Strange problem with the Z4

Scuzi said:
I was under the impression that too much oil can do more damage than not having enough. If the display shows the oil quantity as full at all times apart from when switching off, I'd be inclined to believe that there is plenty of oil in it. If there wasn't enough oil, surely it would show the level as being too low on the display at all times?
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If you really are that concerned then add in increments as someone else suggested?

I hope you get it sorted out, I understand your frustration!
 
I'm going to try adding a little oil at a time but I have completely lost faith in the sensors. I'll post the results tomorrow.

Good ol' BMW reliability.
 
My car has both a dipstick and the iDrive oil level display. The iDrive will display that the oil level is above 3/4 full for a long time when looking at the dip stick the level dropped to about 1/4, then as it drops lower on the dipstick the iDrive suddenly displays it as 1/4 full. Didnt get a message though as I topped it up at that point(it took 1l to get the level near the top of the dipstick again). I havent needed to top it up since then as it seems to have stopped using oil as it has run in more. My guess is that its needing a drop of oil but not enough to properly trigger the message/indication yet.
 
Scuzi said:
I'm going to try adding a little oil at a time but I have completely lost faith in the sensors. I'll post the results tomorrow.

Good ol' BMW reliability.
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Is there absolutely no way to check the oil level manually? You say theres no dipstick, but could there be some sort of filler plug for checking the level, something the dealer might use if the car has sensor trouble?
 
Conscript said:
Is there absolutely no way to check the oil level manually? You say theres no dipstick, but could there be some sort of filler plug for checking the level, something the dealer might use if the car has sensor trouble?
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No they would drain it and refill it with a measured amount.
 
does sound like a duff sensor tbh. You are correct in saying that too much oil will do harm as it causes the seals to fail. I have an interesting issue with the e39 in that under heavy braking, the oil light comes on. Im seriously doubting wether I will get another BMW.
 
Good luck getting it sorted. I'd be gutted to have problems on something so new - and I'm not that lucky with motors either so it seems :D I'm sure you must have RTFM but a quick google sees it mentioned here??? Might be tosh though so excuse my quick "research".

I can't see the pic as I'm at work, but have they hidden it somewhere strange? (I'm sure I remember reading about a particular car having its dipstick behind the seats or something but don't think it was the Z4). :D

Also it seems you can buy a related part online so I'm confused! Dipstick Seal
 
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A few thoughts. The 3ltr BMW is notorious for using a bit of oil, mine certainly does, particularly so when I'm a little more enthusiastic.
I'm guessing that the warning lights might be the same as mine. According to the manual, if the warning lights come on when you stop, it's a polite notice of the fact that the oil is "nearing" low level and needs a bit of a top up, and not a statement of "oh my god, stop the car and feed me oil right now".
Go give it half a litre and see if it helps.
 
BigglesPiP said:
Sounds like a plan.
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I'll not be doing it. The car is under warranty, I'll be damned if I'm going to change the oil ay my expense :p
They can look at it whilst they change the flywheel, clutch, drivers seat, tyre pressure monitor and whatever else goes **** up before the car is even a year old:(

According to the thingymabob, oil service is due in 2.5k so 16.6k miles in total.
 
mejinks said:
does sound like a duff sensor tbh. You are correct in saying that too much oil will do harm as it causes the seals to fail. I have an interesting issue with the e39 in that under heavy braking, the oil light comes on. Im seriously doubting wether I will get another BMW.
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Have you checked the level? If its fine and the light isn't red its a faulty oil sensor. But i agree, don't buy another one, after all a failed sensor on a 10 year old 2 and a half grand 5 Series is unacceptable.
 
[TW]Fox;12975830 said:
Have you checked the level? If its fine and the light isn't red its a faulty oil sensor. But i agree, don't buy another one, after all a failed sensor on a 10 year old 2 and a half grand 5 Series is unacceptable.
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Doesn't he have a 3 series? :p
 
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