Oil Level Warning

[JCL]

Originally Posted by ashrafkh

ok, another bar less today, indicator still says ok! but the stick shows minimum ... i have added 1L 20w-50 is that ok?

Not really. Better than having no oil, but not as good as using the correct oil. Your vehicle uses 5w-30, synthetic (BMW, Castrol, Mobil 1, other name brand..)

Are you checking the oil correctly with the dipstick? Vehicle level, at operating temperature (properly warmed up). Turn off engine. Wait several minutes for the oil to drain down. Then check the dipstick, seating the dipstick fully when you put it back in to get the level.

If you aren't following the above procedure, that could explain why your dipstick readings don't match your sensor readings. It is also the reason that BMW stopped using dipsticks, because most drivers couldn't or didn't use them.

If you are checking the oil properly, then get the sensor checked out. It can read incorrectly if there is too much moisture in the crankcase, for example from doing lots of short trips and having condensation build up. The sensor can also fail, just like anything else, and the wiring harness can be a problem if it holds moisture (external to the sensor).

[lt_texan]

I wish my 6 cylinder had a dipstick.

Foolproof. Or so I thought.

JCL gives good advice.

But take it in for an oil change now. No option there.

And have the mechanic check the level.