Overfilled Oil A Bit...

[mmzcee]

Hey all

I think I just filled up too much oil... I changed the oil with Castrol syntec 5w30 and added 6 qts...I checked the dipstick and its just a tiny bit over the 2nd marker...about 3/16 of an inch over. What's the correct oil amount to add to a 328i?

I used castrol syntec 5w30 full synthetic oil, and OEM bmw oil filter from dealer. I should've just bought BMW's synthetic, since this castrol cost me $5 a qt where the BMW's just $4.

Anyway, how can I minimize any potential damage, I mean I didn't overfill that much, how much am I supposed to fill anyways? I followed the instructions for oil change for the M3 and the guy used 7 liters, lol didn't take into account that my car had a smaller engine . I bought 8 qts and only used 6, and still overfilled!

Should I keep revs down for a while until the oil level drops back down? How much potential damage will be done? (probably much less than previous owner did, he used crap FRAM oil/air filters)

also, am I right about the 2 markers the manual is referring to on the oil dipstick? check the picture...

[bigred318]

couldnt you drain some out...

maybe im not thinking this late at night

David

[mmzcee]

not really, its a bit of a hassle, and once you get the oil drain plug off, all of it comes out, theres no way to stop it without getting really dirty, really hard to just leak out small amounts.

[spfdfanatic]

Originally posted by mmzcee@Dec 16 2004, 12:45 AM
not really, its a bit of a hassle, and once you get the oil drain plug off, all of it comes out, theres no way to stop it without getting really dirty, really hard to just leak out small amounts.

[snapback]251889[/snapback]

If you take a look at your owners manual, it calls for 7 quarts of oil if I remember correctly, you actually might not have enough. Check your manual would be my suggestion, if you don't have one, call your dealer!

[mmzcee]

My manual doesn't specify how much oil to put into the car actually...it just tells you how to check the oil and add it using the dipstick!

[spfdfanatic]

I would call your dealer, did you change the filter too??? Tomorrow call your dealer, I have a 96 328, and I am almost positive it takes 7 quarts!

[mmzcee]

yes I did change the filter as well when I changed the oil, with an OEM oil filter.

This is wierd, but can someone answer my original question? how do you read the bloody dipstick? its a pain, I don't know where to look, so many markings!!!!

[jkh2828]

The problem is the crankshaft will lap into the oil and create frothing (bad thing)- really at any engine speed. If it is 3/16" I think you are ok - there seems like there is some safety built into the markings - but I'm not totally sure about that.

Have you gotten the car hot, and then waited for all the oil to drain down, and then take the reading?

[bitcore]

you oughta turn it over and get the pump to move the fluid around and get all the trapped airbubbles out, then check the oil. (also run it until the engine's hot and then check the oil.

I bet you'll be allright.

[Eggrolled211]

I bleed my oil alnight and fill it up with 7qts. The oil should be between the small gap" in reference to your picture, between the two arrows pointing up. 00000+000+00000000OOOO-----
between the 3 zeros...

atleast this is where I'm taught. 6qts eh? maybe you didn't drain the oil completely and still have some old oil stuck inside? good luck!

[mmzcee]

I'll recheck it again tomorrow, i'm not sure if my garage floor is level or not.

[mixalot]

The actual amount oil in the engine and filter reservoir is 6.8Q. I've put in 7Q and been fine.

[BLACKBMW]

The notch nearest the handle of the dipstick is where you want the oil

anyway - 3/16's of an inch overfilled is nothing - i wouldnt worry

[mech9T8]

Agreed, don't worry about it.

[YoungExec728]

did you check the oil level right after you filled it? if you did of course it is going to me marked like you have too much. Your car takes 6.8 Qts, i always use 7. What you need to do is run your for about 5 mins, drive around if you wish but you can just leave it in idle. Shut the car down and wait a few mins, then check your oil level again. Make sure your car is on a level surface. It will have gone down because the oil will have reached different parts of your engine. Now add more oil until you are between the markers or just below the second. It should be 7 Qts.