Discrepancy In Oil Level Readings

The other day I checked my engine's oil level. First I checked it using the OBC that is accessed via the turn signal stalk. Much to my surprise the reading said 3/4 full. Then I checked it using the iDrive. The iDrive says the oil level is full. I tend to believe my iDrive because my car has never burned oil and there is no oil on the floor in my garage or on the garage floor at work.

Has anybody ever had this happen to them?

Originally Posted by dodell66

The other day I checked my engine's oil level. First I checked it using the OBC that is accessed via the turn signal stalk. Much to my surprise the reading said 3/4 full. Then I checked it using the iDrive. The iDrive says the oil level is full. I tend to believe my iDrive because my car has never burned oil and there is no oil on the floor in my garage or on the garage floor at work.

Has anybody ever had this happen to them?

By any chance did you then go back and check using the stalk immediately after using the iDrive? They both get their signal from the same source...

Originally Posted by DSXMachina

By any chance did you then go back and check using the stalk immediately after using the iDrive? They both get their signal from the same source...

I did. There was no change. I have subsequently checked both of them again and I still get 3/4 full via the stalk and full via the iDrive.

the stalk always has space at the end of the gauge. full is not right at the end of the bar.

Originally Posted by Leekay07

the stalk always has space at the end of the gauge. full is not right at the end of the bar.

I've seen the stalk read full before. The gauge now clearly reads 3/4 full.

wait till the car tells you to add a quart

Originally Posted by dodell66

I did. There was no change. I have subsequently checked both of them again and I still get 3/4 full via the stalk and full via the iDrive.

Either way, no worries. You are well into the normal range, and still have at least 3/4 of a quart MORE than the minimum mark. There is absolutely no mechanical/hydraulic benefit to having the oil nailed on the full line.

Thank you!

I just recently had this happen. I didn't add oil, because I was approaching my oil change. I find that my car takes 6.5 quarts to read full (capacity is 7). At no point did any warning come on, so I'm not worried about it.