Quote:
Originally Posted by LiquidTurbo
Check it when it's cold and when your car is level. When your car is running and warm, the oil pump has been running and residual oil will be in the engine internals rather than in the sump.
The dipstick is a measure of the oil in the sump. It's also easier to see when the engine is cold.
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Unless you have a drainage problem in your block, the amount of oil left in the engine after 5 minutes of an engine being shut off is pretty miniscule.
My MS3's manual outlines the following procedure to check the oil (verbatim):
1. Be sure the vehicle is on a level surface.
2. Warm up the engine to normal operating temperature.
3. Turn it off and wait at least 5 minutes for the oil to return to the oil pan.
4. Pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, and reinsurt fully.
5. Pull it out again and examine the level.
My Ranger's manual also says to warm the engine, then let sit for 5 minutes for oil to drain to pan.
See a trend?