check oil level when engine cold or hot?

[omodos]

This has got me stumped, for all the years I have driven I have checked the engine oil level in various brands of cars when the car has been idle and not moved during the day, the x5 manual says check the oil level after letting the car rest for 5 minutes after an uninterrupted journey of 10km.
I don't see how you get an accurate reading of the oil level if after the 5mins of resting the car all the oil in the engine has not seeped back down into the sump which I guess is where the dispstick lodges.

any tips would be appreciated

[motordavid]

Here's a whole thead on Hot vs. Cold:
http://www.xoutpost.com/x5-e53-forum/...-question.html

GL,mD

[vinuneuro]

You check it cold or after the amount of time the engine maker tells you the reading will be accurate if it's been running. This applies to any car.

[The Cleaner]

I have a simple rule, cold = fill to top of high/low marks on dipstick, Hot = fill to center of high/low marks on dipstick.

[klnteg]

I have a simple rule, cold = fill to top of high/low marks on dipstick, Hot = fill to center of high/low marks on dipstick.

Sounds good to me!!

[franc x5]

whenever i check the oil level, i do it in the morning before starting the engine. it works for me.

[omodos]

thanks, I usually have checked cold but manual said check after 10km drive and letting car rest for 5mins....as long as I got oil in there between the 2 levels i am ok...