Strange oil dipstick phenomenon

O

Old-Duckman

Active member
 SW Pennsylvania USA
I almost hesitate to ask thinking maybe it is a bad sign of something but...

Seems like every car I have ever owned, the best time to get an accurate measurement of the oil level is after the car has sat over night and the level is at it's highest on the stick and any excess has moved down the stick to the same level as the oil in the oil pan...only makes sense.

I got my Z4 on 10 February, the P.O. had the oil changed for me a few days before I picked it up. I drove it 530 miles home and have easily put another 500 miles on it. So there is at least 1000 miles on this oil change. It is not, noticeably, using any oil. When reading the oil after the car has been shut off for awhile, the oil level is right at full.

Here is the weird part. If I check it in the morning after not running all night, the oil level reads high on the stick, not just a little bit but a lot. If I then wipe off the stick and recheck the oil, I get a proper reading as up to the top mark. This just doesn't make much sense to me. I do have a 98 Z3, 1.9L and it does not do this...nor has any other car or truck I have owned do it either.

I have done this more than once and always with the same results. The oil does not show signs of water in it, the car runs great, no weird smoke coming from the exhaust. My garage floor is level.

I just went out to the garage and checked again prior to submitting the post...same result. First check oil level was up to the top of the brown plastic piece, wiped it clean, put it back in, pull it out and the level was at the full mark. There is some oil at the top of the plastic piece (like at the cross shaped cross section) but the oil as anyone would read it is at the full mark. Waited another 20 minutes before posting. The "oil creep" had already started. However, pull, clean and recheck...perfect oil level !

Is this normal to the 3.0 engine or ...???

Signed,
Confused
 
What z4 do you have? Are you cleaning the dipstick then putting it back in to check?

As far as i knew the z4 doesn’t have a dipstick..
 
Cribert said:
What z4 do you have? Are you cleaning the dipstick then putting it back in to check?

As far as i knew the z4 doesn’t have a dipstick..
Click to expand...

There is a dipstick on the M54 engines

The correct way of checking the level is after driving and 5 mins after the engine has been switched off
 
It is a 2004, 3.0, as MKZ4000 said, it is the M54 engine . I do pull the stick out and wipe off the oil for an accurate check with this car but the oil creeps up the stick once you put it back. As I said in my first post (I know I can be wordy and not everyone reads every word) I checked about 20 minutes after I wiped off the oil and put the dipstick back in and oil was already "creeping" up the stick.
 
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.
 
NickDE said:
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.
Click to expand...
I have used this technique in the the past.
I wasnt checking the oil at the time though :wink:
 
NickDE said:
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.
Click to expand...
Thanks much, that is comforting. Whatever the reason that it happens, it is good to know that I am not the only one who has noticed it and it is not an alarming symptom of some lurking disaster.
 
'New owner anxiety' is pretty common, the other Z4 quirks that new owners get in a panic over are,
The pool of fluid under the centre of the car (air-con condensation)
Lots of 'steam/smoke' from the exhaust (these cars do that for ages after start-up in cold damp weather)
The 'sneeze' or 'snoof' sound when turning off (nobody has properly explained that one, but it's not a problem)
A bit of mayo under the oil filler cap (common winter thing, not a problem it usually clears after a good hot run)
Roof stops working after putting stuff in the boot (shelf has moved and tripped the micro switch that stops the roof fouling it)
Relax and enjoy :thumbsup:
 
Old-Duckman said:
Seems like every car I have ever owned, the best time to get an accurate measurement of the oil level is after the car has sat over night and the level is at it's highest on the stick and any excess has moved down the stick to the same level as the oil in the oil pan...only makes sense.
Click to expand...

Have to disagree with you here buddy. The owners manual says you need to drive for at least 6 miles (uninterrupted). Then wait 5 mins. Then check the oil level. Will add a screen shot :)
 
kis said:
Old-Duckman said:
Seems like every car I have ever owned, the best time to get an accurate measurement of the oil level is after the car has sat over night and the level is at it's highest on the stick and any excess has moved down the stick to the same level as the oil in the oil pan...only makes sense.
Click to expand...

Have to disagree with you here buddy. The owners manual says you need to drive for at least 6 miles (uninterrupted). Then wait 5 mins. Then check the oil level. Will add a screen shot :)
Click to expand...

You,learn something new every day, I was told when I was young always check your oil before starting the car while cold (preferably after leaving overnight). Have been doing that for 30+ years.
 
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! :lol:
 
kis said:
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! :lol:
Click to expand...

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 :thumbsup:
Rob
 
Smartbear said:
kis said:
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! :lol:
Click to expand...

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 :thumbsup:
Rob
Click to expand...

:thumbsup:
Assume level and stationary?
 
kis said:
Smartbear said:
kis said:
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! :lol:
Click to expand...

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 :thumbsup:
Rob
Click to expand...

:thumbsup:
Assume level and stationary?
Click to expand...

Nope, works fine on the wing :thumbsup:
Rob
 
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 !
 
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 :D so always clean first then dip/ check.

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