[F22leo]

I measured the oil on my m235i today using Idrive, it then said engine oil at minimum capacity please add quart of oil. I've never gotten any oil lights on dash when driving only this time after measuring it, (first time measuring it since I bought car 2 weeks ago). I added a quart of oil and measured it again 2 minutes later and I'm still getting the same message that it's at minimum capacity and needs a quart. I'm not gonna add another quart because the car seemed to be working fine prior to me doing the measurement. Could it be a faulty sensor?

[overcoil]

Was engine at operating temperature?

I also think it takes 30 minutes of driving to get a new oil level reading if measured after 2 minutes it automatically shows the previous measurement.

Also, since you bought the car used. Chk for any receipts of of last oil change and viscosity - if that’s at all possible. A widely incorrect oil viscosity may freak out the oil level measurement

[F22leo]

Originally Posted by ScottSinger

Was engine at operating temperature?

I also think it takes 30 minutes of driving to get a new oil level reading if measured after 2 minutes it automatically shows the previous measurement.

Also, since you bought the car used. Chk for any receipts of of last oil change and viscosity - if that’s at all possible. A widely incorrect oil viscosity may freak out the oil level measurement

Yes it was after about a hour drive, gonna remeasure this morning when I get to work. Assuming that if the car didn't say any warning on the dash then no damage or oil starvation has occurred 🤞

[F22leo]

Originally Posted by e92leo

Yes it was after about a hour drive, gonna remeasure this morning when I get to work. Assuming that if the car didn't say any warning on the dash then no damage or oil starvation has occurred 🤞

Still saying engine oil at minimum level please add quart, after checking again. (15 mile drive to work first to warm it up) anyone have any explanation? Thanks

[p912guy]

I'd recommend changing the oil. Drain it and fill with the correct type and amount of oil. Then you at least know where you're at and have a baseline and you can monitor it from there. I've always assumed an oil change was needed whenever I've purchased any used vehicle. It's an easy job to drain and refill on the M235.

[Ajowhan]

I agree with p912guy, I would definitely change the oil, that way you know for sure how much oil is in there.

My wife has just recently bought an suv and soon after, she had a low engine oil light came on. I checked the dip stick and it was close to minimum, I added a quart and that bring it up to near maximum. You have already added a quartz and if the car was fine before and it turns out to be faulty sensor or something, you could easily overfill the oil too if you are guessing.
We also ended up doing early oil change and found that the oil plug wasnt screw in properly and was loose and leaking oil.

[cooolone2]

Originally Posted by p912guy

I'd recommend changing the oil. Drain it and fill with the correct type and amount of oil. Then you at least know where you're at and have a baseline and you can monitor it from there. I've always assumed an oil change was needed whenever I've purchased any used vehicle. It's an easy job to drain and refill on the M235.

^^^THIS^^^

Takes away any guess work!

As an aside, I absolutely HATE the lack of dipstick on these engines! Makes absolutely NO sense to have to run the engine to check oil level, it's counter intuitive and from an engineering perspective, lacks much sense IMO! Anyways...

[pikcachu]

when you drain it you should be able to figure out how much was in there

[leftoverture]

Originally Posted by cooolone2

^^^THIS^^^

Takes away any guess work!

As an aside, I absolutely HATE the lack of dipstick on these engines! Makes absolutely NO sense to have to run the engine to check oil level, it's counter intuitive and from an engineering perspective, lacks much sense IMO! Anyways...

I agree. This is my second car (both Euro cars) without a dipstick. I will tae a real dipstick over this electronic measuring any day.

To the OP, as someone else said, when you drain it try to measure how much comes out. This will be a good indicator of whether it was truly low or if it may be a faulty sensor.

[Shovelman]

Assuming this was a problem the previous owner ignored there may be engine damage from overfilling. Not sure what that may be.

[TAZ007]

Originally Posted by pikcachu

when you drain it you should be able to figure out how much was in there

Not necessarily. There will always be about 1/4 to 1/3 of a quart left in the pan. As long as you understand that, you will get a pretty good estimate of the quantity remaining.

[pikcachu]

Originally Posted by TAZ007

Not necessarily. There will always be about 1/4 to 1/3 of a quart left in the pan. As long as you understand that, you will get a pretty good estimate of the quantity remaining.

Well yeah but I guess you will notice if there were 5q instead of 7

[F22leo]

Originally Posted by pikcachu

Well yeah but I guess you will notice if there were 5q instead of 7

Well I drained it out and sure enough there the car wasn't lying, there is only 5 quarts drained so assuming there was around 5 1/2 in there, refilled with 7 quarts of Mobil 1 0w 40 European spec oil.

[pikcachu]

Originally Posted by e92leo

Well I drained it out and sure enough there the car wasn't lying, there is only 5 quarts drained so assuming there was around 5 1/2 in there, refilled with 7 quarts of Mobil 1 0w 40 European spec oil.

wait... so there was 5 after you added 2 ?

[TAZ007]

Originally Posted by pikcachu

wait... so there was 5 after you added 2 ?

Yeah, good point. The car burned 2 quarts of oil over what time frame/ mileage? If you are adding a quart a month, there is something wrong. Even if there is no oil puddle under the car; that burn level will ensure the car cannot meet emissions.

I got a 1980 vette and it doesn't burn oil at that rate.

[BMWHoosier]

Originally Posted by TAZ007

Even if there is no oil puddle under the car; that burn level will ensure the car cannot meet emissions.

Kind of funny that you think every place measures emissions.

[pikcachu]

Originally Posted by TAZ007

Yeah, good point. The car burned 2 quarts of oil over what time frame/ mileage? If you are adding a quart a month, there is something wrong. Even if there is no oil puddle under the car; that burn level will ensure the car cannot meet emissions.

I got a 1980 vette and it doesn't burn oil at that rate.

well he got the car 2 weeks ago he said.... so who knows

[Unicorn123]

Originally Posted by e92leo

Well I drained it out and sure enough there the car wasn't lying, there is only 5 quarts drained so assuming there was around 5 1/2 in there, refilled with 7 quarts of Mobil 1 0w 40 European spec oil.

Ouch...that's not good at all. I surprised the engine nannies allowed the car to start. Good call to drain and fill; anything interesting in the oil filter when you changed it?

Good luck with your new car!

[cristo]

Does it show the proper fill level
now when you check it?

[F22leo]

Update to the thread, sorry it's been so long ALOT going on in my life at the moment. Long story short the engine is blown at 48k miles. Bmw found large amount of oil shavings in the oil and filter, only fix obviously is dropping a new engine in the car. Still figuring everything out and what to do with the car.

[Ajowhan]

Dang, how the hell did this car pass Carvana PPI. Have you tried reaching out to Carvana?

[F22leo]

Originally Posted by Ajowhan

Dang, how the hell did this car pass Carvana PPI. Have you tried reaching out to Carvana?

Yeah it's hard to believe their inspections are legit after this, car had tune on ecu, drivetrain malfunction and cracked vacuum lines. Have reached out, and Carvana isn't making it any easier (making it seem like my only choice is a engine replacement). I have a lot of trust in the bmw dealership that's working on it, (and only 8 miles from my house) so I'm leaning towards having them fix everything on the car on Carvana's dime