I absolutely hate the "No Dipstick" Thanks BMW!

///M/// · 03-12-2014, 01:54 PM

I know this topic has been mentioned quite a few times before but I find it so damn annoying every time I have to do an oil change or just top off

Why does it take so damn long to show me what my oil level is?

I noticed my oil level had fallen just slightly below the mid level on the indicator so I poured in half a qt this morning and drove to work thinking it would show up before I got to work. 13 miles later I am at work and still no level

Now it will cool down and when I head back it won't show up again unless I keep driving aimlessly

Someone please bring back the dipstick.

Petros · 03-12-2014, 02:06 PM

Agreed. Whoever invented that stupid shit should be shot

Vic311 · 03-12-2014, 02:12 PM

You're right. This topic has been mentioned many times.

Law · 03-12-2014, 02:21 PM

While the electronic system is a good idea in theory, in its current practice it is counterproductive, especially considering the whole talk of being eco-friendly, lowering emissions, efficient dynamics, etc. being the political norm these days.

It certainly isn't very "eco" to have to drive around aimlessly while waiting for a computer to register an oil reading, nor is it very efficient.

They need to improve on this technology or add a dipstick as a supplement until technology can fully supplant the dipstick

jphughan · 03-12-2014, 02:23 PM

After 13 miles it should have at least started to measure (as opposed to the "oil level cannot be measured" state), but the best way to get an update to show up is to idle the car stationary on a level surface after you've driven long enough for it to start measuring, then wait for any active measurement to complete, and then tell it to remeasure twice while you remain stationary the entire time. Sometimes the update doesn't appear after the first remeasure. That's always worked for me.

But it very seldom updates to reflect added oil if you were driving the entire time; it either sits there trying to measure forever, or it returns the previous oil level.

Amirsm3 · 03-12-2014, 02:29 PM

It's definitely retarded. It's the same on the Panamera Turbo. I hate it.

///M/// · 03-12-2014, 03:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jphughan

After 13 miles it should have at least started to measure (as opposed to the "oil level cannot be measured" state), but the best way to get an update to show up is to idle the car stationary on a level surface after you've driven long enough for it to start measuring, then wait for any active measurement to complete, and then tell it to remeasure twice while you remain stationary the entire time. Sometimes the update doesn't appear after the first remeasure. That's always worked for me.

But it very seldom updates to reflect added oil if you were driving the entire time; it either sits there trying to measure forever, or it returns the previous oil level.

Thanks. Will try that next time.

schoy · 03-12-2014, 03:22 PM

First world problems.

jbockrd · 03-12-2014, 03:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jphughan

After 13 miles it should have at least started to measure (as opposed to the "oil level cannot be measured" state), but the best way to get an update to show up is to idle the car stationary on a level surface after you've driven long enough for it to start measuring, then wait for any active measurement to complete, and then tell it to remeasure twice while you remain stationary the entire time. Sometimes the update doesn't appear after the first remeasure. That's always worked for me.

But it very seldom updates to reflect added oil if you were driving the entire time; it either sits there trying to measure forever, or it returns the previous oil level.

Agreed!! Warmed up engine parked or in neutral and a minute later you will have your level. A dipstick would be great in addition to this system.

chris3g · 03-12-2014, 03:34 PM

there's really no need to add oil if it drops below the midpoint, the entire range between min and max is considered the normal operating range. Once it drops below min and the car tells you to add oil, in most cases 1/2 qt will bring it up to max. Adding oil before that can end up with you being overfilled.

ersin · 03-12-2014, 03:46 PM

Get used to it. It looks like they forgot the dipstick in the F8? M3 and M4 too.

Cheers.

mjposner · 03-12-2014, 04:41 PM

I hate the lack of a gas dipstick as well, having to rely on an electronic do-hickey to tell me when to refuel!!

Law · 03-12-2014, 05:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mjposner

I hate the lack of a gas dipstick as well, having to rely on an electronic do-hickey to tell me when to refuel!!

I know you're joking/trolling here & i hate to rain on your parade, but the gas level gauge & oil level gauge is not exactly apples to apples.

The oil level indicator is probably the only indicator that requires driving X number of miles under a certain operating temperature to get a reading whereas most others (gas level, oil/water temp, etc) provide near instantaneous readings.
Hell, you can even determine the gas level without starting the car, how convenient.

s85e90 · 03-12-2014, 05:18 PM

If it bothers you that much

http://amspeedracing.co.uk/product-d...d=858&pid=1248

Law · 03-12-2014, 05:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by s85e90

If it bothers you that much

http://amspeedracing.co.uk/product-d...d=858&pid=1248

Good find.
There you go, OP

Rupes · 03-12-2014, 05:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mjposner

I hate the lack of a gas dipstick as well, having to rely on an electronic do-hickey to tell me when to refuel!!

