Every once in a while, I'll get a warning message in the instrument cluster of my 2002 4.6is (110K miles) telling me to check the engine oil level. Most recently, it happened a day after I had checked the oil - and it was fine.

Is this a common problem? Is it a sensor failure, or is there actually something going on that I need to look into?

On a related note, I do have a really stupid question. The dipstick in the 4.6is is different to every other BMW I've owned. It isn't really clear on how to read it, and there is nothing about it in the owner's manual. Can someone provide clear instructions on exactly how to read the stupid thing? Maybe there actually is an oil level problem and I'm just misreading the dipstick.

According to the manual, the sump holds 8.5 quarts, which is exactly how much I put in after draining the oil. But I've been losing and topping off so much while chasing leaks, that it's impossible to know exactly what's in it now.

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2002 X5 4.6is - Imola Red/Black (Sold)
2001 740i M Sport - Anthrazit Metallic/Black (Sold)
1998 M3/4/5 - Technoviolet/Dove (Sold)
2003 Z4 3.0i Sport - Sterlinggrau Metallic/Black (Sold)
2009 Mini JCW (The Wife's)
2015 i3 REx - Arravani Gray/Tera World (Daily Driver)