Re: Oil level dropping after change. (archive)

Yup, 5 qts should put the oil level just over the full mark on your dipstick. After your initial start-up after the oil change, when/how did you check the oil? If you run the engine, shut it down, and then check it immediately, you're going to get a lower than normal reading. For an accurate reading, it should sit for a while (15 min+ ? for hot engine) to allow oil to drip back down into the sump......then you should have an accurate reading on the dipstick.

Just a thought,

BR '87 325e Sedan 190K

: I just changed my oil for the first time in my new 1987 325 (eta). I used Mobil 1 Tri-syntheti 15W-50. I was aware that sometimes the thinner synthetics can leak in old engines that hadn't leaked before. I think this is happening. I put 5 quarts in (the manual says 4.45 or somthing like that) with a new filter. Since I put more than recommended in, I expected the level to be at the top of the dipstick at first and then drop a little after driving because of the new filter. It started at halfway between the dipstick marks, and now has dropped to just aroung the lower mark. I think it is still sinking. Did I make a huge mistake using the synthetic? Should i just add more as needed or change the oil again to something different? Should i fork over the big bucks to get the leak fixed, if there is even a leak? Thanks all.

: Mildly distressed,
: Jack

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