Turbo Auto Haus, an automotive YouTuber (@turboautohaus), posts regular lifestyle videos of himself and his BMW X5 SUV. His love for speed and customization is apparent, with plenty of videos discussing the changes he’s made to his already-sporty SUV.
However, in a recent video, he revealed those customizations may come with a serious downside.
“I literally just did an oil change and now it wants more oil,” he wrote in the caption. He zooms in on the in-car computer, showing a message reading, “Engine oil below minimum level. Please add one quart of oil immediately.”
“But I already added a quart of oil before recording, and now it’s begging for more oil,” he said. He uses the vehicle information system to check the oil. The results read as if there was little to no oil in the engine. So, he went back into the O’Reilly’s he was parked at, bought a five-quart jug, and fed the Beamer.
After dumping in a total of almost seven quarts, the computer reported higher levels, and he was able to drive home.
Viewers judged BMW’s choices harshly
Most car lovers noted he didn’t use a dipstick to check the engine oil level. Instead, he had to use a computer. BMW stopped using traditional dipsticks in several of its models after 2005, though it continues to shock people.
“Getting rid of the dipstick is one of the most stupid things out of many that these car manufacturers have done,” wrote a view, earning 18,000 thumbs up.
Many suggested BMW stopped using dipsticks to reduce costs, which prompted more responses about how much more expensive oil level sensors would be, even though it reduces human error.
“Funny that an oil dipstick costs a couple hundred dollars, while an oil level sensor requires the sensor and a wiring harness which may cost over $200,” they said.
Another noted he may want to take extra care to start it to recalibrate the computer, since it may not update right away, to avoid adding too much oil.
“I love the electronic oil sensor, never had an issue. Make sure you put the correct amount in, and drive the car,” they wrote. “I noticed it doesn’t update immediately.”
