Here is a stupid question that I cannot believe Im asking.
How do you read the engine oil dipstick? Im changing my oil right now and everything went just like any other car, had the filter/washer, installed a pressure sensor everything great. I put back in exactly 4.7 quarts, pull out the dipstick and...
Theres no markings on it!! Just a little area that is a different texture at the end towards the tip. (and yes it is the right dipstick). Im pretty sure that the end of the textured area is full, but just want to cover my bases. (the "textured" area is about 2 inches long)
Thanks

 

Did you put the plug back in the bottom? jk hahaha.

 

its ok. this is how we learn.


to start make sure the car is on a level ground.

pull the dipstick out and wipe it off and make sure its clean

then reinstall and make sure the dipstick is all the way in

pull it back out and look at the end of the dipstick. there is 2 grooves on it. one is closer to the tip and the other is about 1 inch up from the other. you want to be in between the too gooves. BUT no lower then the low groove and no higher then the higher groove.

NOTE

its best to be right at the high groove. not over it not below it. but even with it. if its lower it ok as long as its not lower then the low groove. i check my oil every day.

the evo8 take 5 quarts of synthetic oil. do not over fill

 

evo9 is the same instructions

 

5quarts? O.O i've always been putting a gallon =x yet my dipstick still shows oil o.O

 

Hehe,
I have had several sports cars, and I routinely change my M3's oil. Im sure the above info will help someone out, what I was looking for was this...

So lower notch in the side is min, and higher notch is max. Usually theres an inscription or something haha. That "textured" area was conflicting my "notch" judgement.

Thanks alot guys, you saved the day.

 

few more tips.


if the oil is at the low level line. it seems to take around 3/4 too 1 quart of oil.

if the oil line is in the center of the 2 grooves it seems to need around 1/2 quart more oil.

if its lower then the low groove. well. then you need a full quart+

 

yea i know my every day driver says full and emply with grooves and like a checkerd pattern. hahah

mitsu was cheep i guess. but yes you are correct. low groove min high groove max. do not go over

 

no way? Appreciate the help, going to run and check if my new sender units work.

(hey dude was a staple of my childhood!)

 

when is the time to get the most accurate measurement? car on? after car was on? or after car sit for awhile?etc

thanks

 

let it sit for a bit on level ground to get the most accurate reading.

(who am I to give advice, I couldnt even read the thing!!)

 

im a wacko when i check my oil

i check it every night. i pull it in my garage and let the car cool down with the turbo timer. 2 min.....

then i let the car sit for about 30 to 45 minutes. then i check it. or ill check it before i leave again.

it is best to wait though at least 15 min because the oil still settles and if you check it after shut off you will get a different reading 15 min later. might not be much but its something.

 

Some times it is tough to tell because the oil is so clear when you just fill it up, rub your finger along the dipstick until you feel the oil. The other way is to use a flash light you will be able to see the oil because it will be more reflective.

 

A little late but when I'm on a level surface the oil is just running down the dipstick its not visible where the line is. Kinda frustrating, only thing that makes me think its low is the ticking from the engine, I also heard that these engines are usually loud.