Another checking the oil level question

kenmat · 06-12-2005, 02:44 PM

Yes, I did the search first. After reading the manual it states that in extreme low temps, it can take up to 12 hours for the oil to drain into the sump. Therefore, I would assume that if my bike has been sitting on the centerstand for a day that the sight level glass would show the proper reading. Am I correct?

BMW Atlanta · 06-12-2005, 02:53 PM

Kind of correct. What is most important is you follow the same routine everytime you check the oil. What I have found to be the most accurate is to park the boxer on the sidestand hot immediately after riding. Let sit on the sidestand for up to 5 minutes and then put the bike on the centerstand or stand it up straight to check the oil level. These BMW Boxers have a thermostatic oil cooler which typically flows in weather over 60 degrees or so. By parking the bike on the sidestand for 5 minutes, you are allowing all the oil to drain out of the oil cooler properly whereas if the bike is put onto the centerstand immediately after shutting the engine off,......some oil will hide in the oil cooler as its design does not allow all the oil to drain unless tilted to the side.

Steve Carlton · 06-12-2005, 03:45 PM

Would you say it's about 250-300ccs that hides in the cooler either by going straight to the centerstand or not warming it up enough?

Also, how much oil above the red circle becomes a problem? What is it that happens if there's too much oil in there?

alq2 · 06-12-2005, 04:03 PM

Bobby,
Does this mean that the oil coolers/lines from the S, R, GS etc... all carry the same amount of oil?

BMW Atlanta · 06-12-2005, 04:15 PM

the R1150R and R1200C are the exception. Their oil cooler lines are routed differently and do not trap oil like the others when placed immediately on a centerstand.

BMW Atlanta · 06-12-2005, 04:18 PM

I have found about 1 cup to hide in my oil cooler if placed on the centerstand immediately after the motor has been ran (hot or cold). Just keep oil present in the sight glass. Over filling will,..in time increase the possibility of rear main seal failure and shoving oil into places it shouldnt be. I aim to keep my oil at half sight glass.

shovelstrokeed · 06-12-2005, 05:07 PM

You guys might want to try my method. Park bike on side stand. Look into sight glass. If you can see oil, your good to go, screw the level when on the center stand.

The freaking thing holds 3.75 quarts of oil. The sight glass shows the top 16 oz between the center dot and the bottom of the glass while on the center stand. Who gives a red rat's butt if your a 1/2 quart low. The motor certainly doesn't. I have gotten so I don't even look anymore. My S doesn't burn enough oil between changes to make a difference.

SergioK · 06-12-2005, 05:15 PM

Speaking of which, does anyone know at that temp the thermostat opens at? I guess I could look in the ETK and see if it's marked or not.

Steve Carlton · 06-12-2005, 05:39 PM

If you run the motor briefly so as not to open the thermostat, won't the oil stay in the cooler even if you park it on the sidestand?

SergioK · 06-12-2005, 06:06 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Steve Carlton
If you run the motor briefly so as not to open the thermostat, won't the oil stay in the cooler even if you park it on the sidestand?

As per my understanding, that is correct.

BMW Atlanta · 06-12-2005, 08:25 PM

correct, the thermostat acts like a valve in the case of the oil cooler.

Ed has a semi valid point, however those Germans usually have a reason for their design. In fact most of the Boxer Cup race bikes were not using but 2 1/2+ quarts upon a fresh oil change for race day. The less oil the less weight and less effect the small crankcase volume has on the performance on the motor. When youre racing a spec class every little bit helps, but not advisable on a street bike. I like keeping mine in the bottom half of the sight glass though, no need to fascinate on keeping it topped off and it seems to burn oil more rapidly the more the oil thats in it.