I don't really consider myself a member of the International Dipstick Lovers Society, but our long-term 2009 Audi S5 has me considering an application for instatement.
It was easy enough to find the oil level menu in MMI, but I found it strange that what you see above was displayed, oh, four minutes after shutting down the fully warmed engine while parked on level ground.
So I re-started it for a bit and re-checked again a couple minutes later. Same screen. Hmm.
Maybe I'm doing it wrong. So I *gasp* consulted the owner's manual. To check the oil. Yes, you read that correctly.
Here's what it said:
No surprises here. Hmm. So I checked Hal one last time, and was rewarded with some kind of success:
Couldn't it just have displayed this screen in the first place?
A normal dipstick is fine with me. Call me a luddite if it makes you feel better.
Now send me my IDLS badge. And get those damn kids off my lawn.
Jason Kavanagh, Engineering Editor
stovt001 says:
04:04 PM, 03/17/10
Welcome to the club. We're glad to have you. And as a bonus, you can use the dipstick to drive the kids off your lawn. Your choice whether to use it as a prod or whip.
ddoouugg says:
04:09 PM, 03/17/10
I thought the electronic meter would make it easier to check your oil not harder. Dippy please
wobbly_ears says:
04:29 PM, 03/17/10
Think with your dipstick Jason!!
hans007 says:
04:51 PM, 03/17/10
i have an A4, and have read on online forums other people who hate this. apparently the dipstick from a GTI will fit in the spot on the A4/A5 /S5 and is "close enough" as far as oil level.
there is some special stick for $170 for dealerships... which is almost exactly the same. the engine still has a dipstick spot, but audi in their infinite wisdom decided to just put a plastic cap there instead of an actual dipstick.
carguy622 says:
05:02 PM, 03/17/10
See! It's all fun and games until something goes wrong!
jederino says:
05:20 PM, 03/17/10
Has anyone experienced oil consumption of up to 1/2 Quart in 600 miles as stated in the manual in an Audi or any new performance vehicle? I calculate that my G35 consumes 7 oz in 600 miles, which seemed high.
hybris says:
08:53 PM, 03/17/10
I'll take dip stick too please.
I have yet hear about a computer oil check that will tell me if I have metal shavings in my oil or something else along those lines.
stingray454 says:
06:19 AM, 03/18/10
I like these electronic oil level monitors, however there should be a traditional dipstick available too as a backup.
@jederino - that is high. My '03 G35 coupe didn't consume any oil, although I only had it from new to 23k miles.
mrryte says:
06:40 AM, 03/18/10
stingray454 says:
"I like these electronic oil level monitors, however there should be a traditional dipstick available too as a backup."
+100. All these electronannies are just making vehicle owners more and more complacent.
And the owner shouldn't have to RTFM to check the oil.
bimmerjay says:
02:38 PM, 03/18/10
Luddite!!
You know I do feel better.
funkymunky says:
04:55 PM, 03/18/10
That's what I call "overtech." Trying to make things more convenient and mucking it up. My favorite example: the fact that when you turn up the volume on a TV, you get a visual display of it. Isn't it enough that you can hear it GETTING LOUDER? But it's an industry standard.
cr_driver says:
06:22 PM, 03/18/10
Turn up the volume on a radio and you get a display
On a celular phone, u get a display
On a car radio and u get a display
Etc
So whats your deal?