i just took my 8 to the dealership for its first scheduled maintenance. i checked the oil and the level was above full (maybe 1/4 - 1/2 inch). should i be worried? i always think that i'm not waiting long enough after i shut off the car to check the oil (about 5 minutes after a short drive, enough to get to operating temp). but should the level EVER be above full? maybe i should take a longer drive before checking?

 

The duration of any drive has nothing to do with oil level readings. As long as the car has been shut off for 5 minutes or more--it can be totally cold if you like--the level will reflect the actual level of the oil. In other words, you can check the oil anytime after the engine has been shut off for about 5 minutes or so. It won't change if you check it again in 3 hours, or 4 hours, or etc.--try it.

As to your question about overfilling, the dealerships are notorious for that and it is not a good idea. If the level is what you cite, don't fret. It's not gonna cause any problems. Any more than that and I would suggest you remove a little or take the car back to the dealership and have them do it. Next time either do the oil change yourself or make sure the tech knows that you want the oil level to be at the top mark and that you will check it before leaving the shop. If you are not comfortable changing the oil yourself, have a look at the DIY for that topic and give it a try.

 

the oil level stops when the stick becomes round again. low enough to not worry?

 

I wouldn't worry about that much over full, you will probably burn that in 500 miles or so anyway. I would worry in a piston engine with that much over, but since their isn't a crank sloshing the oil around on a rotary you should be fine.

 

Well, I don't happen to have a dipstick in front of me to see what you mean, so my previous comment applies based your reported approximate measurement. If it REALLY bothers you, go to an auto parts store and buy a little hand pump that can be used to pump oil out through the dipstick. Snake the small diameter vinyl hose into the dipstick tube and pump away. I would estimate, based on your measurement, that you are overfull by about half a quart.

 

My worst overfill is 1.2 litres more, it didn't cause any problem but there are cases where people having oil in their intake filter due to overfill.