Strange oil dipstick phenomenon

Smartbear · Post by **Smartbear** » Mon Mar 30, 2020 12:48 pm

kis wrote: ↑Mon Mar 30, 2020 11:28 am
Smartbear wrote: ↑Mon Mar 30, 2020 10:31 am
kis wrote: ↑Mon Mar 30, 2020 9:48 am Think it different for different cars (makes and models), should outline the procedure in the manual. Like the screenshot I've added.
Some of the BMW cars with the e-dipstick don't work without the engine on? Or something? So just check the manual
I used to check the car with a stone cold engine, but actually it's got a quite specific method to follow. i.e. you have to drive for a sufficient distance uninterrupted then check after waiting 5 mins. As you said, every day is a school day!
Not only do the e-dipstick cars have to be on but they also have to be up to temperature before they display the oil level
Rob

Assume level and stationary?

Nope, works fine on the wing

Rob

kis · Post by **kis** » Mon Mar 30, 2020 1:01 pm

Smartbear wrote: ↑Mon Mar 30, 2020 12:48 pm
kis wrote: ↑Mon Mar 30, 2020 11:28 am
Smartbear wrote: ↑Mon Mar 30, 2020 10:31 am Not only do the e-dipstick cars have to be on but they also have to be up to temperature before they display the oil level
Rob

Assume level and stationary?
Nope, works fine on the wing
Rob

Sounds strange for me, a veteran dip-stick user!

Old-Duckman · Post by **Old-Duckman** » Mon Mar 30, 2020 2:51 pm

Thanks all for the info and encouragement.
KIS, appreciate the BMW official info on how to check oil level. Quirky but whatever and it is good that they actually address it.

Ewazix, I appreciate the advice re: "new owner anxiety" an apt diagnosis to be sure.

I am very pleased with the Z4 and with relatively low mileage and apparently well maintained by the 2 previous owners I hope to have relatively few problems. There are several highly respected independent BMW repair shops near me, in fact I have chosen one I plan to use. I do much of my own work but I also know when something is beyond my skill level and am not afraid to use a competent mechanic when needed.

The car currently had 53K and change, I am planning on taking it to the shop I mention at 60K for scheduled maintenance or just a "check-up"...unless something comes up before that time.

Thanks again all, this is great forum !

NickDE · Post by **NickDE** » Mon Mar 30, 2020 9:33 pm

kis wrote: ↑Mon Mar 30, 2020 9:18 am 17F2E480-EFBB-4EA3-A339-F929C9148D37.jpeg

Ah, so it should be - some warm up action first, pull, wipe, dip, then measure

Jl-c · Post by **Jl-c** » Tue Mar 31, 2020 9:51 am

It’s not unusual for a lot of cars. I have seen this on all the BMW’s I have had ( 12 I think now ) and also VW’s I think it is any car with the sealing O ring at the top of the dip stick as there is positive crank case pressure that pushes the oil up the tube until pressure equalises. That is my theory anyway

so always clean first then dip/ check.

Amendment :- all BMW’s I have had that had dipsticks not electric gizmo thingymabobs!

BMW Spartanburg SC · Post by **BMW Spartanburg SC** » Tue Nov 07, 2023 1:38 am

Hello Old Duckman, Did you come to any conclusion as to the strange oil dipstick phenomenon? My 2004 Z4 is doing the same thing. You mention you were going to take it in for a 60K check-up, was there any new learning? Thank you.

NaweedMustafa · Post by **NaweedMustafa** » Wed Nov 08, 2023 10:38 pm

Ewazix wrote: ↑Mon Mar 30, 2020 7:45 am The 'sneeze' or 'snoof' sound when turning off (nobody has properly explained that one, but it's not a problem)

this is the DISA flap closing right? i always thought it was it but now im doubting myself

TOMGREEN413 · Post by **TOMGREEN413** » Thu Nov 09, 2023 9:14 am

sw4nny wrote: ↑Sun Mar 29, 2020 11:22 pm
NickDE wrote: ↑Sun Mar 29, 2020 9:36 pm Don't worry, my E46 with the M54 engine does this as well. I think some oil gets splashed up the dipstick tube when running, and then doesn't drain down until you pull the dipstick out. I always pull, wipe, dip, then measure.
I have used this technique in the the past.
I wasnt checking the oil at the time though

Yep same

buzyg · Post by **buzyg** » Thu Nov 09, 2023 12:16 pm

BMW Spartanburg SC wrote: ↑Tue Nov 07, 2023 1:38 am Hello Old Duckman, Did you come to any conclusion as to the strange oil dipstick phenomenon? My 2004 Z4 is doing the same thing. You mention you were going to take it in for a 60K check-up, was there any new learning? Thank you.

Welcome to the forum. I guess you read through the thread. Suggests to me this is normal, possibly capillary action.

BMW Spartanburg SC · Post by **BMW Spartanburg SC** » Fri Feb 16, 2024 2:41 am

I pulled the intake manifold, replaced all the parts on the PCV system, along with intake manifold gasket, vacuum connections and the collapsed vacuum line to the brake booster and am no longer having this strange oil dipstick phenomenon. A compression test on the 2.5 M54 showed 200PSI +/- 10PSI on all cylinders (Tested with cylinders dry and engine cold). Car has 126K miles. Cheers.

Mr Tidy · Post by **Mr Tidy** » Fri Feb 16, 2024 10:47 pm

BMW Spartanburg SC wrote: ↑Fri Feb 16, 2024 2:41 am I pulled the intake manifold, replaced all the parts on the PCV system, along with intake manifold gasket, vacuum connections and the collapsed vacuum line to the brake booster and am no longer having this strange oil dipstick phenomenon. A compression test on the 2.5 M54 showed 200PSI +/- 10PSI on all cylinders (Tested with cylinders dry and engine cold). Car has 126K miles. Cheers.

Good to know you found a fix, and welcome to the forum.

Why not post an introduction on the Newbies section? It sounds like you've been quite "hands-on" with your car.

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