How to Check a Car’s Oil Level

Even if you always change your oil on time, you should know how to check a car’s oil level at home. Motor oil is the lifeblood of your engine, and the consequences of a leak can be dire if the situation isn’t remedied in short order. Your BMW vehicle automatically tracks your oil levels, and you can get a precise reading through your dashboard. Knowing how to check the oil level in a car with a dipstick may also come in handy, so we’ve covered both options below.

How to Check the Oil Level in Your BMW

Every new BMW vehicle includes the brand’s Condition-Based Service monitor. Significant changes in your car’s oil level are automatically displayed on your dashboard:

• An orange-yellow oil light indicates that your oil level is lower than it should be. It’s probably nothing to worry about. Our parts department is just a short drive from Philadelphia or Sewell, so you can pick up more oil at your convenience.
• If the same oil light is displayed in red, you need to take immediate action. Your oil pressure is low, and it may not be safe to drive your vehicle.

You can also use your steering wheel-mounted controls to get a more accurate reading of your oil level:

1. Park your vehicle on level ground.
2. With your vehicle on, use your controls to cycle through the display options on your dashboard.
3. Press the BC button inward, toward the wheel, as soon as you see the oil lamp. 
4. A small bar will appear on screen. You should see a ticking clock just below it. Wait a few moments; you’ll get your car’s oil level shortly.
5. If you need to add more oil, you’ll see “+1” appear beneath the bar.
6. If the system displays “MAX”, you already have enough oil. 

Checking your car’s oil level with a dipstick is not much more difficult. If you can locate the dipstick under the hood, all you’ll need to do is pull it out, wipe it clean with a lint-free rag, and reinsert it into the chamber. When you draw it out a second time, you’ll see if your oil level is too low or too high. 

How to Add More Oil to Your BMW

If your vehicle is telling you that you need to add more oil, make sure that you’ve purchased appropriate oil for your vehicle. Ask an expert at our parts department if you’re not sure what to buy, or schedule oil service and let us take care of everything in house. 

Here’s how to add more oil at home:

1. Give your engine time to cool after turning off the ignition.
2. Pop the hood of your BMW and locate the oil filter cap.
3. Unscrew it, but be careful. It may still be hot to the touch.
4. Grab a funnel and add more oil slowly. 

You probably won’t need to add more than one quart, and having too much oil isn’t much safer than having too little. Ready to try something a little more difficult? Check out our DIY car care tips today!

We’re Ready to Answer Your Questions!

You can always call us at (856) 245-5795 if you have any questions about caring for your vehicle. We even collect our most useful service tips and tricks online! If you’ve decided that it’s time to schedule service, make sure to check out our service specials before you drive in from Turnersville or Williamstown.