Hello, I am HenryB from Florida. I just bought my 2006 525i 2 days ago. There is no dip stick for the engine oil. I am wondering how to check the level as I fill with new oil? From inside the car via the computer or is there another way it is supposed to be done? On the transmission of my e-38 there is a screw that is removed from the side and one checks for the fluid to run out there...when full. I was going to drain the engine oil and then put in 6.9 quarts and check the on board computer ....just seems wrong to rely only on the computer. Thanks for any reply. HenryB

 

I have the same car as you (3 months now). I'm wondering this as well. I've been on 3 different BMW forums and glanced at engine or oil discussions. I haven't seen anything regarding doing a "physical inventory" of the oil in the engine rather than relying on the iDrive computer. It seems others gripe about this as well (me included). Right now I have a piece of cardboard under where the car parks at night which is still clean, black smoke is not coming out of the exhaust, and the oil level is still good on the iDrive. So I'm good to go.

If you find anything, I would like to know and please repost here.

 

 

OK ...I am going to get under the car and see if I see a side port in the sump that might be used as a physical indicator of the oil level. I don't really want to only rely on the computer. Henry

 

There is nothing mechanical that allows you to check the oil on that engine. It is all done by checking the iDrive. I'm getting ready to change mine for the first time now that my warranty/maintenance expired. I am going to drain the oil and measure what comes out by pouring it all into gallon jugs and putting that much back in. Then, compare that amount with the oil change documentation. You should be prepared to put in just a little more (I'm thinking less than 1/2 quart) to account for burn loss and what didn't pour into the jugs and stuck to the sides.

 

Should be 6 quarts fill up. Now 4 quarts is a gallon standard measurement, but most jugs sold say 5 quarts which is 4.73 liters or 1.25 gallons. Either you can buy 2 of the jugs, or buy 1 jug and 1 quart.

I personally would buy 1 jug and 1 quart and not worry about it

 

 

For the 2006 BMW 325i which has the N52 engine 3liter / 215 HP the oil capacity is 6.9 quarts ....from research I did yesterday.....better check ....you said 6 quarts to fill up.

 

6.5 liters not quarts got my conversion all wrong. eh

 

7quarts it is then go with 1 jug and 2 quarts.