I bought my R55 MCS back in October 2011 with 18k mi and under warranty.

I always thought my dipstick was/is retarded, because I cannot tell the level with that red plastic end.

Then I came across a magazine at my Mini dealer that had a huge write-up about the lengthy procedure on how to check your oil level. Well as it turns out the 2007-2010 had a normal dipstick. The 2011+ models got this stupid red rubber ended stick.

So I've been wondering why my 2008 has the 2011+ dipstick???

I starting questioning myself...
1. Is the engine a 2008 or a 2011+?
2. If it is a 2011+ was it swapped out from a mechanical failure under warranty?
3. If #2 is true, where is the vin# on the engine to match with the vin# on the body?

Any help is greatly appreciated!

 

I have an 08 and it has the dipsh*t dipstick too. Not sure which years don't...

Just use a paper towel or folded paper - put the dipstick on it and close the fold around it. Unfold and you should be able to see the level then.

 

I find using a magnifying glass works well.

 

Not sure where you got the info? My early production '10 has the orange plastic end dip stick. Very difficult to read. There are many many threads posted here and other forums about the hard to read dip sticks going back years.

 

All the gen 2 Mini dipsticks are difficult to use. N12 and N14's are the older gen 2 motors. N16 and N18's are the new gen 2 motors. I think the frustration is not limited to just the new motors. The cars tested in the Mini story about the dipstick in MC2 magazine were 2011 and 2012 model year MCSes with the N18 motor.

 

Thanks Guys!

I guess it's not just my frustration. My source was "MC, The Mini Magazine" that was free in the dealer showroom.

- 2hondafreaks (Wish I could change it to 2Minifreaks