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^^^ IMO, still would be helpful to know whether WMW's is actually the Dorman part. My concern with this version is; while a stranded stainless steel "stick", the bulb and pull-handle are dip-molded to that. Just as with the OEM embrittling over time, so can those molded "joints" - not the most reliable attachment method, IMO. If either end disconnects, that part remains "down the tube" (so to speak ). Regardless of online retail price and/or country of origin, I'd prefer knowing the actual manufacturer has a good track record producing parts to OEM (or better) spec. Dorman is an old name brand which originated in USA, before outsourcing to Asia. Hopefully, still achieves OEM specs at affordable pricing...
I'm curious too - but I just went ahead and ordered the Dorman part. I'm not a fan of their products either but for a cheap dipstick I thought it was low risk.
Just as a side note - Outmotoring sells the Dorman dipstick (advertised as such) at about the same price as WMW so I wouldn't be surprised if it is.
But per my last post, you can get it much cheaper from Rockauto. https://www.outmotoring.com/917-315-...2007-2008.html
The original factory dipstick is black in color made of flexible fiberglass. The upgraded version from Way Motor Works is made via stainless steel coiled spring (just like the CS version), but retains the traditional OEM style yellow "pull handle"...which is nice for those purists that prefer the OEM look with that added benefit of an unbreakable metal dipstick.
ok i'll take a closer look at mine this weekend. yall got me paranoid now
These cars need no help causing problems and breaking for no reason, and y'all are out here just making up **** to worry about because it's too good to be true. Just conditioned to expect it to fail. it's a dipstick made out of steel. it's going to last.
ok i'll take a closer look at mine this weekend. yall got me paranoid now
LoL, paranoid i would be to. Went through this disaster shortly after getting my R53. Went to do an oil change, had a very hard time reading the oil level as the dipstick that came out of the engine was about 10" long instead of about 2ft or whatever they actually are. Tried and tried to fish it out with grabber tools, which expanded my lineup of grabber tools tremendously... but could not get it out. Had a spare dipstick and went on my way until i had time to drop the oil pan and remove the broken dipstick which was now sitting in the oil pan. Problem is when you remove the oil pan, you end up rebuilding the entire engine and doing every dang service known to man.. or at least i did lol.
Highly advise to change it out, before it becomes a whole new problem!
I agree with scooby, I literally walked out after reading about this to check my oil and dipstick and the thing broke when I pulled it out! ...Right at the top and held on by a tiny thread! I pulled the top end off and put it back in the tube, thankful for this forum.
I agree with scooby, I literally walked out after reading about this to check my oil and dipstick and the thing broke when I pulled it out! ...Right at the top and held on by a tiny thread! I pulled the top end off and put it back in the tube, thankful for this forum.
LOL what are the odds. For the cheap price its worth not creating a bigger issue. Would hate to have a healthy engine and rip it all apart to retrieve your broken dipstick. Lucky and glad yours broke near the top!
@ssoliman Solid question, but with an odd answer. Looked into this, OEM mini R50 dipstick is all metal other then the handle / finger hook. Even if this broke, its likely to break where the plastic meets the metal which is right at the top of the dipstick tube and would be easily retrievable with needle nose pliers i assume.
The real question now is for BMW... Why would you have a great normal dipstick on the "base" R50 and cheap out with some plastic junk on your upgraded R53... oh the Germans, could be taking it out on everyone because of the war yet!
I cut my stock dipstick before it broke.....using it as a plug. A new OE 1 is in the trunk i take out every oil level check time. It'll remain good as new w/o engine heat.😊
@ssoliman Solid question, but with an odd answer. Looked into this, OEM mini R50 dipstick is all metal other then the handle / finger hook. Even if this broke, its likely to break where the plastic meets the metal which is right at the top of the dipstick tube and would be easily retrievable with needle nose pliers i assume.
The real question now is for BMW... Why would you have a great normal dipstick on the "base" R50 and cheap out with some plastic junk on your upgraded R53... oh the Germans, could be taking it out on everyone because of the war yet!
yes very strange. I would think the r50 would have an el cheepo dipstick if anything
). Regardless of online retail price and/or country of origin, I'd prefer knowing the actual manufacturer has a good track record producing parts to OEM (or better) spec. Dorman is an old name brand which originated in USA, before outsourcing to Asia. Hopefully, still achieves OEM specs at affordable pricing...
