Which Side???

[TheRiver]

When I check oil;  most often, one side of the dipstick reads higher and one side reads lower.  Sometimes by as much as 1/2".  Which side should I take as the "TRUE" oil level???   That said also....................sometimes I'll check a week later and the dipstick reads higher than the previous time.  Same level garage floor also!!!  Always checked cold on an overnight sit too.

[PFTX_5.3]

3 hours ago, TheRiver said:

When I check oil;  most often, one side of the dipstick reads higher and one side reads lower.  Sometimes by as much as 1/2".  Which side should I take as the "TRUE" oil level???   That said also....................sometimes I'll check a week later and the dipstick reads higher than the previous time.  Same level garage floor also!!!  Always checked cold on an overnight sit too.

I always read the dipstick on the "high side" (hash marks towards the drivers side) after wiping it off and sticking it back in. I'd rather be a little high than a little low.

Edited February 29, 2024 by PFTX_5.3

[rav3]

BMW says to check oil when it hot (operating temp) since the oil expands when hot. Makes sense to me.

I have the same issue as you except I don't think it's a 1/2" difference.  And I hate the location on the 5.3 as it's hard for me to even reach & I'm about 5' 10" now. I keep thinking the older I get. lol I'll be too short to reach it in a couple years!

Edited March 1, 2024 by rav3

[PFTX_5.3]

1 hour ago, rav3 said:

Bmw says to check oil when it hot (operating temp) since the oil expands when hot. Makes since to me.

I have the same issue as you except I don't think it's a 1/2" difference.  And I hate the location on the 5.3 as it's hard for me to even reach & I'm about 5' 10" now. I keep thinking the older I get. lol I'll be too short to reach it in a couple years!

I hear you with reaching it, I'm 5'7" on a good day. It was a struggle with the truck being stock much less after the level and ranchhand. I keep a step ladder in the shop and have to use it to get to any part of the back half of the engine.

[Niklasbraun]

As far as I know, it's best to take the lower reading as the more accurate one. This helps prevent overfilling your engine, which can lead to some headaches down the road. But that's just my take on it!
As for the fluctuations in oil level, it's normal for oil levels to shift a bit, due to factors like temperature and engine usage.