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      12-08-2013, 09:26 AM   #1
halfmoonclip
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Checking the oil

I've been reading the Owner's Manual to figure out some details; checking the oil sounds like a mixed blessing. The engine has to be running and the oil warmed, and you have to be on level ground. So far so good; I suppose I could check it in the driveway when I return home, tho' they suggest that it might be better to be actually driving.
Any thoughts on this? The manual seems to indicate that there might be a substantial time lag between asking about the oil and actually getting a reading.
I guess a conventional dipstick would have been too much to ask for...
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      12-08-2013, 10:22 AM   #2
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Just check it during your drive....that's been the norm since 2006 at least.
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      12-08-2013, 12:55 PM   #3
halfmoonclip
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How fussy is it about 'level'?
Level is something in short supply here in Westsylvania. Is there really that much of a time lag? If it gives you a quick response, it really won't be a problem...several minutes of level road may be another matter.
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      12-08-2013, 01:03 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by halfmoonclip View Post
How fussy is it about 'level'?
Level is something in short supply here in Westsylvania. Is there really that much of a time lag? If it gives you a quick response, it really won't be a problem...several minutes of level road may be another matter.
Moon
Just checked mine two days ago and it's hilly here in Columbia, SC. I would suggest not trying to check it until you have been driving a few minutes so it's already warmed up and if you it gives you a low reading check it again in a couple miles.
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      12-08-2013, 02:37 PM   #5
halfmoonclip
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But it responded pretty much right away? No significant delay? I can see the merit to the oil being fully warmed.
Not much chance for empirical data right now; it's 20 damn degrees and short hops only at the moment. I'm sure its okay; just want to see how it works.
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      12-08-2013, 05:42 PM   #6
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Relax...your X1 isn't about to lose oil that quickly. The vehicle itself will warn you when it approaches a litre / quart low, and then it's a simple matter to add.

I've only ever had one of our BMWs report a half-litre low.
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      12-08-2013, 07:19 PM   #7
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If a low oil warning appears on the dash automatically, that might be less trouble in the long run.
As I said, I'm not terribly worried about it in the short term (I've got all of 256 miles on it); I just want to see how the process works.
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      12-08-2013, 08:10 PM   #8
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Mine never seems to work. Just shows a little clock symbol then flips back to the previous screen after day 30 seconds
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      12-08-2013, 09:16 PM   #9
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Quote:
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Mine never seems to work. Just shows a little clock symbol then flips back to the previous screen after day 30 seconds
That's pretty much what I was afraid of, after reading the OM.
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      12-09-2013, 03:11 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Twix View Post
Mine never seems to work. Just shows a little clock symbol then flips back to the previous screen after day 30 seconds
Quote:
Originally Posted by halfmoonclip View Post
That's pretty much what I was afraid of, after reading the OM.
Moon
It'll behave like that until you have at least 90deg C / 195deg F oil temp.
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      12-09-2013, 03:24 PM   #11
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I'm pretty sure that temp was achieved long before trying to check it. It just never works. The dipstick does though
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      12-09-2013, 03:37 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Twix
I'm pretty sure that temp was achieved long before trying to check it. It just never works. The dipstick does though
You have a dipstick?
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      12-09-2013, 06:36 PM   #13
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I'd much rather have a gauge than dipstick, I'd rather trust the computer making a mistake than me making a mistake.
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      12-10-2013, 10:28 AM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Lucky13 View Post
I'd much rather have a gauge than dipstick, I'd rather trust the computer making a mistake than me making a mistake.
How in the world does one make a mistake with a dipstick?
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      12-10-2013, 10:44 AM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Twix View Post
I'm pretty sure that temp was achieved long before trying to check it. It just never works. The dipstick does though
My X1 responded immediately this morning while at 90deg C on the guage this morning. If your's isn't, something's wrong.
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      12-10-2013, 02:25 PM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by HBWT View Post
How in the world does one make a mistake with a dipstick?
Pulling it out and getting oil on the side so you can't really tell where the mark is. You trying to tell me on a lawn mower, car, or other tools you don't question where the actual level is especially in a half dark garage. Many, many times I've checked a BMW several times to be sure what the level is especially when adding oil. Had many BMW's with a dipstick and again prefer it without
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      01-13-2014, 06:58 AM   #17
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Actually, I'd prefer the dipstick as well. On my 2001 330i, the oil sensor went about 4 years ago. The Oil light would come on just after the car started and go off 30 seconds later. Given the cost to repair, I asked my mechanic if it was worth it, and he said, "As long as you check the dipstick on a regular basis, not to worry." And in reality, over 14 years, I only had to put in 1 quart of oil between oil changes.

Sometime the old fashioned way is better than all the new fangled electronic conveniences. I don't mind the new ways, just don't take away the simple mechanics.
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      01-13-2014, 08:00 AM   #18
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Quote:
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How in the world does one make a mistake with a dipstick?
Find someone with a Mini and try it.
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      01-13-2014, 03:58 PM   #19
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Quote:
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On my 2001 330i, the oil sensor went about 4 years ago. The Oil light would come on just after the car started and go off 30 seconds later. Given the cost to repair, I asked my mechanic if it was worth it..

I've replaced this myself on 4 different e46's, its very common and an easy job. The sensor is available outside of the bmw network as a 'Hella' branded part. Much cheaper aftermarket.

Just change it out with a new gasket during your next oil change, very easy!
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      01-13-2014, 05:06 PM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Sennasixty8 View Post
I've replaced this myself on 4 different e46's, its very common and an easy job. The sensor is available outside of the bmw network as a 'Hella' branded part. Much cheaper aftermarket.

Just change it out with a new gasket during your next oil change, very easy!
I no longer have that car. But thanks for the info.
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