Kind of different, don't you think? If you needed a precise measurement on gas, then yes, it would matter. Gas can be high or low and the car still functions the same. Overfill the gas tank and it spills on your shoes. Overfill the oil reservoir and you have a damaged engine.

roastbeef · 03-12-2014, 05:50 PM

Why hasn't an aftermarket manufacturer mad an oil pan with. Bung in it for a dip stick? Seems pretty easy...

s85e90 · 03-12-2014, 05:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by roastbeef

Why hasn't an aftermarket manufacturer mad an oil pan with. Bung in it for a dip stick? Seems pretty easy...

there's a few retrofit kits avail; I posted one above. Does not require a replacement oil pan, just a bung welded on

roastbeef · 03-12-2014, 05:53 PM

Awesome, saw that after I posted. I think I'll do it once I find a spare pan.

mjposner · 03-13-2014, 06:29 AM

My point was twofold. First thi sis so 2007, give it up the dipstick like the gas stick is going away; and (2) 99% never use it so why increase the cost by having one when truly not needed.

And yes I have used a dipstick and understand the pain of the 1%.

JoeKixxon · 03-13-2014, 07:58 AM

I dont understand why its an issue. I dont think about the oil level until the car asks me for a quart. I give it exactly one quart, then I go back to not thinking about it.

RudyP · 03-13-2014, 09:17 AM

I actually like the electronic dipstick. It's deadnuts easy to use.

The real dipsticks in my other cars are actually a bit of a pain in the ass to read bc they twist and turn so much that when you pull out the dipstick, there is oil all over the place (from the tube) and it can sometimes take a few tries to really get a clear read. A straight dipstick that isn't too long (i.e. like on airplane piston engines) would be ideal, but few cars have that.

