Where is the oil dipstick for the BMW 4 Series?
3 Answers
BMW vehicles do not have a mechanical oil dipstick. iDrive System: The BMW 4 Series can check the engine oil level using the built-in iDrive system. Open the vehicle status in the system and select the oil status. The engine oil level is electronically monitored during driving and displayed on the control screen. If the engine oil level reaches the minimum, a check control message will be displayed. Automatic Oil Level Check: Start the engine and lightly press the time button on the instrument panel. This will initiate an automatic oil level check. If the oil level is low, it will prompt '+1.0L'. If the level is appropriate, it will display 'OK'.
As a new owner of a BMW 4 Series, I initially couldn't find the traditional dipstick. Later, I learned from the owner's manual and the dealership that BMW's design is quite modern—it uses an electronic oil level monitoring system without a physical dipstick. To check the oil level, first park the car on a flat surface with the engine off but the ignition key in the ON position (without starting the engine). Then, navigate to the vehicle settings menu on the dashboard or iDrive screen, where you'll find an oil level option. Tap it, and the system will automatically detect the oil level, displaying the result within about 20 seconds. This method is convenient and clean, eliminating the possibility of oil spills from manually pulling out a dipstick. BMW's design reduces the risk of misreading and even integrates temperature monitoring. I recommend checking the oil level weekly or before long trips to ensure it stays within the normal range, preventing engine wear and prolonging its lifespan.
I've been repairing cars for several years, and when it comes to models like the BMW 4 Series, the traditional dipstick has been replaced by built-in sensors, typically located near the oil pan but inaccessible to users. Checking the oil level now relies on the vehicle's onboard system: start the car without ignition, navigate to the main menu, select service functions, choose the engine option, and initiate the oil level test. The system calculates the oil level via sensors and the computer, displaying it on the screen. This method is more precise, with minimal error, preventing issues caused by tilting or oil contamination. As a technician, I appreciate BMW's electronic advancements for safety, but I also advise owners to have the sensors checked during regular maintenance. After all, electronic systems can occasionally malfunction and may require software updates; otherwise, delayed oil level warnings could pose a risk.
