I just can not seem to wrap my mind around how to read the dipstick. I've read all the threads here and went with the leave dipstick out of tube for 2 hours method. However, whenever I take the dipstick out oil is only on one side of the dipstick creating a line. Is that my oil level?

 

I have same issue. I filed the bottom bump off & it only helped a little. Now I combined several of the ideas.

I leave dipstick out for a while, then push it in only until the plastic (of grab handle) hits top of tube. As I recall that is 1 inch out. It seems to make a cleaner oil line. Add 1 inch to the reading & you have more confidence your engine isn't going to die soon.

 

Does this make it coat the dipstick fully?

 

I chose to follow the directions from one of the post here and altered my dip stick to include groves to make it easier to read. Just take a flat file and carefully shave down one side, then use the edge of the file and cut some groves in. The groves will pick up the oil and give you a better view. See attached picks.

Hope this helps

 

1. Remove dipstick and clean


2. Insert dipstick leaving about 2" of travel remaining, pull stick and clean. Repeat this 3-4 times until the stick is dry, you are swabbing out the dipstick tube to eliminate a false read.


3. Insert dipstick, remove and lay across a clean towel and read the level.


This method works very well and accurate.


-Kevin

 

I have never had a problem reading the dipstick on my MINI.

I always check the oil with the car on a level surface and the engine cold. I just pull the dipstick out and read the level. Laying the end on a dry paper towel is a good trick, especially when the oil is new.

 

What he said; works fine for me.

 

This is what I do on my 2009 R56
pull dip stick out wipe clean,stick it back in,(let it sit for a second or two,turn the dipstick a full 360 degrees then pull out slowly.Use your finger as a resting point and rest the end of the dip stick on your finger slowly slide your finger down tell you see oil on your finger,if you slide your finger slowly over the plastic piece that measures the oil it will eventually get oil on your finger telling you where your oil level is on that stick,you just have to pay attention to the oil getting on your finger , if its wet it will get on your finger eventually, hopes this helps

 

Good info here also, I had the older 2007 metal dip stick and the 2008+ version is better. But it takes skill to read.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...-dipstick.html