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Sold
by simon8201 - 09/09/26 01:46 PM
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Wales
by Joske Vermeule, September 1
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Forums39
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Jun 14th, 2026
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BMW has found out that most drivers never use the oil dipstick, and hence they have removed it, and replaced it with an electronic dipstick. Now, to check the oil level on our BMW 318i, I have to drive at least 10 km before using the electronic oil level system.  Even then I am not sure that I am not victim of a software bug or a sensor failure. On the Citroen Xsara they had enough sense to keep the manual dipstick in addition to an electronic oil level instrument working before you start the engine. I think we have to start a "save the dipstick" movement to put pressure on MMC so that future Morgan owners are not alienated from the mechanics of their cars. Harald
Harald
+4 4-seater 2008 Squadron Blue
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I agree - not only 'save the dipstick'but also supply them in longer lengths for cars that like to burn a little oil 
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Didn't the Audi A2 originally pioneer this? It worked perfectly well on that. I'd just check it when you go to fill up.
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Audi used a plastic dipstick which could break. It might well be that Audi A2 pioneered the electronic oil level meter to avoid such problems? Why not use a good old steel dipstick? As long as the electronics work, the electronic level gauge is OK. The problems start when things go wrong. Electronics and software is certainly one of those things that can go wrong. As a programmer I know. On the dipstick you could diagnose a blown head gasket by miscoloured oil. The electronic level meter only indicates the level of fluid in the sump. It does not care if is dark black oil or water. Simplicity is the mother of excellence, and hence I would rather have the old dipstick than just the electronic level meter  Harald
Harald
+4 4-seater 2008 Squadron Blue
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Salty Sea Dog Member of the Inner Circle
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Sorry, just too tempting: I thought the dipstick was inside the cabin on BMWs  Perhaps they've migrated to Audi sports now? On a serious note Piggy has both manual and electronic. I'm quite happy to dip the oil every week on any car - the loss of that facility is not good... Cheers,
Graham (G4FUJ)
Sold L44FOR 4/4 Giallo Fly
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Graham,
my Mecr has no dipstick anywhere so I hope you aren't suggesting anything.
By the way on BMW in my other post I mentioned mist as the m in bmw, this is what comes from the back end of cows and is how man germans think of BMW particluarly in winter.
When I lived in Bavaria (86 to 89) there two great positivies.
1. they delivered beer like milk. I am now trying to lose the impact of this so called "liquid bread" on my weight.
2. I had a friend I car pooled with who in Fuching West Germany (always good when asked by UK pass port control where he lived) & before his house was a tight right hander with a tree just beyond the apex. Every Monday from Nov -May i.e. when icy or worse there would be a BMW 3 series tree hugging whilst my Audi Coupe glided past.
Happy days.
John
PS the Merc is also crap in snow & ice.
Last edited by John +4; 03/11/10 03:10 PM.
JohnV6
2022 CX Plus Four
2025 Renault Scenic Alpine etech "Yvette"
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NGUNS!! Part of the Furniture
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NGUNS!! Part of the Furniture
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I think we have to start a "save the dipstick" movement to put pressure on MMC so that future Morgan owners are not alienated from the mechanics of their cars.
Harald
I'm sure if we put enough pressure, all Morgan built engines will still have dipsticks in years to come.  
Cheers
BtG
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There will be a 'fit your own' solution........... 
DaveW
'05 Red Roadster S1
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NGUNS!! Part of the Furniture
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NGUNS!! Part of the Furniture
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There will be a 'fit your own' solution........... Trust you..... 
Cheers
BtG
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I think we have to start a "save the dipstick" movement to put pressure on MMC so that future Morgan owners are not alienated from the mechanics of their cars.
Harald
I'm sure if we put enough pressure, all Morgan built engines will still have dipsticks in years to come. watch out for the filler hole on the rocker cover to be deleted next, then it will be filling the engine through the deleted dip stick hole, better watch out? 
If you are doing nothing, how do you know when you are finished?
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