[MLJJ]

Had my first oil change a couple of days ago and may have gotten some valuable information from the Service Manager. When I got in the car and checked the oil level before leaving it showed half-way between min and max. I went back in and asked why it wasn't topped off since I got it from the factory that way. I was told that it is difficult to get to "full" because the difference between the min and max readings is only 1/2 US quarts. Any DYI oil changers know whether this is true? The only reason I ask is that it is potentially useful information if the low oil indicator light ever comes on so that I would not overfill. My first impression/gut was that min to max represented 1 quart.

 

[faizaan2000]

Difference between min and max is 1 quart. I got to min once, it recommended I add one quart. After doing so, it was exactly at the max line. I have the 2.5 liter engine if that matters.

 

[grasmere]

Why would it be difficult? Perhaps they weren’t bothered!

Just add 1/4 of a quart till it’s right, i believe it needs to be correct IMHO

 

[MLJJ]

Why would it be difficult? Perhaps they weren’t bothered!

That's my impression. I was just checking with folks in the know. Based on a sample size of 1, they may have been blowing smoke up a dark place.

 

[jimmuller]

I don't know about their answer. But if your gauge was in the middle and the difference between min and max is one quart then you were only half a quart (that's one pint) away from either too high or too low. That sounds just fine to me, especially considering how the sump system seems to have some complex nooks and crannies that make filling it "exactly" a bit uncertain. You won't want it too low but you don't want it too high either. Of all the things I would worry about that isn't one of them!

 

[duegatti]

How many times have you driven it since the oil change? I've had my oil changed three times, I think, and I've seen some puzzling readings on the drive home that resolved to a consistent reading of full after a couple of drives.

 

[MLJJ]

Once, and it is the same reading as when I picked up. I'm not worried about the current level, only in knowing the difference between min and max. Overfill presents its own set of problems.

 

[GregW]

IIRC full to low is 1 Litre (1 US quart=946ml).
Anything between full and low is a correct amount.
The only time the reading is correct is when the engine is at full operating temperature and then stopped long enough to let the oil drain down (at least a minute or so)--and of course on level ground.

 

[grasmere]

IIRC full to low is 1 Litre (1 US quart=946ml).
Anything between full and low is a correct amount.
The only time the reading is correct is when the engine is at full operating temperature and then stopped long enough to let the oil drain down (at least a minute or so)--and of course on level ground.

Hmmm - don’t think I would want my level to be at low and be happy that it’s = correct!
I cannot imagine anyone with cars of this calibre noticing the oil level at low Especially eg prior to a long journey and saying “what the ****, it’s down at low but it’s good enough!”

Low means low ie down from where it should be. No need to panic at low but get more oil in as soon as you can and monitor because it’s going somewhere.
For me, the ‘minimum’ should be halfway between full and low. IMHO

 

[GregW]

Remember that full capacity is approximately 6 quarts, so 1 quart down (low) is still 5 in the crankcase.