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      03-05-2013, 04:56 AM   #1
Chris55
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Question Oil dipstick question for 35D and 30D owners

I know they keep on saying there is no more dipstick on the 6 cylinders diesels but Is that true?

I'm under the impression that there actually IS a dipstick which is black, no handle, hidden, barely visible and very hard to get to behind the engine cover, in the back of the engine block.

When I asked BMW, they acted like they didn't really know what I was talking about and just told me that there isn't one any anymore.

I do not want to start pulling on unknown things without knowing what they are. Any thoughts?

BTW I did have a 335D and the dipstick was in a different location (and reachable).
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      03-09-2013, 09:50 AM   #2
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I guess no one has any thoughts on this?
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      03-09-2013, 10:21 AM   #3
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It does seem rather odd that there appears to be no way of manually checking the engine oil level. I wonder what the BMW technicians do when changing oil, do they rely on filling using measured quantities? Personally I would prefer a manual method because I dont always trust electronic things and more importantly I would like to see the colour of it.
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      03-10-2013, 02:09 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by scotta2 View Post
It does seem rather odd that there appears to be no way of manually checking the engine oil level. I wonder what the BMW technicians do when changing oil, do they rely on filling using measured quantities? Personally I would prefer a manual method because I dont always trust electronic things and more importantly I would like to see the colour of it.
I totally agree with you - the electronic check is good but it would be nice to double check the good old fashion way every so often to make sure the electronic thing is working right.

I'm also amazed that no one seems to have any info on the subject.
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      03-10-2013, 04:37 PM   #5
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Both the 30D & the 20D definately have dip sticks (and as the 35D is the same block, I am sure it also has a dip stick). I understand that some of the petrol engines do not have dip sticks.

I had the pleasure of showing the technician where the 30D dip stick is after he swore blind that there wasn't one.

Lift off the sound deadening top cover.
Behind the air filter to the right is an oval black knob.
Lift it and lo and behold it is a dipstick.

Seach the forum and there are pictures of it - Lotus7 I think
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      03-10-2013, 05:49 PM   #6
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Realoem.com, where Lotus7's image likely came from, is a good source when searching for things such as this. I find it most useful when searching in images-drill-down mode. See #13.

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...85&hg=11&fg=10
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      03-11-2013, 05:12 AM   #7
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Thanks guys, and thanks for the link. I checked it out for the 35D and that's definitely the part I was talking about.

I just wonder why BMW obviously does not want anyone to know about it? Anyway I'll be checking it out today and see how accurate the electronic check is.
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      03-11-2013, 05:17 AM   #8
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Mind the O-ring, and make sure that you replace it snugly.
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      03-11-2013, 07:55 AM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 02420X3 View Post
Mind the O-ring, and make sure that you replace it snugly.
Will do, thanks.
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      03-12-2013, 06:33 AM   #10
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Word of warning concerning electronic oil monitor

My electronic oil monitor showed 100% full. I checked my oil level with the dipstick and it was 3/4 of the way low.

Obviously, the electronic monitor is NOT accurate.
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      03-12-2013, 06:50 AM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Chris55 View Post
My electronic oil monitor showed 100% full. I checked my oil level with the dipstick and it was 3/4 of the way low.

Obviously, the electronic monitor is NOT accurate.
How certain are you that the dipstick is accurate?
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      03-12-2013, 07:00 AM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by noka View Post
How certain are you that the dipstick is accurate?
Pretty sure- that would be my first BMW that would have an accurate one. I also have a area to check which is truly flat.
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      03-14-2013, 11:08 AM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Chris55 View Post
Thanks guys, and thanks for the link. I checked it out for the 35D and that's definitely the part I was talking about.

I just wonder why BMW obviously does not want anyone to know about it? Anyway I'll be checking it out today and see how accurate the electronic check is.
There was an article about this in BMW CCA's Roundel a few months back. Apparently, the need to remove the conventional dipstick is all because of emissions. The crankcase needs to be sealed to allow the fumes to be recovered effectively and dipsticks don't provide sufficient sealing.

As mentioned above, if you do manage to locate & use the (non-existent) dipstick, make sure is properly seated when you put it back!
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      01-29-2020, 07:51 AM   #14
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My 28d has the same dipstick arrangement as described, so they must have it on all the diesel models .
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      02-04-2020, 01:27 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ol' Fart View Post
My 28d has the same dipstick arrangement as described, so they must have it on all the diesel models .
Indeed, just remember that the engine needs to be up to operating temp when checking oil. Manual states to shut it down, wait several minutes (5-7 is a good rule), then perform the oil check.

Doing this on a cold engine and/or after not a long enough wait will yield erroneous results.
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      03-26-2024, 06:41 PM   #16
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Spot on, found the mini dipstick as mentioned. Good useful post.
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