, which I'm really enjoying. I went to check the oil and the dipstick is showing at the bottom. I checked this after a drive, 5mins after stopping. I added 500ml of oil and checked again....still at the bottom/min mark. Went for another drive, no warning lights on the dash and car drives fine, after turning the car off, waited 5mins and pulled the dipstick out, the oil was up the dipstick (as you would expect), wiped the dipstick clean and rechecked it.....still at the min mark (i.e. exactly where it was before adding 500ml). I assume if it was overfilled it'd give a warning light...?

The oil shows at the bottom of the far-left notch


Any thoughts!?



Thanks

Edited by E90_M3Ross on Monday 2nd September 10:02

[danb79]

Oil should be between the bottom and top marker on the M54 dipstick when filled correctly with 6.5l from empty...

If the oil is at that point on your dipstick when it's been running, and then stone cold, it's too low and needs topping up

If you're unsure; drain and refill properly and go from there

The oil sensor can fail; but the dipstick is the proper measurement, stick with that and replace the oil sensor if needs be

[E90_M3Ross]

danb79 said:

Oil should be between the bottom and top marker on the M54 dipstick when filled correctly with 6.5l from empty...

If the oil is at that point on your dipstick when it's been running, and then stone cold, it's too low and needs topping up

If you're unsure; drain and refill properly and go from there

The oil sensor can fail; but the dipstick is the proper measurement, stick with that and replace the oil sensor if needs be

What confuses me is that after adding 500ml oil it's in the same place. The previous owner changed the oil level sensor so assume that's correct. I'm just a bit apprehensive about adding more oil in case it is too high.

Engine hasn't been used for a couple of hours.... I'll go check now.

[danb79]

E90_M3Ross said:

What confuses me is that after adding 500ml oil it's in the same place. The previous owner changed the oil level sensor so assume that's correct. I'm just a bit apprehensive about adding more oil in case it is too high.

Engine hasn't been used for a couple of hours.... I'll go check now.

See what it's like stone cold and then top up from there... They do take quite a bit of oil

Is it burning oil do you know?

When was the CCV last changed?

[E90_M3Ross]

CCV was changed under 4k miles ago. No apparent blue smoke. I've just added another 250ml or so and sure enough it's moved up on the dipstick so I guess it was running a bit low.

I assume if the oil is checked when cold the level would read slightly higher than when warm? Or is it the other way around?

Either way, it's OK now, I'll check it again 5mins after my next drive and go from there.

Cheers.

[danb79]

E90_M3Ross said:

CCV was changed under 4k miles ago. No apparent blue smoke. I've just added another 250ml or so and sure enough it's moved up on the dipstick so I guess it was running a bit low.

I assume if the oil is checked when cold the level would read slightly higher than when warm? Or is it the other way around?

Either way, it's OK now, I'll check it again 5mins after my next drive and go from there.

Cheers.

I'd check my E39s when stone cold and once settled after running and they always read the same

As you said drive it, check it and see how you get on

[E90_M3Ross]

Have added another 250ml or so (just shy of 1L in total) and, when cold, it's showing about 1/2.

I'll check properly after the next drive. Glad I checked

Thanks for your help. Case closed

[danb79]

E90_M3Ross said:

Have added another 250ml or so (just shy of 1L in total) and, when cold, it's showing about 1/2.

I'll check properly after the next drive. Glad I checked

Thanks for your help. Case closed

No worries