Accuracy and reliability of on board "vehicle status"?

[torquedemon]

How accurate and reliable are the readings of the TPM (Tire pressure monitor), Engine Oil levels, front/rear brake pads, brake fluid etc...?? All these readings can be found in the "main menu > vehicle info > vehicle status" option (idk about non-navigation spec'd cars). I know there have been threads discussing manual dipstick vs. Electronic gauge and some people raised concerns about the accuracy of the electronic gauge...

I am at 3,500 miles and the car hasn't asked for any oil yet. The electronic gauge shows the oil at max every time I check. Are people actually seeing the level decrease gradually, or does it show as max and then, one day, request oil? Has anyone had to fill oil even when the gauge doesn't show it? Has anyone experienced low tire pressure while the TPM doesn't show it?? What about the brake pad monitors? I am still in the early stages of the life of my brake pads and I know they are fine but has anyone had to replace pads while the computer doesn't say it? What problems, if any are you all having with the on-board electronic gauges??

[marcel b]

the oil level will go down gradually, no worries. min level means 1l needs to be added. When adding fluid it can take 10-15 driving time before the bew level is measured and displayed correctly. so be patient.

Brake pads wear works fine as well. There are sensors in the brake pads (one per axle) which measure the thickness of the pad. Based on your milage it projects the remaining milage.

[EmmDrei]

Seems as accurate in the 1M as in the other BMWs before that. The only problem I have personally experienced thus far was a tire pressure sensor that would act up every now and again on the M3. Other than that, as Marcel wrote, works fine. I'd still prefer to check my oil the old fashioned way, though. I'm old.

[M3 Adjuster]

I have always found these systems to be accurate. The brake sensor is one per axle, so at times, the side opposite where the sensor is may have a little more wear, but unless you have an older car with a failing/sticking caliper, they are usually pretty close.

Fuel sensors since my e30m3 have been dead accurate. One can drive down to under 9-10 miles left on the remaining distance gauge.

The E dipstick is new to me, but seems to me it is accurate, plus it will let you know the moment the oil level has dropped as opposed to the day the driver checks under the hood. That's probably best for all of us, but many old timers want a dipstick, and I have to agree that for adding oil, I will probably wish it was there just for the ease of immediately checking what you added. I haven't had to add oil yet, and I have about 3k on my car with at least 15 track sessions. I noticed that my recommended next oil change date dropped from 11,000 miles to 8000 miles after 10 sessions on track at TWS last weekend.

The 1M is a sophisticated lady!

[Pete_vB]

Originally Posted by M3 Adjuster

Fuel sensors since my e30m3 have been dead accurate. One can drive down to under 9-10 miles left on the remaining distance gauge.

So far I've noted than when the 1M says zero miles I can only fit ~12 gallons into the tank before overflow, meaning there are roughly 2 gallons still in the tank if the 14 gallon tank specification is to be believed. I don't know how much of the remaining 2 gallons is usable, but I do know for a fact that you can get to zero miles remaining and still magically have fuel to drive- the question is how far?

[M3 Adjuster]

Well.. i ran my E30 M3 out of fuel once with the reading somewhere under 10 miles. on that car it went to an ominous ------ after 10 miles. I was on a hill... and the car stalled and died. I managed to let it roll back and got it to re-fire... and promptly pulled it into a nearby lot and got some more fuel.

[v1k0d3n]

Originally Posted by M3 Adjuster

Well.. i ran my E30 M3 out of fuel once with the reading somewhere under 10 miles. on that car it went to an ominous ------ after 10 miles. I was on a hill... and the car stalled and died. I managed to let it roll back and got it to re-fire... and promptly pulled it into a nearby lot and got some more fuel.

haha! dude...that sucks! made me laugh though.

[1SerieStud]

A little off topic but you have 3500 miles already??? You got your car a week after I did and you have 1500 miles on me...just turned 2000 today. Holy driving!!

[M3 Adjuster]

Originally Posted by v1k0d3n

haha! dude...that sucks! made me laugh though.

Hehehee... it could have been a lot worse.. I was being silly and trying to get to my favorite gas station near my home.. and I was about 2 miles away. It only happened to me that one time, so I learned from the experience...

[speedyjoe]

If I change to aftermarket brake kit (thinking of AP), will the brake sensor still working?

[torquedemon]

Originally Posted by 1SerieStud

A little off topic but you have 3500 miles already??? You got your car a week after I did and you have 1500 miles on me...just turned 2000 today. Holy driving!!

Haha, yea man I am practically living in this car. I cant stop driving it, and the more I drive, the more it reveals its amazing attributes...I find myself waking up in the middle of the night just to go for a spin...3,768 today