Now if iDrive has a digital oil level readout, then why is there a dipstick at the far end of the engine (V8 models)??? The manual makes no mention of this dipstick, but sure enough, there is one!







Sorry for the bad focus job, but at the end of the dipstick, "MIN" and "MAX" markings are clearly found. At first I thought, there's no way this is a dipstick for the tranny! I wiped it clean, reinserted it, and compared the dipstick level to the level in iDrive. They're the SAME! At least I can keep an eye on the oil quality (clean vs. dirty) as the miles increase. Nice one, BMW!!!

 

hmm.. I think that dipstick is for the gearbox...

 

Yes, Steptronic transmission fluid level.

In the past they warned of oil level too high because the crank would whip air bubbles into the oil and cause starvation.

 

Yes, Steptronic transmission fluid level.

In the past they warned of oil level too high because the crank would whip air bubbles into the oil and cause starvation.
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Wheres the dipstick for the Manual transmissions?

 

Yes, Steptronic transmission fluid level.

In the past they warned of oil level too high because the crank would whip air bubbles into the oil and cause starvation.
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I have a manual transmission, though. I've never ever seen a dipstick to check the gearbox fluid in a manual transmission. Obviously many cars with automatics have them, but if this dipstick is truly to check the oil in the transmission, then I've really found something new! Anyone else care to share their thoughts as to what this dipstick is for? Engine or transmission (manual)???

 

For the 545 its in the same place, looks the same, and its for the engine oil. the only difference is that the top ring where you pull is red and not black. But the bottom part where you read the level of the oil is the same... red...

So I have to guess its more for the engine than transmission. and depending on the length of the dip stick can it reach the transmission???

 

For the 545 its in the same place, looks the same, and its for the engine oil. the only difference is that the top ring where you pull is red and not black. But the bottom part where you read the level of the oil is the same... red...

So I have to guess its more for the engine than transmission. and depending on the length of the dip stick can it reach the transmission???
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You are correct, that must be the engine oil, I just assumed because auto trans usually have it at the back of the engine.

 

Yes, Steptronic transmission fluid level.

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How come I don't have it in my car.

 

It was a bad oil sensor afterall.

The service group at first could not duplicate the "too much oil" screen. Once I showed them how, they changed the oil and put in the proper amount ... but it still read too high. So they changed the oil sensor and all is well.

They gave me a 2006 325i for the day as a loaner ... very nice to drive with decent prep and great handling. But the power and grace of the 5er are unmatched.

 

So did we ever figure out if the black dip stick is for checking oil on the 550?