Where is the oil dipstick in the BMW 5 Series?
2 Answers
There is no oil dipstick in the BMW 5 Series. The engine oil pan is equipped with an oil level sensor, and the oil quantity is displayed on the central display via the sensor. Taking the 2021 BMW 5 Series as an example, it belongs to the mid-to-large-sized car category, with body dimensions of: length 5106mm, width 1868mm, height 1500mm, wheelbase of 3105mm, fuel tank capacity of 68 liters, and curb weight of 1705kg. The 2021 BMW 5 Series features a double-wishbone independent front suspension and a multi-link independent rear suspension. It is powered by a 2.0L turbocharged engine, delivering a maximum horsepower of 184PS, maximum power of 135kW, maximum torque of 290Nm, and is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission.
I've been driving a BMW 5 Series for almost ten years, and the newer models basically don't have physical oil dipsticks anymore—they've all been replaced with electronic monitoring systems. To check the oil level, you need to start the engine, let it warm up for a few minutes, park on level ground, and then operate it via the buttons on the steering wheel or the iDrive system. Based on my experience, you should navigate to the onboard menu, find the vehicle information or service options, and select the oil level detection function. The screen will then directly display the oil level status. If it shows low, don't panic—just open the hood and add the specified viscosity oil at the oil filler port. Remember not to check on a slope, as the reading won't be accurate. For routine maintenance, it's best to check once a month to avoid engine wear due to insufficient oil, especially before long trips—always check to ensure safety. If you encounter any issues, you can refer to the owner's manual or consult a specialized repair shop.