Oil change DIY tips - no dipstick

Karlos123

Karlos123

Member
Hi all,

I have a facelift E85 2.0 and no dipstick, I plan to do an oil change at the weekend. have been searching but cant find much info on filling it up and checking the level.

Shall I fill it up with 6 litres and then take it for a spin and then check the level? I know that they take 6.5 litres but I dont want to overfill it, I assume 6 litres will be fine to start with and then top up? I have dont loads of oil changes on cars but never on a car without a dipstick.

Anyone out there who has a tried and tested method?

Many thanks
Karl
 
Karlos123 said:
I know that they take 6.5 litres but I dont want to overfill it, I assume 6 litres will be fine to start with and then top up?
Click to expand...

...good job you asked. The 2.0l takes 4.25l !!!
 
The way i do mine, 3.0si, is fill with about 6.3l then turn on engine and press the check oil button, I don't drive anywhere. This will give you a reading after a couple of minutes. depending on the reading i put a bit more in. I tend to aim for one mark short of full as when the oil is at operating temp, like your supposed to take the reading, it will often indicate full.
Then usually take the car for a decent drive to make sure oil is warm and take another reading to check it :thumbsup:
 
ph001 said:
Karlos123 said:
I know that they take 6.5 litres but I dont want to overfill it, I assume 6 litres will be fine to start with and then top up?
Click to expand...

...good job you asked. The 2.0l takes 4.25l !!!
Click to expand...

Blimey!! I am glad I checked! I read it was 6.5 lts but that must have been for the 3.0. Thanks for the head up! :oops:

adam1985 said:
The way i do mine, 3.0si, is fill with about 6.3l then turn on engine and press the check oil button, I don't drive anywhere. This will give you a reading after a couple of minutes. depending on the reading i put a bit more in. I tend to aim for one mark short of full as when the oil is at operating temp, like your supposed to take the reading, it will often indicate full.
Then usually take the car for a decent drive to make sure oil is warm and take another reading to check it :thumbsup:
Click to expand...

Cool, thanks for that, I will do exactly that but will only put in just under 4 ltrs and do what you have suggested.

Thanks guys! :thumbsup:
 
adam1985 said:
This will give you a reading after a couple of minutes. depending on the reading i put a bit more in
Click to expand...

...just be careful with this one. There seem to be a set of parameters it needs before it updates...

"Fig. 52: Checking Oil Level
Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Dynamic oil level measurement begins when following values are reached:
Engine • temperature > 60°C
• Engine speed > 1000 RPM
• Transverse and longitudinal acceleration < 4-5 m/s2

The transverse acceleration signal is supplied by the DSC. The longitudinal acceleration is
calculated from the speed and time factors.

On reaching this value, the oil level indicator is updated approximately 5 minutes after starting
vehicle operation. The oil level is then continuously measured.

The indicator is updated at 20 minute intervals."

....so it's very easy to overfill.
 
ph001 said:
adam1985 said:
This will give you a reading after a couple of minutes. depending on the reading i put a bit more in
Click to expand...

...just be careful with this one. There seem to be a set of parameters it needs before it updates...

"Fig. 52: Checking Oil Level
Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Dynamic oil level measurement begins when following values are reached:
Engine • temperature > 60°C
• Engine speed > 1000 RPM
• Transverse and longitudinal acceleration < 4-5 m/s2

The transverse acceleration signal is supplied by the DSC. The longitudinal acceleration is
calculated from the speed and time factors.

On reaching this value, the oil level indicator is updated approximately 5 minutes after starting
vehicle operation. The oil level is then continuously measured.

The indicator is updated at 20 minute intervals."

....so it's very easy to overfill.
Click to expand...

Thanks for that.. I did read that somewhere else, hence me being cautious. I read somewhere about taking the car for a run in order to get an accurate reading.
 
Yea hence why i always make sure the reading when cold is below max and don't try to topup to full until i have been for a drive. :driving:
 
So, if the level is OK before you start, just drain it out into an old oil container, ideally the same brand as you are putting in and pour in the same as you took out! Simples :D
 
I would just measure out 6.5 litres. That’s all a bmw dealer would do.

Don’t forget there is always tolerance built in regardless.
 
Jl-c said:
So, if the level is OK before you start, just drain it out into an old oil container, ideally the same brand as you are putting in and pour in the same as you took out! Simples :D
Click to expand...

That is a very good idea! my level is a bit low though.

Its a 2.0 and apparently they take 4.25ltrs, so I will put in 4 litres and then top up if nessesscary. :thumbsup: looking forward to getting the spanners out at the weekend! :dance2:

Thank to everyone who has contributed to this post BTW. :thumbsup:

Thanks
Karl
 
If the book says 4.25 for the 2.0i then stick that in. There is a tolerance, so even if 4.5 was put in the engine would still be fine.
 
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