A dipstick question

[goldminer]

Does anyone know if the M3's V8 comes without a dipstick and with that oil level sensor like the 335 engines does?

If so, have there been any reported issues with the sensor like were reported on early 335's?

[m3tor]

The E92 M3 doesn't have a dipstick. It does have an oil level sensor displayable (after the engine warms up) on the digital display between the tach and speedo and/or on the iDrive screen. I'm not sure if its the same system as the 335. Haven't heard of any issues but I haven't searched. I haven't had any issues (that I know of) in the very short time I've had my car. Oil level hasn't changed in my first 1,200kms of pretty light duty driving - have read of others burning oil in the first 2,000kms.

[Big Windy]

this has definitely been discussed...there is no dipstick. the system is the same as on the 335i. it requires that the engine is running and "warm." i don't own an M3, but my 335i has had two serious issues with this. once i was waiting for someone in a parking spot and out of nowhere it reported that oil was very low. i turned the car off and back on and everything was totally fine. the other time was after some harsh driving up mount kehlstein to the eagle's nest and the same warning appeared. again, critically low. i took it to a dealer and he checked and said the oil level was fine. i added a quart just for the hell of it though.

i'm curious as to whether m3 owners will experience something different. hopefully the sensors are more accurate, but doubtful. it really is sad, IMO, that BMW has decided to go digital with this. why not just have a regular dipstick?

[batchelorc]

Dipsticks are soooo last year

[goldminer]

Thanks for the quick responses.

[drvai]

Originally Posted by batchelorc

Dipsticks are soooo last year

Well, if the electronic system is not working, then we need last year's technology.

[sayemthree]

Originally Posted by drvai

Well, if the electronic system is not working, then we need last year's technology.

last year I could change oil in 10 minutes by pumping it out that sooo lastyear dipstick.

our 535ixt has no DS. so far the systme works fine (except for changin oil)

[Rovman]

I'll take last years dipstick technology any day over this new electronic set-up!!!

Originally Posted by batchelorc

Dipsticks are soooo last year

[swamp2]

Please sign the attached petition to demand BMW add a traditional dipstick to the E9X M3. In small print I have also included the following demands:

• Repalce existing starter with hand crank starter
• Remove ABS
• Remove DSC
• Remove brake wear indicator system
• Replace fuel injection with carbuerator
• Replace digital/electronic ignition system with points
• Remove digital engine electronics
• Remove catalytic converters
• Remove airbags
• Remove VANOS system
• Do not offer M-DCT
• Remove temperature dependent redline control system
• Strengthen designed in crumple zones in body structure
• Remove power steering
• Remove power brakes
• Make AC an OPTIONAL accessory

OK you get the point...

[kbk_75]

I have nothing against moving forward with technology, but I guess there's no harm in having a simple, manual back-up system in place.

[UltimateBMW]

Originally Posted by swamp2

Please sign the attached petition to demand BMW add a traditional dipstick to the E9X M3. In small print I have also included the following demands:

• Repalce existing starter with hand crank starter
• Remove ABS
• Remove DSC
• Remove brake wear indicator system
• Replace fuel injection with carbuerator
• Replace digital/electronic ignition system with points
• Remove digital engine electronics
• Remove catalytic converters
• Remove airbags
• Remove VANOS system
• Do not offer M-DCT
• Remove temperature dependent redline control system
• Strengthen designed in crumple zones in body structure
• Remove power steering
• Remove power brakes
• Make AC an OPTIONAL accessory

OK you get the point...

You know, they already have a term for what your looking for...

Know what it is?

... C S L

[MelsM3]

People that bought E46 M3s were dipsticks.

[MelsM3]

Originally Posted by swamp2

Please sign the attached petition to demand BMW add a traditional dipstick to the E9X M3. In small print I have also included the following demands:

• Remove catalytic converters

[bher]

Back to the original question, I do have a E92 M3 with oil measurement problem. Car was delivered on Feb 14, 2008
After running in oil replacement, the indicator mentionned "too much oil"
Then back to the dealer to fix that. They mentionned that the level was sometimes difficult to set, OK
Then after 400 km, already 0.5l were missing ("half mark out")
Back to the dealer to ear that the level is correct and that they will replace the probe; This is planned for this week.
I am not very happy but al least it seems that the engine is not involved...

