I typically check my oil level every month. I got out of the habit of doing that and realized the other day that I had not checked it in 7 months! I typically put low miles on it. Only 6000 miles in that timeframe. I went to check the oil and I could not tell if it was full or empty. I decided that after 6000 miles it was probably a little low. So I decided to add a quart. Well it turns out I was wrong! It was still full. How is that possible?

The level now just about covers the whole dipstick.

Well today when I was leaving work I started the car (it had been sitting for 9 hours) and got a message on the dash to stop the engine because of oil pressure. Oh boy. I immediately turned it off. Waited a few minutes and turned it back on again. The warning light did not reappear and the engine reached normal temp. My drive home is about 40 minutes and the light never came on again and the temp stayed constant. I see from the owner's manual that too much oil WILL damage the engine. A quick Google search gave me more details. Needless to say I will not be driving it until I get that quart out.

I have learned my lesson when it comes to reading this goofy dipstick. No more guessing. Thanks to everyone for tips on how to read the stick.

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[Sold] 2004 X5 4.4i - Sterling Gray - Truffle Brown, Sport, Preminum, Rear Climate, DSP, Sirius, PDC, 132's (19 inch wheel), Comfort Seats
Dynavin, JL Audio Stealthbox, Alpine PDX-5 Amp