Need advice. Diesel engine oil level check
12-27-2009, 04:29 AM
#1
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I just recently got my oil service done at the dealership, when i got the car back i checked the level but i am not sure that they put enough oil in it. It is difficult to tell with a Diesel engine from the dip stick, I know that they charged me for 8.5 litres oil 5W30 Castrol oil. I have tried checking it before starting the car the next day and 30 minutes after a run with the engine warmed up, the problem with the oil is it is too clean and runny which may be confusing me.
Is there a better way to check the oil level in the engine? Should i go back next week and ask them to double check it for me? I was worried that they'd put too much in.
Is there a better way to check the oil level in the engine? Should i go back next week and ask them to double check it for me? I was worried that they'd put too much in.
12-27-2009, 07:04 AM
#2
The oil goes black very quickly - I mean a couple of hundred miles - in a diesel.
Checking the level with the dipstick is relatively easy. The car needs to be level, both front to back and side to side. Give the car a run then park it up and leave it for a while, 10 mins would do but a couple of hours is better. Pull the dipstick, wipe it, re-insert. Pull it out and inspect immediately.
You'll definitely be able to see the oil. I've changed the oil in mine and refilled and checked immediately and you can see the oil.
Having said the above it's very easy to misread the level. If the car isn't level or the oil hasn't fully drained back into the sump you can easily under read the level. BMW have had problems with customers doing this then overfilling with oil - that's why the manual tells you to wait until you hit the minimum mark before topping up.
Checking the level with the dipstick is relatively easy. The car needs to be level, both front to back and side to side. Give the car a run then park it up and leave it for a while, 10 mins would do but a couple of hours is better. Pull the dipstick, wipe it, re-insert. Pull it out and inspect immediately.
You'll definitely be able to see the oil. I've changed the oil in mine and refilled and checked immediately and you can see the oil.
Having said the above it's very easy to misread the level. If the car isn't level or the oil hasn't fully drained back into the sump you can easily under read the level. BMW have had problems with customers doing this then overfilling with oil - that's why the manual tells you to wait until you hit the minimum mark before topping up.
12-27-2009, 07:09 AM
#3
I think yours might be low. I think that if you can't see it now then it's not there.
Try wiping the dipstick and dipping it into some clean oil - you'll know what clean oil looks like on the dipstick then.
Try wiping the dipstick and dipping it into some clean oil - you'll know what clean oil looks like on the dipstick then.
12-27-2009, 07:34 AM
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Thanks for the reply, I'll keep my eye on it. I guess my problem is that i usually do it myself but i had to get the dealer to do it due to the warranty, its a pity you can't check the level through the iDrive.
12-28-2009, 12:08 AM
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My Ride: 2007 530d M Sport Automatic, Le Mans Edition.Le Mans Blue Individual Paint Special, Syrah Blue Individual Leather, Piano Black Individual Interior Trim, Front seat heating,M Double Spoke 172 19
Originally Posted by Bob525D' post='1080237' date='Dec 27 2009, 04:34 PM
Thanks for the reply, I'll keep my eye on it. I guess my problem is that i usually do it myself but i had to get the dealer to do it due to the warranty, its a pity you can't check the level through the iDrive.
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