Slight rust on dipstick

[Quattro Pete]

The dipstick on my 530i appears slightly rusty in certain area. It feels a bit rough when sliding a paper towel over it. The rusty part is about 5-7 inches above the max oil level mark, so it probably never comes in contact with the oil. I am guessing it's just water vapor that's in there that causes things to rust over time. After all, it's 10 years old.

Does it make sense to get a new dipstick (they're not expensive) or is this absolutely nothing to worry about?

I'm wondering if the rust can affect UOA results, alas, again, I don't think the oil from the sump sloshes so high up the dipstick tube to actually wash over the rusty part.

Yeah, yeah, I should find more important things to worry about, but this is BITOG after all.

 

[NHGUY]

Replace it.If you ever sell and someone sees that rust,they will nitpick you on price due to percieved lack of maintenance.

 

[Lead Shoes]

If it is bothering you that much get some 2 or 3k grit sand paper and lightly sand it off and clean the stick off very well to ensure no grit or metal particles from the sanding make it into the engine.

I wouldn't worry about it at all.

 

[SuperDave456]

Sand it off and wipe it down real well with an oily rag.
Just try to wipe all the loose particles off after you sand.

I don't see a reason to get a new dipstick.

 

[Lead Shoes]

If you go the route of buying a new stick I can assure you BMW will give you the shaft at the parts counter for it...

 

[Quattro Pete]

Brenden, Mr. funny man.

 

[Charlie1935]

And a new one may already be rusty. Could be standard equipment.

 

[SLCraig]

I would not worry about it too much, my Saturn's dipstick had a little bit of rust on it too. I am sure it was not causing any harm.

 

[Phishin]

I think this is a sign that possibly your PCV system is clogged somewhere.

Check you valve. Does it rattle? I usually take mine out every 10k miles and just squirt the heck out of it with carb cleaner or brake cleaner. Then shake out the excess.

Check the vacuum hose from the valve to your intake.

Finally, start your car with the vacuum hose disconnected from the intake and use your finger to see if there is a good vacuum there.

If the system is functioning properly, it should suck all those water molecules (by-products from combustion) out of your engine and stuff 'em back through your engine for another round of burning.

It's been my experience that a rusty dip stick is a good sign that the PCV system is either clogged or leaking somewhere.

 

[abycat]

Id say it doesnt affect uoa at all. Im guessing the oil does not touch it hence the rust on it. If it were my versa id get a new stick just cause im anally retentive with the nissan. But the other two i would not bother.

 

[hypervish]

I agree with the others, sand it off.

 

[Trajan]

Could try some 0000 steel wool. Took some light rust off my Beretta.

 

[Quattro Pete]

I've got some 000 steel wool sitting around. Hopefully it's not too coarse to use.

 

[Quattro Pete]

Originally Posted By: Phishin
I think this is a sign that possibly your PCV system is clogged somewhere.

This car has a CCV, not sure if there's a difference. It's a major PITA to get to, but I had it replaced some time ago. The rust on the dipstick has been there for years, too.

I guess I'll try sanding the dipstick down for now.

 

[djb]

Originally Posted By: Phishin
I think this is a sign that possibly your PCV system is clogged somewhere.


BMW's don't have PCV valves. The crankcase and valve space are kept at a relative vacuum, with no intentional air intake that requires a one-way valve.

One effect of this design is that a BMW engine idles poorly if the oil fill cap is removed, while an engine with a PCV valve generally operates fine with crankcase air leaks.

 

[01rangerxl]

I've seen a few rusty dipsticks, so it's probably not a huge deal.

How does the dipstick seal in the tube? O-ring? Might want to check that.

 

[Quattro Pete]

Originally Posted By: 01rangerxl
How does the dipstick seal in the tube? O-ring? Might want to check that.

The seal is good. It actually takes quite a bit of effort to break the seal when removing the dipstick from the tube.

 

[KrisZ]

I would just sand it off, like others recommended.

 

[OtisBlkR1]

Sand it.. or ignore it.. but dont waste money on replacing it..

 

[Volvohead]

Originally Posted By: Quattro Pete
The dipstick on my 530i appears slightly rusty in certain area. . . .

Does it make sense to get a new dipstick (they're not expensive) or is this absolutely nothing to worry about?


Certain engines are very prone to this, depending on how the D-stick tube is run, and the stick material and shape. You're correct that it's a condensate issue.

I can tell you it affects a lot of early white block Volvos, too. The upper D-stick on our '97 is covered with rust, yet we are meticulous with maintenance and you can eat off the top end. I'll occasionally sand it off. The business end is spotless, so I don't worry about it.

I'd buy a spare for if you decide to sell the car. Slip the new one in when you show it. If it makes you feel better, drop a new one in now. But I wouldn't otherwise give it a second thought. It shouldn't hurt a thing.