Under the hood, BMW has removed the oil level dipstick and replaced it with an oil pan sensor (the shaded part in the figure). If the oil level inside the oil pan falls below the safe level, the sensor should sound an alarm. Not accountants who determine how long you may drive without changing or checking the oil in your automobile, but engineers who created the engines who computed this number. Another thing to keep in mind is that these electronic level meters do occasionally malfunction.
BMW wants you to think that your car’s engine oil only needs to be changed every 15,000 miles and that the transmission oil never needs to be changed. Does that strike you as reasonable?
Did you know that BMW claims that a quart of oil is consumed by each of their vehicles every 800-900 miles? This equation’s irrational component is the 15,000-mile oil change interval with certain models’ oil pans holding up to 7.5 quarts of oil.
If you used this formula, your oil pan would entirely run dry after 8,000 miles of driving. That is around half of the suggested oil change interval of 15,000 miles. Not to mention that the oil pump will be unable to refuel well before the fifth quart runs out. The end consequence is a defective engine that needs a significant and pricey service. You would require an oil pan with a capacity of roughly 20 quarts to address this issue. There are only 8 quarts in the typical BMW. That is a tragedy waiting to happen!
Keeping with the lifespan fluids described earlier, how long is the “lifetime”? According to manufacturers, “lifetime” is often defined as 8 to 10 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. Be advised, nevertheless, that you shouldn’t adhere to the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule if you intend to retain your automobile for longer than five years. Autoscope advises having your oil changed every 7,500 miles with synthetic fluids and every 3,500 miles with petroleum-based fluids to prevent costly repairs.
In This Article...
Are there dipsticks in BMWs? (And without one, how do you check the oil?)
Oil dipsticks have long been a standard component of cars. They are simple to use, effective, and provide a quick response to whether your engine needs oil.
However, some BMW owners have been perplexed to discover that their car lacks a physical dipstick, which has led to uncertainty.
Since 2006, there have been no new BMW models with dipsticks. Owners used the traditional dipstick so little that it was replaced with an electronic oil level indicator installed in the oil pan.
Despite this, the physical dipstick has made a comeback alongside the electronic system in contemporary 7 and 8 Series BMWs powered by V8 and V12 engines.
But why did BMW decide to do away with dipsticks, and how can you change it in a BMW without one?
How is oil poured into a BMW 328i?
- Find the oil cap by opening the hood of your car.
- Put a funnel in the aperture after removing the oil cap.
- Pour the oil into the funnel with caution.
- Replace the oil cap once you’re through, and then check your oil indicator to be sure your oil level is back to normal.
What type of oil is used by BMW?
The majority of BMW engines ship from the factory with a 5W-30. Additionally, BMW advises an oil change every 15,000 miles.
Mobil Full Synthetic 5W-30 High Mileage, Mobil 1 SAE 0W-40, Valvoline SynPower SAE 5W-30, or Castrol Syntec European Formula SAE 0W-30 are the brands that BMW utilizes. Since 2015, BMW has advised using Shell/Pennzoil PurePlus Oils as its aftermarket oil.
There is a sizable aftermarket performance modifying community for BMWs. If you read the conversations on forums or Facebook groups, you’ll notice that owners of tuned BMWs frequently praise Liqui Moly 5w-40.
Take the climate into account In warmer climates, consumers frequently choose the 5W-40 oil kind. You should choose the 0W-40 oil type if you live somewhere with a cooler environment. In comparison to 5W-40, which takes a few minutes to warm up to the ideal lubricating temperature, 0W-40 lubricates the bearings better upon beginning.
What happens if you fill a BMW with standard oil?
Even though most natural motor oil is refined from crude oil, it may still include impurities that get past the refinement process. These minute minerals can progressively lead to undesired accumulation in an engine, which can reduce its lifespan and performance. As an alternative, synthetic oil doesn’t have this problem because contamination is not a possibility during the controlled process of synthesizing it with chemical ingredients.
When should I refuel my BMW with oil?
They are made to go up to 12,000 or even 15,000 miles between oil changes, or nearly one driving year. Even the owner’s manual for your BMW suggests having your oil changed every 15,000 miles.
How can I tell whether my BMW has enough oil?
- Warning lamp for oil pressure. When your car detects its oil reserves have fallen below a safe level, this symbol will show up on the display.
- Metal and burning oil smell. Your engine system is put under more strain when your oil levels are low, which leads to overheating.
- Banging or knocking.
- engine trouble
Is a BMW safe to operate with low oil?
