Wots the trick with the SI oil gauge?

[G-A-R-Y]

Some times I try to check the oil and it just keeps cycling, there is a little clock displayed so I suppose it means wait. Other times it reads OK like today and shows 3 brackets (add oil??), five minutes later it shows 5 which I take to be full.
Do they go faulty?

 

[AndyBeech]

Has to be fully warmed up, and on a flat surface. I seem to remember if it cycles it means the engine isn't warm enough to get an accurate reading.

 

[Marlon]

This is my pet hate with the SI - whoever the BMW design engineer was that decided to have an digital oil level gauge was a right 'dip stick' :thumbsdown:

 

[G-A-R-Y]

Just done a bit of research, is it best to replace the sensor (for peace of mind), appears to just bolt into the sump. So perhaps a oil and filter at the same time prior to my French road trip in September.