Having trouble reading the dipstick---check engine oil level message.

[four.8is]

Hey fellows just curious if any of you got the same issue like I do..
I'm having trouble reading the oil level on the dipstick mainly because of the design of the dipstick.
I get oil on the low and high plastic pieces that are sticking out right next to the min. and max. mark but no oil in the middle...I don't know if you guys understand what I'm on about I can post a picture of the dipstick if it helps...

I changed the oil 2.5k miles ago and I filled up with 8.5 qts or so. No oil drips ..but today got the "check engine oil level" message which went away after a car restart ..
Since I can't accurately verify the oil level I can't blame it or the sensor for that matter.can it be the oil pump going out ?does that throw any engine codes when it goes bad?
First I need to get a good readout but I'm unable to.please shed some light onto this dark dipstick hole!

[Turbo_Bimmer]

Hi!

My 4.8is does the same thing as yours for the dipstick reading.
I already posted in this forum, but nobody seemed to have experienced this.

From my research, the reason it does that is because the engine crankcase is very well sealed. When you wipe the dipstick and push it in the tube, it creates a positive pressure and moves oil away from the dipstick.
The solution I found was to park my X at night, wipe and insert the dipstick, then the following morning pull the dipstick and read the level. During the night, the sealed system which is well sealed but not 100% will let air come in and the oil will come back to its original place and register onto the dipstick.

BMW released a technical bulletin for that problem which involve replacing some parts. I attach this bulleting to this post.

[four.8is]

That makes sense Turbo thanks!!.Kind of annoying not being able to read the oil level on the spot.
I see there's a dipstick with modified tip in the document you posted ..did u get that or still checking the oil after it sits overnight?

[X5nHI]

This is fascinating.

Couldn't you unscrew the oil filler cap to relieve any pressure and then read the dipstick?

[Qsilver7]

Originally Posted by X5nHI

This is fascinating.

Couldn't you unscrew the oil filler cap to relieve any pressure and then read the dipstick?

Fascinating indeed...same thought came to mind a I was reading thru the thread.

[mopes]

Same thing happens to mine, thought it was initially overfilled when I purchased it but looks like this is a common, but annoying, problem.