My car (2005 535D) was at the dealer last April for oil change. Now that I have driven it more than 10 000km (7000miles) after the oil change I decided to check what the oil level is - it is about 1cm (1/2 inch) above the Max mark.

I'm thinking if the dealer did fill in too much oil or put in the normal amount, but forgot to change the oil filter.

What else could cause this? Maybe diesel mixing with engine oil?

Also what kind of damage having too much oil can cause to the engine?

Thanks,

J

 

Too much oil can cause damage, excess oil pressure can put pressure on seals, in addition the level could cause the moving parts of the engine to create froth, this then gets taken into the oil circulation, the air bubbles provide no lubrication and damage can occur.

If the level is high due to fuel or coolant in the oil then lubrication is affected.

Visit dealer, get oil checked for contamination, if it's just too high an oil level get a bit drained out.

usual reason for too much oil is checking and topping up when not on level ground or too soon after engine has been turned off, you should always wait 3-5 mins for oil in the galleries to drain back to the sump.

 

I had the same thing happen when I got my oil changed after the break in period, the oil monitor system was reading as "too high'. I suggested maybe they put too much oil and take a little out, but they didn't listen. So after bringing the car back in about 3 or 4 times and the oil sensor getting changed, they finally called up there own help desk people and they suggested taking out about a 1/4 of a quart of oil. What do you know that worked.

Have your dealer take out a little oil.

 

I just went through this. The dealer let out a liter, and it still read TOO HIGH. So, he then changed the oil sensor and changed the entire oil, and he left it a liter low on purpose. It still read TOO HIGH. So, he couldn't figure it out. The next day, the oil level was fine...car must have reset itself.

 

I just came back from the dealer; the service advisor told me that they took half a litre oil out and that having that amount of excess oil does not cause any damage.
I asked to get it written what had been done to my car and when I got the paper, a technician had written on it that a litre had been taken out.

I have driven about 10000 miles since oil change, how much has been burned already...

At least I know to check all work carried out by the dealer and try to do as much as I can myself.

And that I would not feel bad, guess what the dealer gave me - a litre can of oil. Brilliant!!!