It’s time to add additional oil if your BMW is alerting you that the oil level is below the minimal level, which means your engine doesn’t have enough oil to function correctly.
Low oil levels should be fixed soon away to prevent damage to your car’s engine while you continue to drive. Fortunately, you have the option of having oil replenished to your car by a mechanic or doing it yourself.
If you decide to add oil yourself, be sure to first locate the oil cap and then consult your owner’s manual to see what oil is recommended for your BMW.
Check out the Jerry app to see how much you may save on your auto insurance rate by shopping on the app, whether you decide to add oil yourself or hire someone to do it.
After you download Jerry, all you have to do is respond to a few questions that will take you around 45 seconds to do, and you’ll get car insurance rates for coverage that is identical to your current plan right away. Customers of Jerry save $887 year on average.
When did BMW stop using dipsticks?
The 4.4L V8 in the 2018 BMW M850 is the engine in dispute. This engine is a development of the BMW N63 engine, which was initially unveiled in 2008, two years after BMW stopped using oil dipsticks. When a reader wrote in to ask how he should check the oil in his 2006 330i, BMW created such a stir that even the Wall Street Journal ran a story on it. One of the earliest engines that BMW designed with a dip stick was the N52 engine beneath the hood.
I watched the video below, which illustrates how difficult it is to check your oil in a new BMW, while not owning one myself.
The car must apparently be turned on in order to use this improved technology, and doing so requires simple navigation through the cluster’s display. However, it may take the device 5 to 15 minutes to record your oil reading. Unacceptable and, in my opinion, not significantly better than the standard stick.
I’m fine with digital meters being used in addition to conventional dipsticks. But to completely remove the dipstick is just…fiddling.
It will be better for everyone if this report is true and BMW doesn’t surprise us by removing the dipstick from the production model.
Why is there no dipstick on the BMW?
BMW switched to utilizing electronic sensors since market research showed that drivers rarely used their dipsticks.
The majority of owners depended solely on their vehicle’s warning system to alert them when they required extra oil, which is never a good idea, especially in a BMW.
However, many observers have argued that this action was an unnecessary addition of technology where it wasn’t required in an effort to simplify the lives of drivers.
For drivers, especially those with a passion for all things mechanical, giving up one of the most fundamental components of car maintenance—checking your own oil level—removes some of the connection they have with their vehicle.
However, younger generations of drivers simply don’t enjoy getting their hands dirty to the same extent as older generations did, so BMW adjusted.
Has a new BMW got a dipstick?
A dipstick is used to check the oil level in older automobiles, and most modern BMW models also come with one. In either case, this task is simpler than changing your tires at home.
When I need an oil change, will my BMW let me know?
BMW advises that you have your oil changed at least once every 10,000 miles if you drive your car a lot. If your BMW has the most recent iDrive System, scroll to “Car Information” from the home screen, then “vehicle status,” and finally “service required.”
How long can a BMW be used with the oil light on?
If the oil light comes on, you should try to get a repair to look at your car as soon as possible. However, keep in mind that a little more driving around won’t harm anything.
Typically, it takes about two weeks or 500 miles of driving before a flashing oil light becomes a serious issue. However, once that happens, things can quickly deteriorate and cause significant mechanical damage. Therefore, attempt to get your car serviced as soon as possible.
How do I inspect my car’s oil stick?
Push the dipstick all the way down into the tube while carefully inserting it. Now take it out and attentively inspect the tip; it should be covered in oil. Your car has enough oil if the oil level is between the two lines. It’s time to add a quart if it is at or below the low mark.
Where is the oil-dipping stick?
The dipstick is typically found on the left side of the engine on most models. The dipstick often has a distinctly visible yellow or orange circular handle. A substantial piece of metal will slide out of the engine when you pull this handle.
Can I just refuel my automobile with oil?
It is normally not advised to top off your oil until the level is below the minimum level. However, topping off your oil can help you get to your local Firestone Complete Auto Care for an oil change if you’re running low on it.
You must use the viscosity and grade of oil specified in your owner’s manual if you decide to top off your oil. Turn off your car and let the engine cool before adding oil. Take off the oil filler cap and add a little oil at a time. Start by adding modest amounts at a time, and check the oil level often while filling. Overfilling might harm your engine.
Check the dipstick once more after waiting about a minute for the oil to sink to the bottom. Add more oil and keep checking until the level is between the minimum and maximum marks if the oil level is still below the minimum mark. Once you firmly twist the filler cap back on, everything is ready.