oil change overfill warning

[johnannz]

Help, had a leak in the oil filler cap and had my indy shop replace it. I lost a significant amount of oil and towed the car to the shop. My receipt indicateshe added 5 qtrs. When the car came back, the max oil fill warning was on. It's the weekend so I could not call the shop to confirm the level after adding.

I read many posts about overfilling so decided to remove some oil to see if the warning goes away. I removed 1 qt and checked level by starting the car (but not driving or revving) still max fill. Removed another quarter and still over max. Removed another 1/2 quarter and still over max. I am afraid to remove much more.

Anyone had similar issue or can help? How quarters or liters can the engine hold? I want the dipstick back

[Gossypiboma]

When you are checking the oil level make sure the car is fully warm on an even surface and then manually reset the oil level measurement by holding down the stalk button.

[johnannz]

thanks, I did that I couple of times, ever time I take a quart out I get more nervous

[Amirsm3]

they added 5 quarts?!?!!?

Honestly, at this point, I would just do another oil change so you know where you sit with how much oil is in the car.

[johnannz]

i agree but too late now. Weekend and can't get the right oil to do it myself.

[Sal@AUTOcouture]

Was there a massive puddle under the car? You shouldn't lose 5qts of oil thru a leaky oil cap!

[tinman831]

Originally Posted by john annz

thanks, I did that I couple of times, ever time I take a quart out I get more nervous

You'll be fine. Just take out half a quart at a time and check the level. It takes a while for the oil level to register.

[johnannz]

there was a massive puddle under the car. My son was driving the car and smelled oil so I assume was leaking when he was driving. When the cap was replaced, they cleaned the engine and no leak. I could not believe how oil was leaking.

[johnannz]

ok, just took four quarts out and still get over max (one at a time). Something has to be wrong.

[tinman831]

Originally Posted by john annz

ok, just took four quarts out and still get over max (one at a time). Something has to be wrong.

The problem is the shop did not have any idea how much oil was lost. I bet they just arbitrarily picked five quarts to add and didn't check the oil level. When you say there was a "massive" amount of oil on the floor, it probably wasn't five quarts worth. Five quarts would almost cover the whole floor. Also when you check the oil, are you driving for ten minutes to allow the oil to warm up? At this point I would just drain it all and see how much comes out. Use a clean container and you can just refill it back to spec.

[johnannz]

we lost oil while driving in addition to what was on the floor. Hard to know how much but the level was low when we brought it in. Each time I took oil out, we allowed the car to warm up on a level surface. I agree I am to the point that just change the oil. I miss having a dipstick. What a F__kin hassle

[gatorfast]

Like others said, at this point you are just guessing. Best to just do a complete oil change.

[Groundpilot]

You should not even drive that car at this point. Just change the oil yourself and call it a day.

[kenwelch]

Why not just drain the oil into a spotlessly clean container like a new 3 gallon plastic paint bucket that will fit under the car on jack stands. Refill using the used oil measured to the correct refill amount. Then he can get back to enjoying his M3.

[jeff@autocouture]

like others have said, just drain the oil and refill to spec
this way your mind is clear and you know exactly whats up