So a little background. The car is an 07 Cooper S (bought new). I recently had the engine replaced(73,000mi) by a local shop. I took it back for the first oil change at ~2000mi. Everything went well. As you might imagine after havin to have the engine replaced I am a little hyper sensitive. so I have been checking the oil level quite a bit. When I get the car back the level is above the top marker by 3/4". I drained the excess oil off to get the level correct and start driving the car to work. A few days later I check the oil level again and it is now 1/2" too high. I should mention that I have been checking it on a flat surface and have tried several different location with the engine both hot and cold I am afraid to drain more oil out for fear that there is another issue at play here. Any ideas?

 

if you're still using the stock dipstick...it could be the problem as it can be very difficult to get accurate readings.

Some people use the Craven Oil Dipstick...

 

I would drain the oil and measure how much is in there.

Then put the correct amount back in and look at the stick.
At least you will know how much is in there.

 

I assume you are also keeping a close eye on the coolant.

 

I have been using the stock dipstick and I agree it is hard to read so I swung by way motorworks this afternoon and picked up the craven one. And it still reads high.

 

I have not been watching it to close but I checked after work and it is low in the reservoir when cold. I will top it up and see if it changes. Thanks for the tip. I will say I have seen none of the telltale signs of water in the oil.

 

That may be this weekends project but if it continues I am at a loss for what it could be.

 

I'm sorry to hear that the oil level still reads high. I guess you (or the "local shop") will need to completely drain the oil and start over. It appears that the "local shop" overfilled it.

I'm glad to hear that you now have a decent dipstick...The new dipstick will definitely help you to properly maintain your new engine.

 

That does sound like what I am doing this weekend. The local shop had expressed a skepticism about my ability to read a dipstick but has not rechecked it themselves.

 

I would drain it myself into a clean container, just so I could see first hand what comes out.

 

I would drain it and fill an empty container to see how much you have. If its too much I'd bring it into your service provider and show them.

 

OK I drained and replaced the oil and filter last weekend and this weekend I measured how much was in there....5.6L thats right a full 1.4L more than it should take (based on the Bentley manual with an oil filter change 4.2L.) Also the oil seems a good bit darker than I would have thought it should have been after approx 500 miles. I understand he uses Pento High Performance 5W-30 which is very nearly clear.

 

Did you or someone else put the oil in?

So it was overfilled,explains the high readings.

 

Sadly the same shop that replaced the engine. Does not fill one with confidence. ..

 

I am glad that you have solved the mystery...they overfilled it...

 

2010 MCS motor went at 53,800 miles due to vacuum pump failure. Oil changes at 5K intervals full synthetic I always kept oil at high side of dipstick. Too much heat to close to a heat sensitive vacuum pump. Rebuilt motor came from dealer 1 full quart over high fill mark on dip stick. I looked at top of blown motor with valve cover off, nice honey color at timing chain to a caramel brown at vacuum pump. I think BMW has found the factory fill level to be to low. I run 5 full quarts+ no problem new motor, 63000 trans goes ( 6 speed auto.) More on that in a different forum.