03-12-2014, 01:54 PM	#1
///M/// Brigadier General 1862 Rep 3,661 Posts Drives: 2016 Manual AW F80 Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Philly iTrader: (6)	I absolutely hate the "No Dipstick" Thanks BMW! I know this topic has been mentioned quite a few times before but I find it so damn annoying every time I have to do an oil change or just top off Why does it take so damn long to show me what my oil level is? I noticed my oil level had fallen just slightly below the mid level on the indicator so I poured in half a qt this morning and drove to work thinking it would show up before I got to work. 13 miles later I am at work and still no level Now it will cool down and when I head back it won't show up again unless I keep driving aimlessly Someone please bring back the dipstick. Attached Images __________________ ========================= 2016 F80 M3 AW/SO (Manual) - Picked up at the Welt 08/28/15 My Amazing European Delivery Story
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03-12-2014, 02:06 PM	#2
Petros Banned 62 Rep 1,381 Posts Drives: M3 Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Canada iTrader: (1)	Agreed. Whoever invented that stupid shit should be shot
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03-12-2014, 02:12 PM	#3
Vic311 Banned 42 Rep 1,463 Posts Drives: 2011 e92 M3 Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: NY iTrader: (0)	You're right. This topic has been mentioned many times.
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03-12-2014, 02:21 PM	#4
Law Global Moderator 6381 Rep 2,309 Posts Drives: E90 M3 6MT Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: USA iTrader: (1) Garage List 2011.5 BMW M3 [10.00] 2004 BMW M3 [10.00]	While the electronic system is a good idea in theory, in its current practice it is counterproductive, especially considering the whole talk of being eco-friendly, lowering emissions, efficient dynamics, etc. being the political norm these days. It certainly isn't very "eco" to have to drive around aimlessly while waiting for a computer to register an oil reading, nor is it very efficient. They need to improve on this technology or add a dipstick as a supplement until technology can fully supplant the dipstick __________________ 2011.5 E90 ///M3 \| 6-Speed Manual \| Slicktop \| Jerez Black \| Fox Red E9x M3 Press/Media Archives Thread \| S65-based Racing Engines Thread
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03-12-2014, 02:23 PM	#5
jphughan Brigadier General 594 Rep 4,488 Posts Drives: '16 Cayman GT4 Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Austin, TX iTrader: (0)	After 13 miles it should have at least started to measure (as opposed to the "oil level cannot be measured" state), but the best way to get an update to show up is to idle the car stationary on a level surface after you've driven long enough for it to start measuring, then wait for any active measurement to complete, and then tell it to remeasure twice while you remain stationary the entire time. Sometimes the update doesn't appear after the first remeasure. That's always worked for me. But it very seldom updates to reflect added oil if you were driving the entire time; it either sits there trying to measure forever, or it returns the previous oil level. __________________ '16 Cayman GT4 (delivery pics, comparison to E92 M3 write-up) Gone but not forgotten: '11.75 M3 E92 Le Mans \| Black Nov w/ Alum \| 6MT (owned 5/2011 - 11/2015)
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03-12-2014, 02:29 PM	#6
Amirsm3 Brigadier General 514 Rep 3,482 Posts Drives: 2011 Space Grey e90 M3 Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: Williams/Flagstaff, AZ iTrader: (3)	It's definitely retarded. It's the same on the Panamera Turbo. I hate it. __________________ 2011 e90 M3 Space Grey DCT ZCP- eAs, BMW Performance, Agency Power, Macht Schnell, iND, Milltek, Volk, Challenge, Stoptech, Ohlins BMWCCA:518970
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03-12-2014, 03:22 PM	#8
schoy Major 997 Rep 1,005 Posts Drives: Melbourne Red E90 M3 Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	First world problems.
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03-12-2014, 03:34 PM	#10
chris3g Major 1570 Rep 1,257 Posts Drives: 2023 M3 xdrive Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: NJ iTrader: (4)	there's really no need to add oil if it drops below the midpoint, the entire range between min and max is considered the normal operating range. Once it drops below min and the car tells you to add oil, in most cases 1/2 qt will bring it up to max. Adding oil before that can end up with you being overfilled.
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03-12-2014, 03:46 PM	#11
ersin Brigadier General 126 Rep 4,144 Posts Drives: 17 YMB F80 M3 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Maryland iTrader: (1)	Get used to it. It looks like they forgot the dipstick in the F8? M3 and M4 too. Cheers. __________________ 2017 F80 YMB.
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03-12-2014, 04:41 PM	#12
mjposner Brigadier General 899 Rep 3,071 Posts Drives: 2020 Z4 40i Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Southwest Florida iTrader: (3)	I hate the lack of a gas dipstick as well, having to rely on an electronic do-hickey to tell me when to refuel!! __________________ Previous BMW: 16 M4, 13 M6; 14 M235i, 12 BMW M3; 11 BMW M3; 08 BMW M3; 08 BMW Z4M; 04 X3; 02 M3 Convertible; 02 M3; 00 M Roadster; 94 325 convertible; 92 325i Convertible; and 85 635csi My Car Photo Blog: http://carfisheye.blogspot.com/
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03-12-2014, 05:18 PM	#14
s85e90 Brigadier General 192 Rep 3,633 Posts Drives: black e90 Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: everywhere iTrader: (2)	If it bothers you that much http://amspeedracing.co.uk/product-d...d=858&pid=1248
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03-12-2014, 05:50 PM	#17
roastbeef Lieutenant General 11586 Rep 12,728 Posts Drives: E92 M3 Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Orange County, CA iTrader: (4)	Why hasn't an aftermarket manufacturer mad an oil pan with. Bung in it for a dip stick? Seems pretty easy... __________________ Instagram; @roastbeefmike
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03-12-2014, 05:53 PM	#19
roastbeef Lieutenant General 11586 Rep 12,728 Posts Drives: E92 M3 Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Orange County, CA iTrader: (4)	Awesome, saw that after I posted. I think I'll do it once I find a spare pan. __________________ Instagram; @roastbeefmike
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03-13-2014, 06:29 AM	#20
mjposner Brigadier General 899 Rep 3,071 Posts Drives: 2020 Z4 40i Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Southwest Florida iTrader: (3)	My point was twofold. First thi sis so 2007, give it up the dipstick like the gas stick is going away; and (2) 99% never use it so why increase the cost by having one when truly not needed. And yes I have used a dipstick and understand the pain of the 1%. __________________ Previous BMW: 16 M4, 13 M6; 14 M235i, 12 BMW M3; 11 BMW M3; 08 BMW M3; 08 BMW Z4M; 04 X3; 02 M3 Convertible; 02 M3; 00 M Roadster; 94 325 convertible; 92 325i Convertible; and 85 635csi My Car Photo Blog: http://carfisheye.blogspot.com/
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03-13-2014, 07:58 AM	#21
JoeKixxon Captain 715 Rep 746 Posts Drives: 2016 M3 Sakhir Orange on Black Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Austin, Texas iTrader: (0)	I dont understand why its an issue. I dont think about the oil level until the car asks me for a quart. I give it exactly one quart, then I go back to not thinking about it.
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03-13-2014, 09:17 AM	#22
RudyP Second Lieutenant 22 Rep 217 Posts Drives: E92 M3, AM V8V, 993 C4S, 996TT Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Ohio iTrader: (0)	I actually like the electronic dipstick. It's deadnuts easy to use. The real dipsticks in my other cars are actually a bit of a pain in the ass to read bc they twist and turn so much that when you pull out the dipstick, there is oil all over the place (from the tube) and it can sometimes take a few tries to really get a clear read. A straight dipstick that isn't too long (i.e. like on airplane piston engines) would be ideal, but few cars have that.
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