CT5-V Oil change for ct5V BW

[jbawden]

I think the shape of the tip isn't conducive to determining an overfill condition. The oil tube wipes that portion clean as you pull it out. I check mine after sitting overnight on level ground. I do my own changes and keep the level 1-2mm below the top of the hatch. Hate an overfill condition, so that is one reason I DIY.

 

[rdollie]

There is no way I would wait until the idiot light comes on before checking and adding oil. I think GM recommends checking it at least monthly with the stick, and there are some who check it at every gas fill-up. I’m in the ‘at least monthly’ camp, and that’s only after more frequent checks until I get comfortable with an engine’s normal consumption habits. Waiting for the light to come on is asking for trouble IMO.

I used to check weekly but after over 100k miles on the V3 and 5 BW I've found for my car that unless I spring a leakz, there's no need for frequent checking especially since I change oil every 3-4k miles.

 

[TruckeeTaurus]

I used to check weekly but after over 100k miles on the V3 and 5 BW I've found for my car that unless I spring a leakz, there's no need for frequent checking especially since I change oil every 3-4k miles.

Damn, you put 100k miles on a BW? You must be driving the hell outta that thing! Good for you man!

 

[BimmerFan]

True, an overfill is as bad or even (some say) worse than underfilling.

I suggest that you read the manual, as the Google results may not be accurate. I think you're supposed to wait 5-10 minutes after running a warm engine to check the level, but I could be mistaken.

Once you've determined that the level is OK, I think the important thing is to check it exactly the same way from then on. As the oil drains from the top-end to the sump, the dispstick readings will change. That's why you need to wait XX minutes - and be consistent.

 

[shbox]

I check mine cold in the morning for an accurate reading.

 

[Finally-a-V]

If your oil is above the cross hatch area, it's overfilled. I'll admit, the dip stick is at times a little hard to read. I usually pull it, clean it, put it back in, pull it and read it, then do it a second time to be sure.

From the book:

Follow these guidelines:
. To get an accurate reading, park the
vehicle on level ground. Check the
engine oil level after the engine has
been off for at least two hours.
Checking the engine oil level on
steep grades or too soon after
engine shutoff can result in
incorrect readings. Accuracy
improves when checking a cold
engine prior to starting. Remove the
dipstick and check the level.
. If unable to wait two hours, the
engine must be off for at least
15 minutes if the engine is warm,
or at least 30 minutes if the engine
is not warm. Pull out the dipstick,
wipe it with a clean paper towel or
cloth, then push it back in all the
way. Remove it again, keeping the
tip down, and check the level.
If the oil is below the cross-hatched
area at the tip of the dipstick and the
engine has been off for at least
15 minutes, add 1 L (1 qt) of the
recommended oil and then recheck
the level.

Here's the important part............

Caution
Do not add too much oil. Oil levels
above or below the acceptable
operating range shown on the
dipstick are harmful to the engine.
If the oil level is above the
operating range (i.e., the engine has
so much oil that the oil level gets
above the cross-hatched area that
shows the proper operating range),
the engine could be damaged. Drain
the excess oil or limit driving of the
vehicle, and seek a service
professional to remove the
excess oil.

 

[rdollie]

Damn, you put 100k miles on a BW? You must be driving the hell outta that thing! Good for you man!

Sorry for the confusion. 60k+ on a V3 and 40k+ on 5BW.

 

[tarheel15]

From my experience, it holds 9 quarts exactly and the recommended wait of two hours for checking the level is important. It must hold a lot of oil at the top of the engine after shut off, so the wait is important for an accurate reading.