Keep in mind, I am mostly driver, and very little mechanic. I noticed that after certain fill-ups at the gas station, after I start my CS, the "check oil level" notice has come up. I recently read the owner's manual, and it states, to my understanding, that under certain re-filling conditions, that this check oil light will always come on. Well, I finally waited the 5 minutes it takes with the engine off to get a reading. I also review the owner's manual to understand the level readings and what they mean. Each bar indiciates .4 litres of oil. So, for example, if the bar is complete, no oil has been lost. If there is no reading, the gauge will be flashing meaning you are below the acceptable level of oil in the car.
At 6000 miles (9 month old car with no service yet), my guage reading was in the middle, basically two bars down, showing that .8 litres low on oil. But, according to the manual, this is still in an acceptable range. Question, is it worth cheching this more frequently and always trying to keep the oil level at its highest. I know that some oil loss is expected and even acceptable.
What are your thoughts? Should I add some oil when I am .8 litres low.
I check the oil level each time I'm about to start up from cold. It only takes a 6-second wait. I don't bother to check the oil level after a fill-up, but sometimes the car insists on reporting the oil level anyway. From cold, at the second bar down from the full bar (the third bar down from the top), I'd probably add a little oil; probably just less than a half quart. I'd want to bring the oil level to the bar just under the full bar. I know there are people who always want to see the oil level at the top bar, but I'd rather see it at one bar below; then I don't wonder if it might be a little too high.
me too . if you check it on cold startup there is only a 6 second wait for a reading . when you put the key in to start when the engine is warm , i have seen a wait time of 5 minutes or so . 1 bar below full is where the oil level needs to be when topped up .
Donelonpc, your car is relatively new, i had to add 1Q of oil into my 06 CS when it reached 3000 miles, since then, the oil level has always been above mid-level. I would not add any oil in until it is below 1/2 full. That's my 2 cents.
You are much safer keeping the oil at 1 bar below the top than overfiling it. This is especially true if you track or otherwise drive hard.
FWIW, I changed the oil/filter at 4500 miles as a precaution, but hadn't used any to that point. Since then (another 2500 miles incl 6 track days) & it still hasn't used any oil.
I've only filled up with gas twice so far, but the same thing happened to me both times. I thought I might of hit the lever, but I guess its normal.
Thanks. I will check it again in the morning before I leave. If I remember correctly, there are four bars before you see nothing at all.
You read the manual, and it discusses how this check oil signal will come under certain fueling situations, so that is normal. They describe the situation, but I cannot remember what it is.
Thanks for all the input. I lease my car. If I owned it, I probably would have paid for the 4500 mile change. I just have a hard time swallowing a car can go an entire year between oil changes. But, my BMWs were the same.
My oil level is up to the top line. It has been this was since the dealer changed my oil a few thousand miles ago. Do I need to lower the level? or just leave it? I have done one track day and spirited back road driving.
Cayman W
If it's not blowing smoke, I wouldn't worry about it.
Not that I have noticed nor has anyone said anything. Thanks.
