Just wondering how accurate is the Oil Gauge? My old 306 didn't have one so its something new to me.
On a cold start in the morning when I turn the key, the needle is just above minimum, however if I check the dip stick it shows that the oil level is touching the maximum mark.
After driving the car for a few minutes, if i turn the car of and then again turn the key the needle goes straight to maximum (I imagine this is because the oil is now heated up/thinner)
Is the guage more accurate on a cold engine or when the engine temp has risen?
it never tells the truth! dont trust it.
On mine, oil is half way down dipstick, but 1 notch below max...
Have to admit I have been impressed with mine. It has pretty much matched the dipstick every time I have checked haha
I always had to over fill a bit to get it on max on the gauge...so annoying when its not quite there.
Its too sensitive though imo, tiny variation on the stick is huge on the gauge!
The needle changes according to the slope I'm parked on, but it does seem pretty accurate and matches the dip stick level.
I overfilled the oil a couple of years ago. The guys at the MOT station had a run on when they revved the engine up. They were scared shitless. They managed to stop it. They gave me a good telling off. LOL.
Steve
They are relatively reliable but for god sakes do not rely on it! They can get air locked in the top of the sensor and not give a proper reading.
It's at the opposite side of the sump to the dipstick, if you park on any sort of slope it will skew both readings in opposite directions.
For me, The oil level gauge most accuracy at the 1st time after oil changed !
why even consider trusting it over the dipstick!?
i wouldnt trust it over the dipstick, but as of now its surprisingly accurate (if i park on level ground)
some bmw's dont have a dipstick at all .... thats just asking for trouble
Yeah, lots of new cars don't have them at all, and a right pita it is too.
always trust the dipstick over an electric reading, as for over filling oil to get reading of full right is stupid.
I always keep my oil level 3/4 full, best place imo, overfilling oil is as bad as underfilling
(02-06-2015, 07:07 PM)sweeney1987 Wrote: [ -> ]always trust the dipstick over an electric reading, as for over filling oil to get reading of full right is stupid.
I always keep my oil level 3/4 full, best place imo, overfilling oil is as bad as underfilling
That's only the case if you actually use your 306.....
I only really use it as piece of mind, would never properly trust the electronic oil guage as in both my hdis its always been a bit funny. The majority of the time it is right but always dip your car for oil its really the most important thing you can do in protecting your engine and is easy done.