This is a quote from the BMW instructions "To check the fluid level. Warm up the engine and transmission by driving around. Set the OBC test to 7 to read the engine temperature. When the temperature reaches 100°C, park the car on a level pad with the emergency brake on, the engine running, and the Transmission in PARK. Check the fluid level is at the top notch." I can be found in a link from the first post in this topic at the bottom of the page. It also states to read the dipstick at "normal operating temperature"
I would think 100°C is about normal operating temperature. While the cost of this is about the same as taking the car into a shop for a oil change, once done it would be easy to do a drain and refill every 30k to 40K miles.

 

Wasn’t awake, of course the oil needs to be much hotter, as it needs to rise higher than the original fill point with the new dipstick.

 

I will refill with the exact amount of fluid collected (room temperature), 3 liters at least will come out of the removed plug hole, as stated in the instructions. The dipstick will reach well below the fluid level with that much fluid lost since it's installed at that same location. Fluid is down to 10 bucks CAD now, half the price it used to be. This is almost enough money saved to pay for the dispstick cost. Gonna to jack the cat today, just to take a good look.

 

I installed the dip stick last week and changed the filter and oil this morning. The Dipstick isn't quite as easy as I hoped. It needed a little "tweaking" which I did in a vice. It Will fit after about 30 minutes of a "bend" here and a "Pull" there. The whole thing took about 2 hours. Nothing terrible, just not a great fit. Changing the filter and oil was a snap. 90 minutes and I rotated the tires. I plan on changing the fluid every 30 K miles and that should be a 30 minute job.

 

I just finished the job, yes a few bendings but it took me more than 2 hours, turning 60 soon. I was not satisfied of the tube position first but it's mild steel and quite easy to bend. The fluid after 48,000 miles still looks good. Now I know what this beast has under the belly .


I left a few pics here:
'97 dipstick mod | Facebook

 

I tested the installation this morning. I first checked the level before starting the engine (cold). No reading engine off, the bars are smeered with oil. With the transmission cold and engine running, level was very visible, one notch below the top mark. With running engine at operating temperature (20km ride), I could not get a readout, still smeered. Engine off same thing.

Second reading was quite realistic since I lost 1/2 to 3/4 quart during the installation. I will workout a refence point, at least I have something now. I did bend the bottom part a bit (goes along the transmission) but It was too close to the electronic module originally (for me).


First pic shows the tip covered with thin coat of fluid. The few stains on the white cotton are from the fluid. Otherwise very difficult to see.

This kit might not be perfect but it's the best update I put on my car since the tensionner era.

thank you ///MEuroSport

 

Has anybody ever had contact with the guy that makes the dipstick conversion? I've emailed him 3 times about my order, but he just doesn't respond. I just want to know if he got my order and when it will ship!

 

I had good communication with him but thas was four years ago... Bonne chance!

 

Did your dipstick conversion turn up? I'm wondering as his site is still up and I'm contemplating putting an order in myself but obviously I won't if you were let down.

 

It's been on the car for five years and I have no complaint at all.

 

Mine finally arrived and it is installed. He does absolutely top notch work, but with me, he wasn't a very good communicator. Total turn around time was in the neighborhood of 5 months. I talked to him once and and he was having supplier problems, but said they were easing up. I'd say go for it, the tube fit perfectly.

 

That's excellent, thank you both, I've put an order in. Though hopefully it won't take 5 months to come.

 

I think I have the same issue, he doesn't return his email questions. I think I will just order one and take my chances.

 

I've heard nothing yet. Let's keep each other posted.

 

Will do Bill, I'm picking mine up in Maine so in theory I will have mine first.

 

Picking it up? That's interesting. See if he has a big pile of them. I asked him to acknowledge receipt of the payment and to give me a clue when it might come, and I've had nothing. The car's on blocks for a load of work so it'll be a shame if it turns up just after I lower it. He's got web presence so I'm sure a message shouldn't be beyond him.

 

I believe he is located in Pennsylvania, I'm just having shipped to my Post Office box in Maine to avoid customs. I never received a confirmation of order or an answer to any of my emails. I took a leap of faith since several others here have had good luck with getting one. I hope it doesn't take too long as I have a list of work to be completed before Spring driving season starts.

 

I'm following.

 

I heard from Tom at Euro Sport this morning! XK8 dipsticks are being put together starting today and shipping on March 4th. If you want one, today would be a good day to order.

 

It's still not available for the 6 speed ZF though, right ?