[rvacha]

Originally Posted by swamp2

Please sign the attached petition to demand BMW add a traditional dipstick to the E9X M3. In small print I have also included the following demands:

• Repalce existing starter with hand crank starter
• Remove ABS
• Remove DSC
• Remove brake wear indicator system
• Replace fuel injection with carbuerator
• Replace digital/electronic ignition system with points
• Remove digital engine electronics
• Remove catalytic converters
• Remove airbags
• Remove VANOS system
• Do not offer M-DCT
• Remove temperature dependent redline control system
• Strengthen designed in crumple zones in body structure
• Remove power steering
• Remove power brakes
• Make AC an OPTIONAL accessory

OK you get the point...

Actually I don't. Failure of one or more of those systems will not destroy my $25K motor. And none of those things make it difficult for me to replace my oil at any interval I desire

[GT3 Tim]

Doesn't surprise me that the new M does not have a dipstick. Most newer cars are going the electronic route it seems. My current car has the electronic sensor as well....but it does also have a dipstick in the oil filler tube. I have checked levels between the two and they are identical. lol.

I still like the idea of a dipstick but then again, the electro-stick is rather nice to have. I think the car should have both though....just for peeps like me that just want to "make sure" the electro-stick is working right once in a while!

[southlight]

Originally Posted by swamp2

Please sign the attached petition to demand BMW add a traditional dipstick to the E9X M3. In small print I have also included the following demands:

• Do not offer M-DCT

Signed

Seriously, Tim's proposal sounds reasonable. There should be both a real dipstick and an electronic reading since the electronics seems to be confused sometimes (for example this happened while run in service). On the other hand the absolute oil level can be read out by the dealer/garage via ODB in such cases to rule out malfunction of the electronic reading.



Best regards, south

[GT3 Tim]

They probably have enough confidence in thier electro-stick to not put in a manual one....I would imagine that there is sufficient safegaurds in place to shut down the motor in the even of oil pressure failure too. So it's prolly all good, but personally, I like being able to check it manually, for peace of mind.

[Serious]

Originally Posted by GT3 Tim

They probably have enough confidence in thier electro-stick to not put in a manual one....I would imagine that there is sufficient safegaurds in place to shut down the motor in the even of oil pressure failure too. So it's prolly all good, but personally, I like being able to check it manually, for peace of mind.

i bet someone blows one up.

there are no safe guards bmw an put in to prevent 100% oil pressure loss, even limiting the engine speed will destroy the motor.

They cant have it turn off completely because the sensor will fail 10 times as often as a real mechanical failure, and you cant have the car just clicking itself off in the middle of traffic. Not allowing you to get to the shoulder.

Its a retarded idea not to include a manual dipstick, it weighs what... 1/2 a pound???

[swamp2]

Originally Posted by rvacha

Actually I don't. Failure of one or more of those systems will not destroy my $25K motor. And none of those things make it difficult for me to replace my oil at any interval I desire

Way, way worse than your engine. If you gave up seat belts or airbags, arguable the most important safety innovations in automobiles you would not just loose your engine, but loose your life.

My point was a bit sarcastic yet a bit serious. It will be very interesting if anyone ever looses an engine from a faulty oil level sensor. Something tells me that is not possible due to other safety mechanisms.

[Epacy]

Originally Posted by southlight

[/LIST]Signed

Seriously, Tim's proposal sounds reasonable. There should be both a real dipstick and an electronic reading since the electronics seems to be confused sometimes (for example this happened while run in service). On the other hand the absolute oil level can be read out by the dealer/garage via ODB in such cases to rule out malfunction of the electronic reading.



Best regards, south

Is that not the same reading the ECU uses to display on the dash?
People overly concerned can get an ODB reader if you can check it that way.
I use this one and it is very handy. It can eliminate alot of unneeded trips to the dealer/Autozone:

[OzStriker]

I dont have much of a problem with an electronic dip stick.

The fact that the engine has to warm up before giving a reading is pretty stupid though. A cold engine will take 10-15 minutes of running before even giving you a reading, all you get until that time is a clock symbol...

What do you do before going for a long drive?

Tyres.....Check
Tyre pressures.....Check
Washer fluid.....Check
Coolant.....Check
Oil.....Errrrr

I have operated piston and jet engines for years in the aviation world and it just seems weird to me to actually START an engine without truly knowing.....