Magic Oil

[BMpoWere36]

I just changed the oil on my 328i. The manual said to use 6.9 quarts. I drained all the oil and added all 7is quarts. When I went to put the used oil into a gallon it only filled one single gallon bottle. Where did the other oil come from, or where did it go. I do not want to drive on 2 extra quarts, so I checked the oil level and it was perfect. I was not 2 quarts low so what gives?

[G. P. Burdell]

Was the car level when you drained the old oil? You might have left some in the sump (but certainly not three quarts) if you only had the front on jackstands or ramps.

[BMpoWere36]

Was the car level when you drained the old oil? You might have left some in the sump (but certainly not three quarts) if you only had the front on jackstands or ramps.

The front was on ramps, but not three quarts for sure!

[SecondBimmer]

I had that same issue actually. I had maybe just a little more than a gallon. I checked the oil level, on level ground and it was between the notches on the dipstick.

now if I could only check the transmission fluid

[Alpine 318is]

does it really matter to have your car completely level cause when i change my oil on the front is jacked up.

[heifetz17]

The 2.8s take less oil than the 2.5s?!? :confused

[Walechamp]

The 2.8s take less oil than the 2.5s?!? :confused
Really though, it says 6.9? I could have sworn mine says 7.4 quarts...(M50)

-Wale

[RallyE36]

does it really matter to have your car completely level cause when i change my oil on the front is jacked up.

The car doesn't have to be completely level, but as level as possible.
I also jack up the front of my car to get the drain plug off, but then I lower it to make sure as much old oil drains out. After all, you don't want to mix new oil with the old. Yes, this means jacking the front back up to get the plug back in, but hey ... you're not in a hurry. Just do the job right.

[jamin325i]

answer:the oil pan was 3 quarts low when old was drained.

you filled up with 7 qts. which is normal.

now, doesn't the dipstick read normal -full- when car is level and time has allowed all new oil to drain down?