
BMW does not have a mechanical oil dipstick. To check the oil level, you need to use the electronic oil dipstick in the iDrive multimedia system or find the oil level option on the instrument panel. BMW's car brands include: BMW 1 Series, BMW 3 Series, BMW 5 Series New Energy, BMW 5 Series, and BMW 2 Series Tourer. Taking the BMW 1 Series 2021 120i M Sport as an example: this is a compact 4-door 5-seater sedan with a length, width, and height of 4462mm, 1803mm, and 1446mm respectively, a wheelbase of 2670mm, a fuel tank capacity of 50 liters, a front suspension using MacPherson independent suspension, and a rear suspension using multi-link independent suspension.

I've driven quite a few BMWs before, and the oil dipstick is located inside the engine compartment—you can see it as soon as you pop the front hood. It's usually fixed on the right side or top of the engine, with a metal rod or plastic handle, possibly marked with an oil drop icon or the word 'Oil.' The best time to check the oil is when the engine is cold, meaning you should wait 5 to 10 minutes after parking to let the oil settle. Pull it out, wipe it clean, reinsert it, and then check the oil level. If it's between the min and max marks, it's normal; if it's too low, you'll need to add oil. Remember to use the BMW-specified oil type, as using the wrong one can affect engine lifespan. Regular checks can prevent breakdowns on the road, and now I make it a habit to check it myself during every maintenance.

When I first got my driver's license and drove a BMW, I didn't know where the dipstick was either. After some exploration, I found it under the front hood. After opening the hood, you need to bend down and look at the engine area, where there's a small handle you can pull out. My car is an older 3 Series, and the dipstick is inserted on the side of the engine with a yellow mark. The operation is simple: pull out the dipstick, wipe off the oil stains with a cloth, reinsert it, then pull it out again to check the oil level. If the oil is too low, add some according to the manual, but don't add too much at once to avoid overfilling. Checking the oil is especially important in cold winter weather, as oil consumption can be faster. Developing this habit can save you money on repairs and give you peace of mind for safety.

The location of the BMW oil dipstick varies by model. In most older models, it is located near the top of the engine under the hood. Turn off the engine and wait a few minutes before starting, then open the front hood, look for the small pull handle, and pull it out directly to check if the oil mark is within the standard range. Some newer models have switched to electronic systems and no longer have a physical dipstick, displaying the oil level through the dashboard instead. If there is a dipstick, checking it regularly can prevent wear. It's best to operate on level ground, as a slope can lead to inaccurate readings. It is recommended that owners learn to do it themselves to save money and gain a better understanding of their car.


