Originally Posted By: HTSS_TR
Can you guys explain why newer AUDI vehicles have the tube but not include the dipstick in the vehicle, so that some owners must pay few dollars for it ? Isn't it cost cutting ?
Why MB still have dipstick and tube for changing the oil with a fluid extractor, and at the same time MB has as a sophisticate oil level monitor as any ?
I saw a Youtube video about changing oil in a newer BMW, it was real mess doing it with drain plug compares with using an extractor.
If VW vehicles don't have dip stick and tube, I understand saving a few bucks is importance for low end vehicles, but for premium vehicles $5-10 is nothing to cut corner.
The oil level sensor is necessary to warn you about the low oil level on the information panel and to avoid damage to the engine due to very low levels.
The owner can get the tube and dipstick installed if he or she wants it. Most of the drivers of these cars in the US do not do DIY so there is really no point to include them with the cars. For the leased vehicles, the service is included. For the owners, you can just take the car to the dealer when the car tells you to get the oil changed. These are very low maintenance vehicles -- look at the service schedule and there is basically nothing that needs to be done for the first 100k of ownership (oil change once a year, brake fluid drain every 2 years, coolant flush, air filter change and spark plug change every 50k or so and that's it).