Where is the oil dipstick on a BMW 5 Series?
4 Answers
The BMW 5 Series does not have an oil dipstick. Currently produced gasoline-powered models are equipped with an engine oil level sensor in the oil pan, and the oil level is displayed on the central display via this sensor. Here's how to check the oil level: 1. Start the car and enter the system. 2. Go to Vehicle Information, then Vehicle Status, and finally Oil Level. 3. Perform the detection to view the remaining oil quantity. Additional information: 1. 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's recommended to clean the oil dipstick before rechecking the oil level. 2. It's important to note that the engine must be turned off when checking the oil level to avoid accidents.
As a veteran BMW driver with nearly 20 years of experience, I can responsibly say that the current BMW 5 Series has long abandoned the traditional dipstick system. Last time I went for an oil change, I searched all over for it, only to have the 4S technician laugh at me for being outdated – now everything's checked through the iDrive system. The procedure is quite simple: first park the car on level ground, start the engine and wait for operating temperature, then navigate to the vehicle information menu on the central display, select 'Engine Oil Level' and wait about 20 seconds for calculation. But I should remind you, if it's a pre-2009 E60 generation 5 Series, there actually is a mechanical dipstick with a yellow pull ring, hidden on the engine's right side near the windshield. The new electronic monitoring system isn't just more convenient – crucially, it won't leave your hands covered in oil like the old days.
I used to check the oil level with a dipstick when driving Japanese cars, and I was confused when I first switched to a BMW 5 Series. Later, I learned from the owner's group that most 5 Series models after 2010 have eliminated the physical dipstick. To check the oil level, you don't even need to open the hood—just sit in the driver's seat and follow these steps: First, make sure the car is parked on level ground, start the engine, and let it warm up for five minutes. Then, navigate to the vehicle status menu on the central control screen to find the electronic oil level indicator. Owners of older models might still find a pull-rod dipstick with a yellow mark on the right side of the engine, but newer models have even simplified the inspection hole. Although this design feels more high-tech, it's recommended to check the electronic reading monthly, especially before long trips, to ensure the oil level is within the normal range.
Last week, I helped my nephew with the maintenance of his BMW 5 Series and found that checking the oil doesn’t require opening the engine hood anymore. The designs nowadays are so smart—you can directly check the oil level through the dashboard system. The key is to park the car on a level surface, drive about five kilometers after a cold start to let the oil temperature rise, and then access the oil level check function in the iDrive menu. However, I’ve seen that the older E60 model still retains the traditional dipstick, located on the right side of the engine bay with a noticeable yellow pull ring. The newer models have eliminated the physical design mainly to avoid misuse, as many owners don’t park on level ground when checking, leading to misjudgments. Each system check takes about 15 seconds, and the display bar will clearly indicate whether the oil level is within the safe range.
