Oil level

[Herbie33]

Hi all

Recently had the an oil change at a reliable Indy, both before and after the oil change I can’t seem to get an accurate oil level, the level always seems to be above max.

Anybody have similar problems?

[exdos]

Have they over-filled it?

[Beedub]

no its not hard to get a reading, are you doing it when the engines warm and about a min after turn off? remember this car is semi dry sumped and has an awkward oil measuring process.

[Herbie33]

I did wonder if they may have overfilled but the two Indy garages should know better, it’s probably me not reading at the right time.

It was warmish and probably longer than a min after turn off, I’ll give it another go

Cheers for the replies

[exdos]

I've had a main dealer over-fill my Z3MC before and on another occasion, they didn't properly tighten the sump plug so it was dripping. I don't have these problems when I do the job myself.

I did the job yesterday and It requires 5.5litres of oil.

[Seanoog]

no its not hard to get a reading, are you doing it when the engines warm and about a min after turn off? remember this car is semi dry sumped and has an awkward oil measuring process.

Sorry please confirm.
The incorrect way to measure is when the engine is cold? And the correct way is 1-3 minutes after a full run on the engine and it's hot?

[Mad Professor]

Yep my indie used exaclty 5.5L for my recent service and gave me the remaining 0.5L back -indeed Opie told the same that it requires 5.5L

[Mad Professor]

no its not hard to get a reading, are you doing it when the engines warm and about a min after turn off? remember this car is semi dry sumped and has an awkward oil measuring process.

What does semi dry sump actually mean ? -I have not seen a dry sump oil reservoir on my S54s in either my present Z4M or my previous Z3M

[exdos]

For those who haven't read how the oil level should be checked (or got an owner's handbook) you can download the information here:
https://carmanuals2.com/get/bmw-z4-m-co ... nual-17650 and you'll find it on page 29 where it states:

Checking the oil level
1. Position the vehicle on a level surface.
2. Switch off the engine when it is at operating
temperature.
3. After approx. 1 minute, pull dipstick out
and wipe it off with a clean, lint-free cloth,
paper towel or something similar.
4. Carefully push the dipstick fully into its tube,
then pull it out again.
The oil level must be between the two
marks on the dipstick.

[Herbie33]

So it is slightly overfilled, should I worry?

[exdos]

Don't worry, just get the excess removed by the garage that did the job ASAP.