I think no-dipstick is just a matter of getting used to it. My E92 2007 335i has no dipstick and over the years I've come to trust the computer oil level indicator. It's very accurate and reliable. So is the one on my F86 X6M.

I maintain a 2008 328xi and being able to check the oil level from the driver's seat is an improvement over the dip stick, and the X5 doesn't have a temp gauge either it is 3 position idiot light that looks like a gauge. There are plenty of reasons to not like the F15 or even the E70. Those aren't valid ones.

When's the last time you drove your car until warm then stopped on level ground then waited five minutes before checking your dipstick? Not 1% of people ever did this so 99% or BMW drivers never checked their oil level properly so they designed the new cars to do it correctly.

The temp thing is annoying but I've driven the car above when the water pump failed and it gives you a proper warning if the temp gets in the yellow and kicks into low power mode if you get to red zone temp. Unlike a gauge you could miss or ignore you can't ignore the car shutting of 90-95% of it's power.


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One thing I do to keep costs in check is to buy all my maintenance items (genuine BMW OEM or aftermarket) from FCPEURO due to their lifetime replacement guarantee, in which you only incur the cost of return shipping when a part needs replacement either due to wear and tear or breakage, no questions asked as long as you bought the part from them. Even oil and brakes are covered. It's as simple as that.:thumbup:

Yes, I do the same. With everything but consumables anyway. Don't want fcp to change the policy. :thumbup:

I agree, although they insist they do cover consumables and will gladly replace them and provide instructions how to send them back, such as engine oil. But I find it a bit too much to send used oil and such back to them.:rofl:

I purchased mine 13 years ago with 53,000 miles on it, but with 358,000 miles rolled over tonight, it's already lasted about 25 years of average annual driving! I spend about $1500 a year on maintenance to keep it safe, reliable and performing like it should. It's less than a new car payment for a vehicle that does everything I want it to do. It is time to get new leather on the driver's seat though.


2002 X5 3.0 358,008 miles (Original transmission and fluid)
2014 428i 67,000 miles


2004 325i sold at 123,600 miles
2001 325i sold at 66,000 miles


1970 Firebird Under restoration (Purchased new by my father and me in 1974)

I hate to say it and I’ll probably be flamed for doing it... but sadly, BMW seems to be moving towards the Millennial and have totally forgotten us folks who don’t mind getting a little grease under their nails ☹️

I was annoyed enough that I didn’t have a trans dipstick, but could overlook it because all in all it’s easy enough to manage, but take my temp gauge and my oil dipstick and I know I’m out...

What’s next, self driving automobiles... LOL [emoji16]

I think it's EASY to justify spending more than it's worth (if you sold it) - if that sum is still less than a better replacement vehicle would cost you. :thumbup:

I consider "than it's worth" to mean it's worth to ME and that's a different number than the open-market resale value.

Our '02 VetteVert, 6 Spd, Z51, bought new 17 years ago.
It is very fast, handles very well, fun to drive/top down, the trunk is enormous for golf and road trips...

Other than tires, front brake pads, a HVAC blower motor and a radiator cap, and oil/trans/diff fluid changes, nothing has broken in 68,000 miles/17 years.

It does 28-30 mpg on highway trips, not that that matters a lot, and is just damn fun in addition to it running better than my Rolex.

But, our ol'X5 has been/is a helluva fine car over the years: it does many things very, very well, tank like but great handling/stopping power, and the maintenance costs have been reasonable/minimal thus far.
GL, mD

Ahhhh, nice! Now I see where you’re going with that [emoji106][emoji106]

Used to have a 79, chocolate brown stingray that I dearly loved... right up to the point that an 18 wheeler ran over the front end of it and exploded all that fiberglass ☹️. I still miss it from time to time even today and that was probably 30 years ago now...