Engine oil level increased after tracking.

[TPE_toy]

2 days ago, I took my beloved M3 on a track, engine oil indicator showed 50% (the level has been 50% for the past 6 months) . On the way back, I noticed it increased to 75%, and remained at 75% since then till today.

has anyone experienced the same thing ? should I be worried that some fluids (eg. coolant) have leaked into the engine ?

[elm3]

Originally Posted by TPE_toy

2 days ago, I took my beloved M3 on a track, engine oil indicator showed 50% (the level has been 50% for the past 6 months) . On the way back, I noticed it increased to 75%, and remained at 75% since then till today.

has anyone experienced the same thing ? should I be worried that some fluids (eg. coolant) have leaked into the engine ?

Oil expand when hot, so maybe why you saw the increase. I would not worry at all. I doubt it very seriously that water got in your oil, your car would be running extremely hot to the point of overheating. Drive it normal and check it again and see if it is stable.

[Krozi]

I freaking hate not having a dip-stick, I was checking my oil in the OBD menu, and it was just above the low mark on the screen, wanted to fill up some oil...never bothered to though...glad I didnt because the next day, the oil shot up to the full hatch mark for unknown reasons...

[Georgeair]

Are you guys seeing the oil level increase between iterations of an "on-demand" level check fully warmed and on a level surface, or just the level it reads while motoring around?

Agreed, BTW, I HATE not having a dipstick!!!

[SlammedR8]

I never noticed that before, I will pay attention next time

[TPE_toy]

Originally Posted by Georgeair

Are you guys seeing the oil level increase between iterations of an "on-demand" level check fully warmed and on a level surface, or just the level it reads while motoring around?

Agreed, BTW, I HATE not having a dipstick!!!

fully warmed, while cruising on highway.

[Krozi]

Originally Posted by Georgeair

Are you guys seeing the oil level increase between iterations of an "on-demand" level check fully warmed and on a level surface, or just the level it reads while motoring around?

Agreed, BTW, I HATE not having a dipstick!!!

Mine will only measure the oil with it is very close to operatiing temp, and if the car is still. When I am driving it will show the last measured level, until I stand still and I refresh the reading. If I try to refresh the reading while driving, it will keep measuring and not give me a reading until I am fully stopped.

I really don't understand why they couldn't have just used both systems, the manual dip-stick and the digital gauge.....stupid.

[Georgeair]

Krozi - I believe the system is designed to take a reading as you drive as well, but can take up to 5 minutes after warming up per the manual, longer based on my experience. If you actually never get a reading when resetting when driving, may want to have that looked at on next service.

Of course, as stationary reading is still the preferred option, as discussed in tremendous detail elsewhere here.

[Krozi]

Originally Posted by Georgeair

Krozi - I believe the system is designed to take a reading as you drive as well, but can take up to 5 minutes after warming up per the manual, longer based on my experience. If you actually never get a reading when resetting when driving, may want to have that looked at on next service.

Of course, as stationary reading is still the preferred option, as discussed in tremendous detail elsewhere here.

I think it might be due to the fact that I am usually not cruising, but rather driving, slowing down, accelerating, slowing down again....it's these damn Florida drivers

Originally Posted by TrackRat

You could always take an oil sample via a vacuum pump and send it to Titan or Blackstone Labs for a UOA which would tell you if there is fuel or coolant in the oil.

Nope you can't, because these cars don't have a damn dipstick!

[JCtx]

Originally Posted by TPE_toy

fully warmed, while cruising on highway.

Not consistent (can't really use 'accurate' with this stupid system ). Never pay attention to oil level unless done 'on-demand', engine fully hot, and on the same flat surface (garage is perfect). THAT'd be your true oil level... within a 1/4L that is, which is the resolution of the system. Take care.

[FruitCake]

why oh why did BMW do away with the dip stick!!!

[JCtx]

Originally Posted by FruitCake

why oh why did BMW do away with the dip stick!!!

I had the same question until I scrutinize the engine compartment. Check it out. There's NO freaking space with the location of the large sump under the engine (where the dip stick should be, and where the sensor is). It could theoretically be shoe-horned in there, but it'd be banged to hell 9 out of 10 times while installing the engine IMO. I truly believe if they could have gotten away with a dipstick, they'd have put it instead.

I don't like it either, but I learned how it works and how to use it like a regular dipstick (not as accurate, obviously, but consistent), and am fine with it. Take care.

[Magnetic Fusion]

Dont mean to revive an old thread but thats what forums are for...I'm having the same issue. My oil indicator was at 75%, then a few months later 50% and stayed at these levels for a decent amount of miles...normal if you ask me...then...now it's back to 100%! I know this thing worked before because I've seen the level indicator go down to add 1qt from doing miles of driving (driving from TX to AZ and about another 1500 after that. And the indicator seemed to be doing it's job because it seemed to be at 50% mark like the last time I saw it...but its showing 100% now and I'm thinking something is wrong with this thing. I hardly believe I'm going to run out of 9 qts of oil before an oil change (I do approx every 6k miles) Is this something I need to be concerned about? If so where is the oil level indicator? I'm assuming inside the damn oil pan. I just want to know if it's something I can change out myself if I need to. Thanks