Everytime I check my oil, it reminds me of how I would like the murder the man who designed the dipstick location... seriously, he must have worked for GM in the past

 

Figured I would bump this old thread instead of making a new one. Can anyone confirm that the above is true? I was always under the impression you wanted to check the oil level while the oil was up to temp. So in other words check the oil level a few minutes after the car has been running? The problem is when I do this it is hard to get an accurate reading because there is oil all the way up the dipstick from trying to get it out of the gold funnel area (****ty design). Don't get me started on how difficult it is to get the dipstick back in! I wouldn't feel comfortable having my mom or gf check the oil in fear they wouldn't be able to get the dipstick back in.

 

^Yes, you want to wait for the oil to settle before checking it, otherwise you will get an inaccurate reading. I usually let the car sit for at least 30 minutes just to make sure.

 

+1


You can usually check your oil readings 5-10 mins after the cars been driven. Never had a problem getting a accurate reading.

 

This is normally the case for checking the fluid level in an auto trans, maybe that's where you heard it. Engine oil should be checked cold or at least once it's had a while to drain down.

 

So has anyone come up with a replacment dipstick. I don't mind reaching a little deeper into the engine compartment.

 

good to know...thanks for the info.

Thanks

I think you're right hence my confusion. Thanks for clearing that up.

 

Dipstick insertion blows. I think they wanted to discourage checking the oil. Same reason they bolted the Auto Tranny dipstick down.

 

The dipstick is definitely a pain to get back in. It's generally not too bad when it is light out, but I've had a lot of trouble getting it back in with inadequate lighting, e.g. gas station at night.

 

none of you guys can put it in the hole when its dark? sad...

 

^ Yea man, its too long just need to make sure its going into the right hole.

 

Why do you guys have so much trouble with this dip-stick, just wait until the red idiot light comes on, then add oil, simple.

 

^ ^ We're not BMW drivers. (E90 3-series has no dipstick)

 

I found this pretty ridiculous: "I sent a letter to "Bimmer" magazine and Mike Miller. He confirmed that there have been oil level sensor failures, and that to confirm or refute the reading, BMW Techs are expected to drain the oil from the crankcase, measure it, and then PUT BACK THE USED OIL!"

Source: http://answers.yahoo.com/question/in...1204102AAl9s3t

 

That's retarded...I wasn't aware of this. Glad my E46 M3 has a dipstick, which is much easier to deal w/ than the G's, I might add.