Check the Oil Level (No Dipstick)

Last updated: June 6, 2026

The BMW 1 Series Mk3 (F40, 2019–present) has no dipstick — you check the engine oil level electronically through iDrive. Here’s how to get an accurate reading and what it means.

Why There’s No Dipstick

A sensor in the sump measures the oil and the car reports it on screen. It only reads accurately with the engine warm, the car on level ground, and after idling a moment so the oil settles.

How to Check the Oil Level on the F40

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

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, oil must be drained off — an overfilled engine can be damaged.
• If it can’t measure, the engine isn’t warm/level or hasn’t idled long enough.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the dipstick on the F40?

There isn’t one — the oil level is read electronically via iDrive (Vehicle status → Engine oil).

Engine warm or cold?

Warm and on level ground, idling for the measurement.

It won’t give a reading — why?

The engine isn’t warm enough, the car isn’t level, or it needs to idle longer.

How much is “add oil”?

The display tells you the amount (up to about a litre between min and max). Add a little, re-check, stop at the top of the range.

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 F40 service reset guide.