Oil level of 330D

[WhisperingWillow]

My Idrive indicates that my oil levels are three-quarters full, although the dipstick displays nearly empty when the engine is somewhat warm. When completely cold, the dipstick indicates around three-quarters full; nonetheless, the oil level is not as high as I would prefer.

Is the Idrive trustworthy? Why is there no oil on the dipstick when the engine is slightly warm? I am apprehensive about overfilling, hence I find myself at a crossroads. Certainly, the IDrive will inform me if I am indeed running short.


Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

[NAVITEL]

As the vehicle operates, oil circulates to the upper engine components, including the turbocharger, resulting in a decrease in the sump level, where the dipstick is located. After around 30 minutes, the oil returns to the sump and registers a higher level on the dipstick.

entirely typical

[NAVITEL]

Furthermore, do not refuel your vehicle with oil immediately after it has been operated. Allow all oil to return to the sump for approximately 30 minutes, then fill to the maximum level. Performing this action immediately after using the engine sometimes leads to overfilling, as the maximum level may be reached while an additional 4 to 5 litres remain above the sump, yet to drain down.

[WhisperingWillow]

No concerns, I will reassess in thirty minutes. Is the Idrive typically precise? The vehicle has accumulated 200,000 kilometres, which raises my concern regarding the functionality of the sensor or a potential malfunction.

[NAVITEL]

If your iDrive indicates 3/4 and your dipstick also reads 3/4 when cold, then the iDrive is accurate.

[WhisperingWillow]

After an hour, I observed that the oil level is slightly below the minimum threshold. It perplexes me that after being left overnight, it appears approximately three-quarters full, although it is not saturated with oil; only a faint outline is visible.

This is the appearance after one hour of leaving it. Completely devoid

[NAVITEL]

Given that the engine has 200,000 miles, the oil may require a longer duration to return due to the accumulation of sludge and other debris in the drainage channels. Consequently, the drainage process may exceed one hour, contingent upon the internal state of the engine.
Maintain the fluid level at three-quarters when cold, and fill it to the maximum when cold after standing overnight to avoid any complications.

[QuirkyPixel]

Rely on the dipstick, disregard the sensor. The dipstick provides a tangible measurement; unless the tube is damaged or the dipstick is not fully inserted, it cannot yield inaccurate results.

As previously stated, ensure that the oil has fully drained into the sump prior to measurement. Both of my vehicles have 230,000 miles, and there is no issue with the oil taking an extended period to drain into the sump.

[johnmayerrr]

The correct method for measuring oil involves ensuring the engine is warm, the vehicle is parked on a flat surface, the engine is turned off, and the measurement is taken after a five-minute interval.

[diablos_carcv5]

A significant endorsement for trusting the dipstick.
Examine it after the vehicle has been stationary for an extended period.