Oil Level Warning

[Maddog]

A word of warning for those who rely on the electronic oil level sensor - Don't!

On delivery, I was warned oil consumption may be high until run in. I regulary checked the level via i-Drive, which always said "OK".

I was a bit concerned when reading the owners handbook which said if the oil level was low, I needed to add oil within 200km to avoid damage. Fine, except I live more than 200km from anywhere that sells synthetic oil. Having driven 3600km in two months, I decided to do it the old fashioned way, and open the bonnet. Imagine my surprise when the level on the dipstick was on the minimum! i-Drive still said "OK" and had all green bars!

Took it to the dealer, where the suits said not to worry, but the guys who actually service these cars told me that the electronics are not all that reliable, but a dipstick never lies. They had to add 1 litre. Makes me wonder what might have happened if I had waited until the car told me to add some oil!

Oh, and if you do get your dealer to check your oil, make sure they have shut the bonnet properly afterwards. Mine didn't, and it's quite frightening to see it lift up when road trains go past!