How to Check the Oil in a 2005 BMW
by Amanda Maddox
Checking the oil in your 2005 BMW can prevent major damage from occurring because of low oil. Since months can pass between scheduled oil changes, checking your oil should be something you do more frequently. If you find that your BMW's oil level is consistently low, you may need to have someone check for leaks. Not repairing an oil leak will allow it to get worse and eventually cause costly damage.
Step 1
Park your 2005 BMW on level ground. Turn the ignition switch off and allow the engine to cool for at least 10 minutes. But be sure the engine is still warm since oil expands when it is hot and contracts when it is cold.
Step 2
Raise the hood on your BMW. This can be done by bending down in front of the car. Look for the lever and pull up while lifting on the hood. Prop the hood open if there are no springs or hydraulic strut to hold it up.
Step 3
Find the oil dipstick. It is located near the spark plugs with a loop at one end. If you can not find a loop, look for a T-stick. Grab the dipstick and pull it all the way out.
Step 4
Wipe the dipstick clean of any oil. Slide the dipstick back into the hole and push it all the way in. Pull it back out and hold it horizontally.
Step 5
Look at the very end of the stick. It is marked with a line that says "Full." If the oil is below the full line, you need to add more. Some BMW dipsticks have two lines with a cross hatch pattern in between. The oil level can be halfway between these two lines but no less.
References
Tips
- Have your BMW engine warm, not hot or cold.
- Check the oil often to prevent engine damage.
Things You'll Need
- Clean cloth
Warnings
- If your engine oil is consistently low, have a professional mechanic check for leaks.
Writer Bio
Amanda Maddox began writing professionally in 2007. Her work appears on various websites focusing on topics about medical billing, coding, real estate, insurance, accounting and business. Maddox has her insurance and real estate licenses and holds an Associate of Applied Science in accounting and business administration from Wallace State Community College.
