D2k

Every 500-750 miles the oil light comes on and I visit the dealer for a courtesy oil top off. However, when I check the dipstick at home it is usually only filled to around the 1/4 mark. I've added a full quart one time and I still think that only brought me to the 3/4 mark if I'm not mistaken. Is it worth it to top it off to the MAX line myself considering the dealer offers free topoffs and is only a 10 min drive away? My guess is they are only topping it off until they can see the level above the MIN line (maybe hoping the customer will fill it to the MAX line him/herself if they ever get tired of dropping in for more oil).

On the plus side I am on a first name basis with a couple of the service guys.

Divot

Personally, I'd buy a quart of oil before I went to the dealer, but that's just me.

mcbit

I figure there's about 1.5 litres between Max & Min. When the oil light illuminates in my CTT it takes 1 litre to take it to spot on the max line.

No HTwo O

Well, ask the dealer to top-off to max line, so you don't have to drive in again as soon. All he/she can say is "no". Better to be under filled than over-filled.

GTS Jay

It doesn't need to be at the max line. The oil is considered full when it's anywhere between the 2 lines. I wouldn't worry about it but if it will make you feel better (and believe me, I can relate to automotive OCD) go ahead and go to the max line with it...

Slow Guy

I agree with your first statement but don't agree with the bolded statement.

To the OP, if you have a dipstick why don't you fill it at home or at the gas station? If you're only 10 min. from the dealer they may know the vehicle is not fully warm yet to get an accurate reading. If you want, just let them do the "preliminary fill" then when you get gas top it off with your oil. Personally I only fill mine to the 3/4 full position on the dipstick and by the time I change oil (at about 7,500 mi) it's still above the 1/2 mark. (It uses less than 1/4 qt. per 7,500 mi) I've never added oil between changes.

I use 5w40, not 0w40 in mine too.

GTS Jay

Good point - I should have said "...considered full enough..."

D2k

Thx guys. I can prob fit in at least another quart after I visit the dealer so may do that. They use 0w40 so that's what I've been using. They told me 1 quart every 500 miles for a turbo is not uncommon.

gte

I just spoke to the dealer yesterday about oil (wasn't sure if I was supposed to use 0-40 or 5-40). He told me DO NOT fill to max line. Anything between the lines is fine according to him.

Slow Guy

Why? I understand not overfilling it but why shouldn't you fill it to the "full" line?

No HTwo O

I agree with you (for late model Porsches, not air-cooled) that full is full, and a good thing. I think the problem with the digital oil gauges, is that when it is over-filled, you have no clue how much over. Could be 1/10th of a quart or a whole quart over-filled. You just don't know because the gauge stops reading at one bar over.

911SLOW

The oil level on the oil dipstick must never be below the MIN mark or above the MAX mark.
The difference in quantity between the marks for the CTT is 1.5 litre.

The total filling capacity is : 8.75 litres.

After changing the oil, the oil level must be checked on the dipstick.
The engine must have reached its operating temperature, car must stand horizontally. The engine must be switched off.
Before measuring, allow engine oil to flow back into the oil pan for approximately 3 minutes.


The dealer that said that is wrong to fill to max line is wrong. The WM is clear:
"If the range is below Min. mark: refill engine oil up to Max. mark"..

Slow Guy

Yes, on both my 993's and even my '88 911 their "happy place" was pretty much smack dab in the middle of the "full" and "add" marks on the dipstick. You could fill it to the full mark but it would burn off very quickly until it got to about 1/2 way down, then stop. Drove me nuts when I first got the '88.

touareg

replace your drain plug

No HTwo O

^Touareg, what's the backstory with your avatar?