E34 dipstick tube

[gudgeon]

I think I have the wrong one.

I've measured up today and my sump has a 14mm hole but the dipstick tube seems to be 15mm. (by vernier caliper)

Please can someone confirm sizes or measure their dipstick tube for me? Thanks.

[blue30]

I'm struggling to remember but isn't there a bulge near the bottom, it only goes in up to the bulge with an O ring on it so the last bit might be slightly narrower?

[gudgeon]

I measured from the very bottom of the tube, the bit that has to go in. Yes there is a bulge further up.

From realoem virtually all dipsticks seem to be 14mm, or at least the diameter is not given but the o-ring is usually listed as 14mm. I wonder what the hell I have? might start looking at the diesels.

[DanThe]

I would have said you might have an M52 tube, but these are quite a bit bigger, around 5-6mm, as they incorporate a drain.
It might be M20 or something entirely different

[gudgeon]

I'll take a photo of it tonight and you can all play "identify the dipstick"

It's got an interesting bracket attached to it that has a bit of pipe joint on it. Looks like a fuel line joint but I can't really believe that would be a good idea. Anyway, I may try my spare M20B20 tube in the hole to test fit and possibly to use as a backup in case I can't source the right part in time.

[DanThe]

Sounds like an E34 M50 tube to me...

[gudgeon]

You're quite right it is.

The explanation is that I should take a closer look before taking up your time on here.

The guide tube is 15mm, and so is the hole if you hook out the hardened old o-ring still stuck inside!

It now fits in easily.

[DanThe]

[gudgeon]

Well I "identified the dipstick" -- it was me all along!