Quote:
Originally Posted by Leland
Ha! BMW's new 3.0L twin turbo engine doesn't even have an oil dipstick. Instead it uses a level sensor, particulate sensor & software to determine the oil condition.
I originally thought this was bad, but the more I thought about it, I think it better.
Look at it this way, let's go get 10 shadetree (or even professional) mechanics and ask them to check the transmission (or engine) oil in your Tundra. What's your bet you're going to get 10 different answers (and quotes if they're in business for fluid changes). The problem is that whether it's engine oil, tranny fluid or even coolant, the levels of this stuff will vary based on driving conditions, fluid temperature, cool-down period, etc. This means, they're all  anyway.
Now, look at the software system. It can do long-term trending of levels, evaluate particulate mass, and evaluate the levels during operation (when we ACTUALLY really care). This is how our steel rolling mill control systems work. We would never trust a DFU to evaluate this kind of thing on a machine that requires 24hr uptime. This is better for you as a USED vehicle purchaser as well. 99% of lemmings never check the oil, tires, etc (heck most prolly can't open the damn hood). This is just another light that will go light up on the dashboard causing the owner to make a mad dash to the dealer.
As for the DIYer, unfortunately, it's going to mean that we just need more & more sophisticated tools. These cost more money, but in the end, you'll be able to justify it the same way you justified a $100 meter....... |
Whether manually by a dipstick or just looking at a gauge, so long as we still have the option of checking the levels
and conditions ourselves, I'm cool w/ ridding the dipstick. (Don't know, but I wonder if the 2nd Gen.'s have an ATF level/condition sensor that indicate
precise fluid levels and condition.)
One problem though is sensor-failure. Likelyhood of failure is no exaggeration either, remember the O2 senors? The ave. owner will likely overly rely exclusively upon sensors. So something as minor as a sensor failure can mean a blown tranny/engine. Actually, if the DIYer or even a pro. doesn't have a relatively convenient means of checking levels/condition manually, or even if they do, they'll be prone to overly rely too (just human nature.)
With my oil, I want to be able to see it, touch it, feel it.
Damn them fancy countin' machines!
