Where's my dip stick?
 

Having just moved from a E53 to an E70 I have some observations. Overall I find the E70 a better ride in almost every way. But it appears that car manufacturers are making it more difficult for the backyard mechanic and enthusiast. I was surprised and disappointed to learn my 3.5 straight six did not have a dipstick. I know i can see the oil level on the display but it is just not the same for me. I like to see for myself what the oil looks and smells like but not any more. While I'm on the subject of oil it would be nice to know in the manual how many quarts or liters of oil is needed for an oil change. After a search on line I eventually found that the 3.5 takes 6.9 quarts. I think that is BMW's way of making sure one goes to a dealer for an oil change.

While I'm on the subject I miss the temperature gage my E53 had as well. It was always nice to see that my engine was running cool on hot days in traffic. And once the gage saved me from overheating and being stranded on a super highway when a cooling hose ruptured. As the temperature started to climb I was able to safely get off the highway before the E53 overheated. I guess with the E70 there is a temperature light that comes on but I won't know if its just getting overly warm or I'm seconds away from a total meltdown.

Other than these observations I am loving the ride (M suspension) and solid construction of my new (2013) truck.

You could add a P3 gauge from Turner to see temp, batt volts, etc. Works well.

This Gage? https://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-3...i-2007/?pdk=AQ

Boost too! Very nice. Integrated into the vent? Have you installed one?

This is the E70 link

https://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-3...71-x6/?pdk=AQE

https://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-3...71-x6/?pdk=AQE

Yeah, there's several of those 'features' that I love about this car. Dipstick? Worked great for a hundred years. Let's eliminate it. Ebrake handle? It's in the way. Replace it with a problem prone button.

Parts that are over-engineered and last too long(not enough revenue)? Just make them out of cheese-problem solved :hammer:

Right I forgot to mention the missing emergency brake handle. And the concept of a hide-a-key. Now I have to store a $400 key fob if i want a hidden key.

You can have a plastic key which can open the doors and start the car when it is inserted in enclosure(dummy key). It costs only $60-70 and is also impervious to water intrusion as it has a sealed transponder inside. You can also buy a regular, non KG key to hide or as a spare. They are around $120-130 nowadays.
In case someone local needs it, I can program BMW keys mcuh cheaper than the dealer ;)

I keep the remote in the car and the tiny physical key in a magnetic box under the car. The remote always stays in the glove compartment, on the left side there is a slot to store the key fob. The worst that can happen is to lose the actual key which I never use anyway.

Thanks for that great advice. I was under the impression that if a fob was inside the car it wouldn't allow it to lock but I tried it and it works OK. Now I can take the fob from its hiding place on the outside of the car and put it in the glove box slot and just store the mechanical key.