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Yes, it is gradated from full to add a litre. Mine moves smoothly between the two indicated levels depending on the oil quantity. Just as with a dipstick, it is important that the vehicle be level, and that it be at operating temperature, and so I let it cycle through a new check before deciding to add a litre. That is just the same as pulling the stick and wiping it, and then checking it again before adding a litre. Works fine for me. Yes, I would like to have a dipstick, but I haven't had any problems with the new level sensor. I think it is the opposite of what you note: it isn't that the sensor is less sophisticated, if anything it is that it is too sophisticated.
EDIT: I went looking for a pdf I had seen on the technology contained in the oil sensor. Earlier sensors were floats. Later models have a pretty high tech approach. I had noted this pdf originally because the sensor measures oil quality as well as temperature and level. I have also read that the sensor is affected by condensation in the oil, so if you have lots of short trips you may get inaccurate readings. The condensation is the same problem as with the oil separator, but in this case it is because the conductivity or capacitance of the oil changes, instead of it freezing. I have heard of a software update, since all of the messages are processed in the DME. I don't know if you model is impacted by that software upgrade or not. We would need a BMW dealer technician to advise on that. Weasel?
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2007 X3 3.0si, 6 MT, Premium, White
Retired:
2008 535i, 6 MT, M Sport, Premium, Space Grey
2003 X5 3.0 Steptronic, Premium, Titanium Silver
2002 325xi 5 MT, Steel Grey
2004 Z4 3.0 Premium, Sport, SMG, Maldives Blue
Last edited by JCL; 04-19-2009 at 11:54 AM.
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