Oil level after service

[DRC27Wash]

Should I expect the MMI to show oil level as full after an service?

[Mark M.]

I know I would.

[Magnet]

Can you tell us where yours is reading then David. 

[DRC27Wash]

Pic 4717 was taken after a stop for 30 mins after picking it up.

Pic 4730 was taken this morning.

Pretty sure I’ve got an oil leak, to back that up there is also a burnt oil smell in the cabin.

Any thoughts what the problem may be?

I am seriously considering taking it back for a refund.

[Magnet]

Thanks David, not so much a refund, but to arrange with whoever serviced the car to sort the issue out. 
Can we take it there wasn’t this issue with it before it was serviced? 
Kind regards,

Gareth.

p.s. You need to ensure you top up p/ recheck the oil before taking it back. 

[cliffcoggin]

5 hours ago, DRC27Wash said:

I am seriously considering taking it back 

Don't just consider it, do it.

[DRC27Wash]

Does the Q7 have a dip stick? If there is one I can’t see it.

Have been checking the oil level after cooling down for a couple of hours on the MMI, it’s dropped from 3/4 when I collected it, to as low as 2/5.

There is a smell in the cabin I believe is burning oil.

[Mark M.]

If you can't see an obvious dipstick then it's almost certain that you have a really helpful bung instead of one.

I got an adjustable dipstick for my Q5 as it didn't come with one and I prefer it to trusting an electronic sensor.

[DRC27Wash]

Hi Gareth,

I say refund because of the smell and potential oil leak not the resultant oil level from servicing.

Any idea why else could it be dropping so quickly?

Cheers,

Dave

[Mark M.]

Oil is going to be leaking out of the engine somewhere, or being burnt inside of it, they're the only ways the oil level is going to drop.

 

I'd go back to the seller (I'm assuming it was trade) and tell them your concerns, depending on how long you've had it will dictate what you can do with it.

If it's within 30 days then you have a right to reject the car if it's faulty, not as described or not fit for purpose. 30 days to six months the seller has to attempt a repair or replacement but if that's not satisfactory you can still pursue a refund.

Over six months it's all on you to prove it was faulty since purchase.

[DRC27Wash]

Yes it was px trade on Friday April 18th.

Do I have to give them a chance of repairing it or, as it is within 2-3 days insist the deal is reverted and I can have my car back (assuming they still have it)?

[Mark M.]

https://www.thecarexpert.co.uk/rejecting-a-car/#1-can-you-reject-your-car-for-any-fault-you-find

 

That link gives a really good breakdown of it. But basically no, you don't have to let them attempt a repair in the first 30 days but your PX'd car almost certainly won't be available to you, instead you'd be eligible for the invoice price of the car including TAX etc.

[Magnet]

It could just be me, but I wasn’t aware that this was a just-purchased vehicle, but more a just- serviced ( in ownership) one. 

[Magnet]

David,

Sorry to be pedantic, but when you say ‘trade sale’ do you mean you bought it from a car sales dealer, or you bought it on a trade sale basis - I.e. with all faults, whether disclosed or undisclosed at the time of sale? 

[DRC27Wash]

Part exchanged with a dealer. No faults declared. I also purchased a 3 year warranty.

I contacted them today and they have told me to get it assessed at a garage on Tuesday.

[Vacumatic]

You would hope that this is not a deliberate act by the dealer to save costs.

 

When we bought our car, new in July 2024, I checked the fluids. The oil needed a litre to take it up to the maximum level on the stick, the car was level and engine off for some hours before, the oil filler cap was on so tightly that I don't think it had been touched, the screenwash bottle was also empty.

 

I may be being picky but I suspect that there are more than a few people who don't check such things on a new car.

 

 

[cliffcoggin]

So much for the pre-delivery inspection then.

[DRC27Wash]

Thanks for all the advice, I was going to cancel, took the car back, they wanted to check it over.

After a 100 mile run and cooled for a few minutes, when they checked the oil level it showed as full.

Took the cover and air filter box off, no signs of leaking, put it on a lift, removed under covers, all looks very clean.

The mechanic thinks it could be smelly air con!

As I love the car, I took the decision to keep it and see how I get on, I have a 3 year warranty after all.

Fingers crossed.

[cliffcoggin]

Air con should not stink. Are you certain it is burnt oil you smell, or could it be mildew?

[DRC27Wash]

I think it’s burnt oil, but I am not 100% sure.

It’s fine while travelling along, with or without aircon.

After it’s been pulled up for a while and I get back in, the smell is noticeable.

[DRC27Wash]

Oil level still shows as full, can’t help but think they topped it up, they said they didn’t.

[Magnet]

That sounds as if you disbelieve them David! 
No doubt there will be others who share your belief, and you have decided to keep it. They say love is blind, let’s hope that doesn’t apply in this case.

Have you read the ‘exclusions’ in your 3 year warranty? 
Kind regards,

Gareth. 

[Vacumatic]

14 minutes ago, Magnet said:

That sounds as if you disbelieve them David! 
No doubt there will be others who share your belief, and you have decided to keep it. They say love is blind, let’s hope that doesn’t apply in this case.

Have you read the ‘exclusions’ in your 3 year warranty? 
Kind regards,

Gareth. 

Good point.

 

Neighbour had a similar issue with his Maserati, they were great with him, took the car away and left him with a new S class Mercedes.

 

Came back some weeks later. I asked him what the issue was and he hadn't a clue. 

 

 

 

[cliffcoggin]

3 hours ago, DRC27Wash said:

Oil level still shows as full, can’t help but think they topped it up, they said they didn’t.

Even if it was burning oil, which I doubt, you would not necessarily see a drop in level. A little oil goes a long way when it comes to making a stink.

Furthermore oil fumes should not enter the cabin unless the crankcase pressure relief valve is blocked or the oil filler cap is missing.

I believe you will regret accepting the car, but it's your money and your choice.