[IlChengis]

Originally Posted by MikeTerp

This type of comment is exactly why BMW enthusiasts feel abandoned by the company. Maintenance? Oil Level? Huh? Say what? The simplicity of the dipstick is gone. We now cater to those only worried about having the roundel on their hood, and coddled by computers and sensors "checking" capacities and mechanical functions, whether right or wrong (oh, did I overfill the crankcase - it said full??). Sometimes simpler is better, but we will probably never get it back.

Absolutely, couldn't have said it better. The absence of dipstick is unbelievable.

-Walter

[punky8d]

I definitely would like to have the dipstick and spare tire back..
Not sure if the digital thing is that accurate in terms of when to top it off..

[hubble bubble]

dipstick would be very good to have back, but room for a spare tire is a must. Even if BMW sticks to run flat tires and no spares, which they seem likely to do, leave room under the trunk to put a full size spare. Please.

[Spoonie]

Guys here dont care about the dipstick? Sounds like non-enthusiasts have taken over 3-series ownership. I like the dipstick. I like to check the oil color, smell it, taste it. I cant beleive that folks here don't care about a dipstick. I suppose they probably have never even opened the hood.

[hotrod2448]

Originally Posted by Spoonie

Guys here dont care about the dipstick? Sounds like non-enthusiasts have taken over 3-series ownership. I like the dipstick. I like to check the oil color, smell it, taste it. I cant beleive that folks here don't care about a dipstick. I suppose they probably have never even opened the hood.

Have you seen the average new BMW owner? Most are not what you would call an "enthusiast". Especially coming from the Evo community.

[Spoonie]

Originally Posted by hotrod2448

Have you seen the average new BMW owner? Most are not what you would call an "enthusiast". Especially coming from the Evo community.

What happened? When I got my 2001 330i sedan there were several BMW boards filled with enthusiasts. I kept the 330i for 8 years (selling it last year for the EVO). BMW needs to get back to thier roots before its too late. They seem to be forgetting what got them to where they are at.

Here's a good article (opinion) on BMWs current direction.
Auto Extremist Article on BMW's current direction

If the link doesn't work, try putting page 5 in the URL (or 6,7 etc...). every day the articles get bumped down a page to make room for the new articles.

[Spoonie]

To the folks who say that a dipstick isn't needed;

How do you know if the oil looks dirty, or smells funny from contaminates?

[noro]

^ thanks for that article dude... nicely put. My only beef with it is that Audi's, while on the right track, are still not that great of vehicles... but they are getting close. (R8 is an exception).

[Spoonie]

Originally Posted by noro

^ thanks for that article dude... nicely put. My only beef with it is that Audi's, while on the right track, are still not that great of vehicles... but they are getting close. (R8 is an exception).

I agree. BMW is still ahead IMO. But Audi is getting close. Audi's are still front heavy, engine before the front axle, understeering cars IMO. And I really don't see the big deal with the interiors. I mean the interiors are nice and all, but not really that much nicer than the current 3-series interior (if at all nicer). Or maybe its just me?

[ramtin325i]

The dipstick should really come back. Theres no way a computer has better accuracy than human.

[John_01]

I have a theory.. If BMW supplied a dipstick, then the customers would realise that 15,000 miles for oil drain makes the engine become full of sludge over time. Currently you can only inspect the engine through the filler cap, which not many people would do.

[ducati955]

i hate not having a dipstick as well, its scary.. if it fails, im fkd,,, and i plan on keeping my car, no lease,,,,,,, i have 13000 miles its an 07.. any problems i have a lot of mechanic friends.. but major, then i'll sell it.. its been great so far(knock on wood)

[noro]

Originally Posted by John_01

I have a theory.. If BMW supplied a dipstick, then the customers would realise that 15,000 miles for oil drain makes the engine become full of sludge over time. Currently you can only inspect the engine through the filler cap, which not many people would do.

I can reassure you that's not it. I've seen the insides of the engine with those mileage intervals, full synthetics produce NO sludge... stop watching the dumb ass Castrol commercials.

[mbm8021]

I agree, i just bought my first BMW and was surprized when it said i can go 22k between oil changes- it would make me rest a little easier if i was able to see how dirty the oil was or check the level on a monthly basis. Im putting alot of trust in this "oil sensor!"

[F32Fleet]

Originally Posted by Ramos

Whether you were kidding or not, there are actually people who base their buying decision on such trivial (stupid) things... There was this one guy who sent in a letter to Roundel about 3 months who got rid of his wife's X3 after a few months at a substantial loss and got a Subaru Forester instead all because the X3 did not have a dip stick.... So forgive us, but such dumb asses really do exist

I read that rant. Total idiot, however the problem you do have with the sensor is that you if you ever underfill you have to run the engine short of oil in order to get a reading. I know a guy who has a E92 M3 and the dealeship overfilled it in his case. I will say that I do have a dipstick in my 335D, and to be honest I checked the oil more often with the sensor equiped E90 330.

[Richwm]

Originally Posted by dave herzog

Excellent point. In the history of car ownership, I don't believe anyone has ever kept their car longer than 4 years, or driven it more than 50,000 miles.

I did 65k in the first 2 years! Oh and at 65K I realized that my Oil sensor didnt work and replaced it. It always read FULL even with only 6 Quarts of OIL I spent like $90 and replaced it myself, added 6 Quarts of oil and drove it to be sure it said it was low and it did but that took 35 miles to tell me it was low.

[J.Bradders]

I might be wrong but i think when i lifted my engine cover there was a dip-stick under there...

[stressdoc]

We are bitching about the N52/4/5 engines. Unfortunately we don't get the 320d over here. The 335d does have a dipstick though, making Jimmy very happy.

[ALPINE6SPD]

Originally Posted by J3Yer

If they don't bring it back, my next car won't be a BMW.

then you dont really like your car and your next car wasnt going to be a bmw anyways. See ya

[howiedds]

I was reading this and just shaking my head. You have to realize, us as enthusiasts make up a small portion of the purchasers of BMWs... most buyers are car illiterate/ scared to pop the hood. what BMW did was to simplify car maintenance to the core buyers of these cars. Just simple as that. You can complain all you want to them, but all you are is a speck of dust to them...

[Cefaln452]

Question... Is there anybody that has added or made a dipstick work on the e90's? Is there the same hole as the e46's that may just have a plug that can be removed and then have one popped in? I haven't checked yet...

[stuknnj]

I plan on keeping mine until the wheels fall off (not including blown RFT) so a dipstick would be nice, the spare we kinda already have a work around for..