How accurate is the oil fill sensor?

Portisz4

Member
Hello.
I did an oil change the other day myself. 2.0i e89. It's always shown the oil level at max on my car. Never moved.

Every where appears to suggest 5ltr so I put 5 ltr back. But the level isn't quite full.

Is this a thing ? It's not much but will annoy me☺️
 

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Best to measure it a few times over a few drives..they do move around a bit..usually it’s the filter housing filling / oil coolers up that cause a minor negative shift…but as said best to let it settle as you don’t want to overall it..
 
Mine was the same (except I didn't have IDrive)
I read on here (Smartbear I think) that the car needs to get up to operating temperature over 4-5 cycles before the 'new' reading is displayed
Proved to be the case for me.

Mad I know - bring back the dip stick :D
 
My 330i has the same set up with the display on the dash and no dipstick.

It uses a fair bit so I check it regularly (not least to be sure the sensor is working) and last week it was half-way between top and bottom marks so I put 500ml in.

Took it out today and it took 8 miles to register the new lever, showing 3 quarters. Checked it again just before I got home and it was showing full. :?

My 3.0 Sis were the same. The sensor definitely seems to have a built in delay so it's worth checking more than once!

My M has a proper dipstick but has never needed a top up between services, but it's a much more reliable way to check the level.
 
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