Where is the oil dipstick located in a BMW 5 Series?
2 Answers
The BMW 5 Series does not have an oil dipstick. Here is some information about other aspects: 1. Currently produced gasoline-powered models are equipped with an oil level sensor in the engine oil pan, and the oil level is displayed on the central display via the sensor. 2. Start the car, enter the iDrive system, go to vehicle information, vehicle status, oil position, and perform a check to view the remaining oil quantity. 3. If the oil warning light comes on, park the car in a legal location, turn off the engine, wait for about 10 minutes, and then check the oil level. It is best to clean the oil dipstick before rechecking the oil level. Please note that the engine must be turned off when checking the oil level to avoid accidents.
As a new car owner, I remember being really confused when I first bought a BMW 5 Series—it took me half a day to find the oil dipstick. It's usually located on the right side of the engine bay, near the firewall, with a small yellow or orange ring handle. You need to open the hood, and you'll see it above the engine. For older models, like those before 2015, there might still be a physical dipstick—just pull it out, wipe it clean, and reinsert it to check the oil level. However, many modern BMW 5 Series models no longer use a physical dipstick and instead rely on an electronic oil level sensor, where you can directly view the data in the menu via the central control or steering wheel buttons. I find this quite convenient since it avoids getting your hands dirty, though the physical dipstick gives a sense of security. When checking, make sure the car is parked and the engine is turned off, waiting a few minutes for it to cool down to avoid burns from hot oil. During regular maintenance, periodic checks can help detect oil leaks early.
