Check the Engine Oil Level (No Dipstick)

The BMW 1 Series F20 and F21 (2011–2019) has no dipstick — on this rear-wheel-drive generation the engine oil level is read electronically and shown on the iDrive screen. If you own a 2013 116i (or any F20/F21 petrol or diesel) and you have been under the bonnet looking for a dipstick loop, that is why there isn’t one. Checking the oil between services is still worth doing, so here is how to get an accurate reading and what each result means.

Why There’s No Dipstick

Instead of a physical stick, a sensor in the sump measures the oil and the car reports the level on the central display when you ask for it. Nothing is missing or broken — BMW moved the whole F-generation over to electronic oil measurement. Because the reading is taken with the engine running rather than by pulling a stick from a hot engine, the result depends on the conditions being right: warm oil, a level car, and a settled sump.

The measurement also takes a little time. The system wants the oil at operating temperature and a moment of steady idling so the level stabilises before it commits to a figure. Checking cold, on a slope, or straight after hard driving is what trips most owners up — it gives an inaccurate reading or none at all.

Before You Start

• Bring the engine up to normal operating temperature first — a short drive does it; a cold engine won’t read correctly.
• Park on level ground, not on a camber or slope, so the oil sits evenly in the sump.
• Let the engine idle for the measurement, or follow the on-screen prompt if it asks you to wait.
• Have the correct BMW Longlife oil for your engine ready in case it asks you to add some.
• Keep a funnel and a cloth handy, and find the oil filler cap before you begin.

How to Check the Oil Level on the F20

1. Warm the engine to operating temperature, park on level ground, and leave it idling (or follow the on-screen prompt).
2. On the iDrive controller, open the ‘Vehicle’ / Vehicle status menu and select the engine oil level display.
3. The system measures and shows the level: within range (OK), add oil (often with the amount, up to about a litre to max), or overfilled.

On cars without the full iDrive display, the same electronic level is shown through the instrument-cluster menu instead — the warm-engine, level-ground and idling requirements are identical.

Topping Up

• Add the correct BMW Longlife oil for your engine a little at a time, then re-measure — don’t overfill.
• If it reads overfilled, the excess must be drained off — an overfilled engine can be damaged.
• If it can’t measure, the engine isn’t warm or level, or it hasn’t idled long enough.

If It Won’t Give a Reading

By far the usual cause is that the engine hasn’t reached operating temperature — drive it a little longer and retry. Then check the car really is level and not on a slope. If you have just been driving hard, let it idle a bit longer so the oil drains back and settles. When topping up, expect the figure to move slowly: add a small amount, let it drain into the sump, and re-measure rather than tipping in a whole litre at once. If it keeps returning “can’t measure” despite warm oil and a level car, the oil level sensor is worth having checked.

After the Check

When the display shows the level within range, you’re done — there’s nothing to wipe or refit. If you added oil, re-check once it has settled so you finish at the top of the range rather than over it. Doing this quick check every few weeks and before a long trip keeps you ahead of any slow oil use, and the on-screen gauge makes it easy from the driver’s seat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the dipstick on a 2013 BMW 116i?

There isn’t one. The F20 116i, like the rest of the 1 Series F20/F21 range, reads the oil level electronically and shows it on the iDrive or cluster display. A sensor in the sump does the measuring, so there is no stick to pull.

Engine warm or cold?

Warm and on level ground, idling for the measurement. Take a short drive first so the oil reaches operating temperature, then check on flat ground — a cold or sloping reading won’t be accurate.

It won’t give a reading — why?

Normally the engine isn’t warm enough, the car isn’t level, or it needs to idle longer. Correct those and re-measure. If it still won’t return a figure after several proper tries, have the oil level sensor checked.

How much is “add oil”?

The display tells you the amount — up to about a litre between minimum and maximum. Add a little, re-check, and stop at the top of the range. Small top-ups with a re-measure between them are the safe way to avoid going over.

Can I overfill it with no dipstick?

Yes, and the car flags it with an overfilled result. An overfilled engine can be damaged, so if you see that, drain the excess off rather than leave it in.

How often should I check the oil?

Every few weeks and before long journeys is sensible. The electronic gauge makes it a quick job, so there’s no need to wait for a service, and regular checks catch any oil use early.

If a warning light appeared, look up the code on autodtcs.com. To clear a service reminder after an oil change, see our 1 Series F20 service reset guide.