Is this a problem?

[mdm9]

Just took it in for an oil change last week and was going through the vehicle status menus today and saw that the oil level is too high.

I had to dig through the menu to find this, it never alerted me of anything. On the menu in the instrument cluster it says oil is at max. Do i have to drain some of the oil or can i leave it be? Thanks

[mdm9]

Heres a pic

[Patrón]

i'd drain a few ounces through the second drain plug. just loosen it to let it flow a little. recheck a few days later.

[Locksmythe]

My understanding is that if it is actually too high you will get a dashboard notice. Being past max on that oil level screen is not the end of the world.

[mdm9]

Thanks guys. I just drained about .5 liter out of the forward drain plug but it still says its overfilled...

I figured if it was a significant problem I would get a dash message in iDrive or a CEL.

[BrewRifle]

Originally Posted by mdm9

Thanks guys. I just drained about .5 liter out of the forward drain plug but it still says its overfilled...

I figured if it was a significant problem I would get a dash message in iDrive or a CEL.

You'll have to run the car for a few cycles for the oil to update properly.

[STR8-6IX]

Check on a level surface in a few days to make sure level is good now.

[mdm9]

I kept resetting the oil level (on level surfaces of course) and it kept saying overfilled.

Took 3 ½ liter drains, and now it's at the top level-OK.

I looked at the design of our wet sump oil pan, and to me it looks like it would have to be overfilled by more than this to cause any damage or risk being sloshed by the crank.

[Todd0131]

If it's like my car just wait two weeks and you will burn the oil and it will be perfect level. Lol

[HomoPirate]

I love to keep the oil level reading at max after fully warm up(gone thru 50 miles driving) but not passing the max line. If you have drained out .5 liter, check it after few days or try long distance driving to see how it settle.

[Helmsman]

Originally Posted by HomoPirate

I love to keep the oil level reading at max after fully warm up(gone thru 50 miles driving) but not passing the max line. If you have drained out .5 liter, check it after few days or try long distance driving to see how it settle.

My talking, and sticks nicely to max between the oil changes too.

[dparm]

Originally Posted by mdm9

I looked at the design of our wet sump oil pan, and to me it looks like it would have to be overfilled by more than this to cause any damage or risk being sloshed by the crank.

Probably, but having too much oil increases crankcase pressure, leading to other problems.



For future reference, you can siphon extra oil out of the filter housing.

[Scrippy]

OP the electronic oil level sensor is not a "realtime data meter". The system lags updating the status. The guy who posted above me has a great tip that's easy....remove oil filter screw cap and you can suck out almost 1/3 liter from that area. Replace filter and you should be good. Also if the oil level was off drastically the iDrive warning would be more severe in text warning.

[STR8-6IX]

Originally Posted by mdm9

I kept resetting the oil level (on level surfaces of course) and it kept saying overfilled.

Took 3 ½ liter drains, and now it's at the top level-OK.

I looked at the design of our wet sump oil pan, and to me it looks like it would have to be overfilled by more than this to cause any damage or risk being sloshed by the crank.

I assume the oil pan is designed like this to make sure oil is sufficiently provided throughout the engine during harder cornering? since you can overfill a little?

[roastbeef]

Originally Posted by STR8-6IX

I assume the oil pan is designed like this to make sure oil is sufficiently provided throughout the engine during harder cornering? since you can overfill a little?

overfill isn't good, but it depends on how overfilled. i believe the problem that occurs is the oil gets "foamy" or aerated and it is less pump-able. i could be wrong, i don't have a complete understanding of internal engine functions/actions.

op, the best way to correct this is to stuff some rags under the front of the oil filter housing. open up the housing (a little bit of oil will spill out, hence the reason for the rags). change the filter because it holds a decent amount of oil. use a siphon pump or syringe to suck oil out of the oil filter housing (it goes down a ways). i think its been said this technique is good for removing about 1/2 quart. i don't know, i've never measured, but i know its a decent amount from doing oil changes. there are a few oil change DIY threads on this forum for pictures if that helps.

[STR8-6IX]

Originally Posted by roastbeef

overfill isn't good, but it depends on how overfilled. i believe the problem that occurs is the oil gets "foamy" or aerated and it is less pump-able. i could be wrong, i don't have a complete understanding of internal engine functions/actions.

op, the best way to correct this is to stuff some rags under the front of the oil filter housing. open up the housing (a little bit of oil will spill out, hence the reason for the rags). change the filter because it holds a decent amount of oil. use a siphon pump or syringe to suck oil out of the oil filter housing (it goes down a ways). i think its been said this technique is good for removing about 1/2 quart. i don't know, i've never measured, but i know its a decent amount from doing oil changes. there are a few oil change DIY threads on this forum for pictures if that helps.

yes thats exactly what happens when you overfill. not good for your crankshaft and apparently even worse then underfilling.

great name and profile pic btw really entertaining.

[roastbeef]

thanks man!

i'd just avoid trying to drain a small amount of oil out of the pan... its hard enough not to make a mess getting the plug off and out of the way. trying to put it back in would be a nightmare. it comes out pretty quick and you'll probably dump 1.5 quarts or more fumbling around with it.

[bigjae1976]

Not to mention that the engine will run hotter if the oil is overfilled.

I prefer my level to be below the half mark.

[STR8-6IX]

Originally Posted by roastbeef

thanks man!

i'd just avoid trying to drain a small amount of oil out of the pan... its hard enough not to make a mess getting the plug off and out of the way. trying to put it back in would be a nightmare. it comes out pretty quick and you'll probably dump 1.5 quarts or more fumbling around with it.

if your engine does not burn any oil it may still be best to drain out some oil if it is very full. if you overfilled within reason then i agree its best not to fuck around with it.

Originally Posted by bigjae1976

Not to mention that the engine will run hotter if the oil is overfilled.

I prefer my level to be below the half mark.

below the half mark is too low! it should be either full or just under. but never below half.

how are oil temps affected if you overfill?

[dparm]

Originally Posted by STR8-6IX

how are oil temps affected if you overfill?

In theory, an overfill will increase the pressure thereby increasing the temperature.

However, a larger sump means you have more oil to dissipate heat into. This is one of the reasons the car has a really big oil pan.

[STR8-6IX]

Originally Posted by dparm

In theory, an overfill will increase the pressure thereby increasing the temperature.

However, a larger sump means you have more oil to dissipate heat into. This is one of the reasons the car has a really big oil pan.

larger sump = more space for oil which therefore = better engine protection during hard cornering at high rpm, right?

would someone kindly take a look at the oil pan of the N52 and tell me if it is more for performance or a casual design?

[roastbeef]

Originally Posted by STR8-6IX

if your engine does not burn any oil it may still be best to drain out some oil if it is very full. if you overfilled within reason then i agree its best not to fuck around with it.

i'm not saying not to drain oil out. i'm saying it is a bad idea to try to drain a small amount out of the pan.