[cnguyen84]

I brought my 328i coupe to the BMW dealer to have the camshaft bearing ledge replaced. Since I was concerned that they are opening up the cover and the oil is exposed, the SA told me he would change the oil for me as well under good will . Anyway, when I picked up the car, I noticed that the oil level is at the same level as it was when I brought the car in (see pic below).

Is this normal? When you change your oil at the dealer, is the oil level usually around the same place as it is with mine in the pic? Thanks for your input!

[evoix]

nope.mine is usually at max. THey probably didn't change it. THis shit sucks not having a dipstick bc then you could have checked the color of the oil.

[cnguyen84]

Originally Posted by evoix

nope.mine is usually at max. THey probably didn't change it. THis shit sucks not having a dipstick bc then you could have checked the color of the oil.

Darn it

And, yes, it sucks that we don't have a dipstick. I hate it too.

[evoix]

call them and tell them. THey might just say they did it and say to come back in for a top off. No way of really knowing the truth. CHange it reguarly as if they didn't change it just to be safe

[cnguyen84]

Originally Posted by evoix

call them and tell them. THey might just say they did it and say to come back in for a top off. No way of really knowing the truth. CHange it reguarly as if they didn't change it just to be safe

Good idea! Thanks!

When I had my Toyota Celica I never brought it to the dealer b/c I just don't trust they the tech's actually do it or do it right... I'm skeptical in nature. Anyway, for the BMW I was going to bring it to the dealer to have the oil change oil b/c they charge so little ($90)... For the extra $25 or so that I would have to pay someone to do it (versus what it would cost me) I was going to just let them do it. But, after this experience, I am reconsidering.... -_-

[Three_thirty_I]

It is supposed to be on the max mark, that is currently showing a 75% level. If they did the work yesterday and you only got the car back now it might (to a small degree) be that it still needs to register the full amount, it can sometimes take a while, but definitely not more than a day if you have been driving for a while.

I would ask them to explain why the oil level is like this since they changed the oil (as asked to), but to be honest, it comes down to trusting if they did this or not and if you are willing to do this. I probably would just DIY change the oil myself for the extra peace of mind. I lack faith in dealerships these days...

[evoix]

i know exactly what you are saying when you say you expect more bc it is a BMW dealership. I totally agree with you but humans lie and make mistakes all the time.

I was pissed when my friend i used to work with at a professional auto garage got a job at audi. We did basic maintenance and troubleshooting and this kid was certified and double gasketed three cars in two months. Blew two motors because he walked away and forgot to put an oil filter on the car. ANd this kid is working on your BRAND NEW AUDI!!!!!!!

[d1saster]

Originally Posted by Three_thirty_I

It is supposed to be on the max mark, that is currently showing a 75% level...

I disagree. It's actually showing 250 ml less. The difference between min and max mark is 1 liter.

[Three_thirty_I]

Originally Posted by d1saster

I disagree. It's actually showing 250 ml less. The difference between min and max mark is 1 liter.

Okay, what is 25% of 1 ltr? It's 250 ml, so what are you disagreeing with? Between min and max is 1 ltr difference, but since you are relying on an electronic dipstick that only works in increments of 25% it is not so easy to simply add 250 ml...

[d1saster]

Originally Posted by Three_thirty_I

Okay, what is 25% of 1 ltr? It's 250 ml, so what are you disagreeing with? Between min and max is 1 ltr difference, but since you are relying on an electronic dipstick that only works in increments of 25% it is not so easy to simply add 250 ml...

Your statement was that it's showing 75% level, which I interpreted as 75% of the entire oil capacity which is significant. Apologies for misinterpreting your post.

[Three_thirty_I]

Originally Posted by d1saster

Your statement was that it's showing 75% level, which I interpreted as 75% of the entire oil capacity which is significant. Apologies for misinterpreting your post.

Well, obviously I meant 75% of the min to max level - I usually specify that detail... No problem BTW!

[cnguyen84]

I talked to the SA via email and he said the following:

"That oil level is just right. Since it’s an electronic estimation system, it will actually vary a bit. The only time you want to add oil is when the indicator actually comes on for +1 qt. You want the oil level in between the 1/4 way mark and max."

Guess I just have to trust.

[Three_thirty_I]

Originally Posted by cnguyen84

I talked to the SA via email and he said the following:

"That oil level is just right. Since it’s an electronic estimation system, it will actually vary a bit. The only time you want to add oil is when the indicator actually comes on for +1 qt. You want the oil level in between the 1/4 way mark and max."

Guess I just have to trust.

Well, they are suppose to be able to get it spot on since this is what they do all the time, basically the hot oil is drained out with the car standing as level as possible, then simply pour in 7 quarts or 6.5 litres of oil and the level WILL be on the 100% max mark. The only thing that I think may have happened is they did not drain the oil properly (maybe didn't warm the engine up) and simply put in half a quart or half a litre less so that it is not possibly over-filled.

If you are comfortable trusting them then that's fine.