Strange oil dipstick phenomenon

[BMW Spartanburg SC]

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.

 

[NaweedM]

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]

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 :wink:

Yep same

 

[buzyg]

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]

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]

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.