Look at my previous post. Also, be careful you might overfill it. You may want to check into N54forums for help\confirmation with your issue.

 

I must be blind because I cannot find where it shows "min level = X qts".

I will confirm on N54. Thanks.

 

I believe you can display the electronic dipstick on your gauge cluster.

Too much oil would place the crankshaft in direct contact with the oil level in the pan causing extreme temperature rise and destruction of the oil.

BMW has designed the system to keep it at the 100% level and not beyond. So, when they state add 1 quart, it means your low one quart, but you must add it within the stipulated mileage.

The primary fear on the part of BMW at this point is that you will overfill it. Also, if you're running extended miles on the oil change it will provide needed additives.

Since there is no mechanical means of checking the oil level, you're at the mercy of the computer to guide you. So have faith, but apply common sense if that light pops up quickly after adding the oil.

 

I did a DIY change last weekend. The parts tech said the 535 takes 6.5 quarts (even though we're metric here). I put just 6 in and it's at max according to the iDrive. Pretty sure I got all the oil out - even cleaned out the filter housing puddle.

 

Make sure when you change oil, that as it drains, your vehicle is sitting level to downward towards the drain plug. Jacking up your car and draining the oil without bringing it off the jack stands while it drains can very well leave a fair amount of dirty oil in the pan and perhaps can account for the 1/2 quart difference.

It's a bit of a hassle but it's the only way to be sure you've drained as much as possible.

 

Good info.

Need to learn how to do that. I check my oil level in iDrive but that graphic isn't very detailed.

 

Perhaps you do not have an oil level sensor. It depends on car. My E60 still has the dipstick.

 

No dip stick. Yes sensor. Otherwise, how else would the car tell me the oil is low?

 

...and today the iDrive said it was down a half quart. Go figure.

 

I would ignore the messages fir now and check the level again in the middle of the day and when the engine is warm.