You must be referring to those same TV commercial idiots who are shown nearly having a serious accident because of their inattention but saved at the last minute by the onboard electronic nanny...and the immediate reaction of everyone in the car is to smile or giggle in amused satisfaction. Not even a hint of near-death adrenaline rush. The car manufacturers are not only deemphasizing driver engagement in operating the vehicle, but minimizing the consequences of the lack of that engagement.
I made this simple mod on my R59 dipstick (before above, after below). Works like a champ, even with new oil.
I've never had a problem reading my earl level on my R56 with the OEM dipsticker..... New earl or old earl... Pull it out, wipe it off, stick it in, pull it out, read the level (I'm talking about the earl dipsticker guys).... Not sure what the problem is?????
I haven't had any problem reading my MINI's dipstick either. I just changed the oil, I put four quarts of new oil in and checked the oil multiple times while adding small increments of oil until the oil level reached the top bulb of the OEM dipstick. I could easily see the new oil on the dipstick each time I checked. Hint, oil makes the plastic indicator part of the dipstick shiney.
The F56 really makes me appreciate the easy to read unbreakable old style metal oem dipstick in my R50.