BMW Low Oil Level Sensors Have Replaced Traditional Dipsticks. BMW has eliminated the oil level dipstick from under the hood, replacing it with a sensor in the oil pan (the shaded part in the figure). The sensor should warn you if the oil level inside the oil-pan drops below the safe level.
How do you check the oil on a BMW 328i?
- Turn your vehicle on and let the engine run.
- Your steering wheel controls allow you to cycle through the display options beneath your gauges.
- Press the BC button to enter.
- When the clock hands stop moving, you’ll be able to read your oil level.
Does a 2011 BMW 328i have a dipstick?
OK, so the 328i doesn’t have a dipstick but there’s a way to check your oil level without opening the hood.
How do you check the oil on a BMW without dipstick?
Does BMW tell you when oil is low?
Your BMW is equipped with an electronic engine oil level monitoring sensor that will illuminate the image seen above. This light does NOT mean you are due for an oil change that is a common misconception amongst new BMW owners; this light indicates you are AT LEAST 1 quart/liter low on engine oil.
What oil does a 2011 BMW 328i take?
The 2011 BMW 328i needs 5W-30 grade synthetic motor oil in order to function properly. This is a fairly common oil type, so it should be pretty easy to find at your local auto parts store.
When did BMW get rid of dipstick?
BMW started making the change back in 2006 and so far, I haven’t heard of any issues. The X3 I had didn’t have a dip stick. I checked the oil more frequently than I ever did with any car with a dip stick.
Do all BMW have dipstick?
Starting with the 2005 model year, all BMWs have an electronic dipstick.
How often should you change the oil in a 2011 BMW 328i?
How often does a BMW 328i need an Oil Change? Synthetic oil usually should be changed every 7,500 – 10,000 miles. BMW recommends getting your BMW 328i oil & filter changed every 3,000-5,000 miles for conventional oil.
Can you check oil level without dipstick?
If the vehicle does not have a dipstick, the transmission fluid must be checked at the transmission. This requires lifting the car on four jack stands; it must be level to check the fluid. There will be a fill plug on the side of the transmission case. This is not the drain plug located at the bottom of the sump.
How long can a BMW run without oil?
Engines can work without oil, but the effect is so damaging they are only capable of running for less than 30 minutes until failing – and in most cases, it’s a lot quicker than that.
How low is oil if not on dipstick?
There are markings that indicate the level the oil should reach. Sometimes there are holes instead of marks. If the oil doesn’t reach inside the markings or holes on the dipstick, you need to add at least one quart of oil. If the dipstick is not showing an oil level, you need to add oil immediately.
How many quarts of oil does a 2011 BMW 328i take?
Engine Oil Capacity: 6.9 quarts. . (with filter). After refill check oil level.
Do you check BMW oil hot or cold?
The temperature of the oil will not make so much difference. If you leave in a cold environment, let the vehicle run for some time before checking the oil. This will make the oil a little warm for accurate readings. If you are an amateur, don’t check the oil hot to prevent yourself from burning.
How does BMW Check oil level?
- Park your vehicle on level ground.
- With your vehicle on, use your controls to cycle through the display options on your dashboard.
- Press the BC button inward, toward the wheel, as soon as you see the oil lamp.
- A small bar will appear on screen.
What are the signs that your car needs oil?
- Check Engine or Oil Change Light. The most obvious alert that there’s an issue with your oil will come from the car itself.
- Engine Noise and Knocking.
- Dark, Dirty Oil.
- Oil Smell Inside the Car.
- Exhaust Smoke.
- Excessive Mileage.
What are the symptoms of low oil level?
- Oil pressure warning light.
- Burning oil smell.
- Strange noises.
- Weaker performance.
- Overheating Engine.
What sound does engine make when oil is low?
When you have low oil volume or low oil pressure, you’ll commonly hear a “clattering noise” coming from the engine’s valves. This can come not only from not enough oil, but from the oil getting too old and starting to break down or foam.
What are common problems with 2011 BMW 328i?
- Oil Leaks From Lower Engine Area.
- Blower Final Stage Fan Resistor May Fail.
- Outside Mirror May Fold Out to Far.
- Noise and/or Vibration Due to AC System Low on Refrigerant.
- Noise From Top of Front/Rear Doors When Windows Are Fully Up.
- Coolant Loss Due to Leak from Expansion Tank.
Can I use any 5w30 oil in my BMW?
Oil for BMW’s must have an API rating of SM or higher; your recommended SAE grade* will vary based on climate. A few of the recommended oils for your 2007 BMW include Mobil 1 SAE 0W-40 and Valvoline SynPower SAE 5W-30. If you live in a cold weather climate, the use of the 0W-40 is best.
Are there any recalls on a 2011 BMW 328i?
Summary: BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 328I XDRIVE AND 335I XDRIVE VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 8, 2011, THROUGH JULY 29, 2011. THE FRONT DRIVESHAFT ATTACHMENT BOLTS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN TIGHTENED TO SPECIFICATION. IF THE BOLTS WERE NOT TIGHTENED TO SPECIFICATION, THEY MAY BECOME LOOSE.
Why do BMWs always leak oil?
Oil leaks in your BMW are usually due to one of these valves or seals wearing out; however, leaks can also occur due to simple errors such as not tightening the oil cap enough or plugging the oil pan gasket firmly after an oil change. The latter is a common cause of lower engine area oil leaks.
What happens if you don’t get an oil change BMW?
The wear down Engine parts start to wear down the longer you wait to change the oil. That is because dirty oil is thick and abrasive, so as it cycles through the engine, it picks up more and more dirt. It wears down the engine parts even while keeping them adequately lubricated.
Why is my BMW losing oil but no leak?
When a car mysteriously loses oil, there are usually two possible causes: either you’ve sprung a leak, or your engine is burning it away. Though you may not see any visible signs of leakage, less noticeable parts like a worn seal or leaky rings may be the culprit.