Oil dipstick difficult to read

[vfwjed]

2000 X5 4.4i 85,000 Miles



I just purchased my X5 two months back, I love my awesome 2000 X5 4.4i but I do have a minor nit. I found that the oil dipstick is difficult to read precisely and with any precision. Given the X5 is new to me; I do want to monitor my oil carefully until I reach my comfort level.
I changed the oil after purchase, so the clean oil color is clear with a tint of brown. Unfortunately the end of the oil dipstick is a brown cylinder which seems to exacerbate the problem of reading the level because there no contrast. Even in bright daylight, it is problem reading the level.


To make this job easier and more precise, I cut a tight fitting white straw into segments and then I slip** one straw segment over the barrel of the measuring area on the dipstick.


*** First, I cut a slit down one side of the straw segment with a razor knife.


I only do this when the motor is cold. This solution works perfectly and I DO remove the plastic straw after measurement.


Anyone else annoyed with this?


I considered an alternative hi-temp white epoxy or enamel based paint on the end of the dipstick.



For now the straws are working fine.
Would a new dip stick solve the problem? Maybe my dip has discolored over the years?