Author Topic: How long is the M42 oil dipstick? (Read 3840 times)

mcibmw533 · « **on:** March 23, 2012, 11:04:07 PM »

Can somebody measure their oil dipstick in their e30 m42 (not sure if it varies from e30 to e36) for me? Mine doesn't seem to be reading right based on the known quantities in the motor and capacity listed in the Bentley manual.

Thanks

Geoff · « **Reply #1 on:** March 26, 2012, 12:48:18 PM »

From the very bottom of the red plastic handle, where the metel dipstick goes into it, to the tip of the plastic indicater, mine is 15 1/16 "
What amount did you put in there, and what is showing on the dipstick? did you run the engine or just pour in oil?
Geoff

mcibmw533 · « **Reply #2 on:** March 26, 2012, 01:05:36 PM »

There was at least 4 quarts (more likely 5 quarts, but a bunch missed and spilled on the garage floor, so hard to say for sure) from the previous owner. What's throwing me off is that the dipstick is bone dry. The only thing I can guess is the previous owner or a lube shop swapped dipsticks with another BMW.

I already checked the tube for blockage, but I can see light through it, so it's all clear.

Thanks for the measurement, I'll go measure mine to see.

-Micah

Geoff · « **Reply #3 on:** March 26, 2012, 02:06:49 PM »

well, heres the deal. m42 motors take a lot of oil for a small four, 5.3 quarts or so. if only 4 quarts went in, and some of that spilled, there is no mystery as to why its not showing...there aint enough to show yet. mine starts to show on the dipstick after 4 quarts, not before.
Geoff

mcibmw533 · « **Reply #4 on:** March 27, 2012, 12:22:19 AM »

Mine's the same length, must not have been enough in there. I'm putting in new upper and lower oil pan gaskets so I'll have to see what it reads after my first oil change as the new owner. Hoping to start the car's new life under my ownership on a good foot.

On a good note, there bolts that commonly loosen inside the upper oil pan appear to be all there and tight.

Thanks for the info,

Micah

MLM · « **Reply #5 on:** March 27, 2012, 01:29:16 AM »

Just a comment as a curiosity only,

I noted when building my project up there was a differance between the dipstick on my original M42 (92) and the spare m42 (94). If i remember correctly both the dipstick and the tube is slides down into are corrospondingly longer on the later engine byabout 25mm so can be transfered as a set between engines but not mix and matched.....