BMW R1200RT/R1250RT Forum

Hi all, I can't make out the oil level on the glass eye. I have an 07 RT and it is on the centre stand, however when I shine the light on the window all I see is a light brown murky colour. I cleaned the glass but can't see any oil level. Would this likely mean that the level is low or high? Any suggestions?

try putting bike on sidestand, if your over full it might now show a level less than full
If your convinced there’s no oil on sight gauge, return bike to center stand and add 1/2 liter then check sight gauge again, keeping adding oil till you see it in window


Jim

The light brown murky colour is likely to be dirty oil, when was it last changed?

If you cannot see the metal back of the sight glass, then the oil level is too high.

As an example, this photo shows an oil level between the min. & max. levels.

Thanks for both replies. I'll try the first suggestion although I suspect as David said, there is too much oil in there and i can't see the level which should be about half, as the pic shows. May end up doing a full oil change anyhow. Last done October 17.

Mrb1 wrote:May end up doing a full oil change anyhow. Last done October 17.

What mileage has the oil done?

If it's thought that the oil is particularly dirty, might be worth considering using an engine flush, https://products.liqui-moly.com/2-wheel ... flush.html

Thanks David, I think I'll add this to flush the engine. The mileage since last service is quite average I guess- about 5k. Just to check..it is best to check level after having run the engine for a bit? When I last checked the bike was run and left for a bit of time so probably should have checked soon after.

This is what the owners manual of the LC model says about how to check the oil level.

Recently paid Cooper BMW at Sunderland £60 (labour only) to do what was effectively an oil & filter change on my 2012 TC.
Even they can't get the oil level correct, the sight glass if full, with the level above the max. when the engine is cold.

The Rider's Manual says, "If the oil level is above the MAX mark:
Have the oil level corrected by a specialist workshop, preferably an authorised BMW Motorrad dealer."

Preferably one who knows what they are doing!

No doubt if anything goes wrong with the engine, they'll say "there's too much oil in it", backed up by a video.
Plus, the customer supplied own parts & oil.

Why can't dealers get it right. Makes me wonder if they cannot get a simple oil change right what else do they get wrong. The only service my dealer did was the 600 mile one and they put too much oil in the final drive. Manual States no more than 180 ml. They overfilled put 200 ml. Ever since then I do all my own work. That way I know its done properly.