Is there an Optimal Oil Level for 3.0 N52 Engine

[cinellipro]

Greetings. I have a manual 2009 3.0. Changed the oil this morning and spent way too much time chasing the level indicator to reach MAX. I always let the oil drain until there are no drops. My car is a daily driver with 25k miles, and I change my oil every 6 months.

I'm not an engineer or physicist, but when changing our oil is there an Optimal oil level for the N52 Engine? Should I always aim for MAX or is the half-way point sufficient for proper oil circulation, temperature, pressure, etc? This is not about dollars, its about not having a dipstick.

Would love to hear from our experts.
Cheers!

[cinellipro]

Tools oil and additives

[B21]

You should top it up to max..but…be aware that it may take a long time for the oil reading to fully stabilise..like 20-50 miles..so I’d put the recommended amount in..then run it for a period as prescribed before putting SMALL amounts of extra oil in..

On my cars I get it topped up then monitor it..when the oil level after due time shows about 1/2 full I put a measured 1/2 litre in..

From minimum to max is 1 litre..but it’s much easier to overfill than under fill..

[cinellipro]

B21- great suggestion. I'll run it a bit to let the oil settle in, then measure again.

Still wondering about the optimal volume though.
Cheers

[B21]

Here you go