On an 03 MCS, where is the maximum oil level on the dipstick? Is it the top of the hatched area on the dipstick or is it the top of the yellow bit of the dipstick?
I've had major problems yesterday by adding too much oil and it was drained late last night, but I still think the level is too high as it is at the top of the yellow bit. The manual doesn't clarify it for me.
That is correct. But to get a proper reading the engine must be at normal operating temperature. Take it for a spin, park on a level surface and then check it.
someone else will confirm, but i believe its the top of the hatchd part only, i topped mine up last week and have had no problems etc. although the handbook does not help with this as the dipstick it describes is nothing like mine as they say it has a max mark on it and a min, which i did not
urrr...actually the level should be checked when the engine is cold and not just aftr it has been used. If the engine has been left sitting then the levels are correct as most if not nearly all oil is in the resevior...if the engine has just been used its lying on all the surfaces so will read incorrrectly. should be between the hatchings on the yellow bit of dip stick.
Traditionally you should check your oil level when the engine is cold but many manufacturers now say to check it when it's warm. It's certainly not warm outside which is why i'm not bothering to go out to the car to check my handbook to see who's right!
OK I'm now very confused!!! When it was cold and not used, the level was at the top of the yellow part of the dipstick. I then drove it, waited 10 mins and re-checked it and the level was at the top of the hatched area. Is this correct?
I'm sure my 52 handbook says to check cold?! Will look tonight. Basically all my previous cars and my haynes manual always said park the car up on the level and let the engine settle. Check the oil when cool so that the oil thats been whizzed round the engine is now in the bottom. The level should be within the crosshatched area of your dipstick. Over filling is not the end of the worrl as the car will cope...not the best plan but it'll be ok in the main. Best to drain some if you can. I would say that it should be at the top of the cross hatch when cold and nearerr the bottom of the cross hatch when warm. At no point should it be above or below the cross hatching.
Looking at my manual, it says check on a level surface and switch engine off at operating engine temperature. Wait for approx 5 mins then take dipstick out, wipe then put back in and check.
Most manufacturers warn against overfilling. Indeed they prefer that the level is run below the upper mark on the dip stick. One reason for this is that, on engines with cambelts rather than a chain, the oil can get onto the cambelt and cause premature failure.
Far better to run an engine with the oil around the mid point on the dip stick than keep trying to top up. On the R56 MINI have gone further and advised to only top up when a yellow light indicates it is necessary.
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URGENT HELP PLEASE - engine oil level? 
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