Oil not full after oil change.

[Riley1524]

So, I've changed my oil many times, but yesterday I noticed that after changing the oil and adding 7 quarts of the BMW recommended oil, the indicator shows a notch just below full. I've checked many times to be sure there are no leaks from the drain plug and around the filter. I also haven't noticed any oil on my garage floor from maybe a valve cover gasket leak or rear seal. Maybe the monitoring is off a little? I've driven around and it hasn't dropped, don't smell any burn't oil and the car runs great.. Should I be worried?

[Dackelone]

Did you check the oil when the engine was fully warmed up? Sometimes I have noticed that the oil level shows slightly low until the engine is fully warmed up.

[Riley1524]

Yes, I check it after ive driven around a good while.

[HawkeyeNS]

The indicator on my car always shows one notch below full. It has been doing this since the first oil change. The first time it happened I went back to the dealer and they added nearly another quart, it still showed one notch below full and they don't know why.

[Riley1524]

My car has 54,000 miles on it and this is the first time its done it. The only thing that I did different this time was I installed a magnetic drain plug I bought from Bavarian, but that surely couldn't cause it. I also drain every bit of oil by letting it sit level for 30 min.and drain and then jacking the driver side up as far as I can to drain the rest. Its really weird, but I guess its better to be not as full then over filling it.