Granted, I'v checked oil levels for 40 years and relize the idiosyncrosys, but the VQs are little troublesome, but no big deal. As stated by many, let it sit for overnight preferably. Pull it, wipe it, insert it, then pull it slowly and check the side opposite that the markings are on, because thats the side that is less apt to drag on the way out.
If you still have a hard time, take some emery cloth and "de-shine" the end of the stick so the oil adheres better.
It just isnt that hard if you dont make it hard.

Edit: --And as Tauran said ---thats the main prob, it drags, THATS why I read the side thats facing the Crank

 

the dipstick sucks

 

I think sean is thinking of an oil pressure gauge. I dont know of any oil "level" gauges like that.

 

Lot of things in life suck but Im not going to jump off a building cuz I have to look at my DS twice

 

lol

well i am not going to jump of a building.... lol... i just said it sucks =]

 

well thats a waste of $!

 

I agree ---the DS is a hinderance

 

I replaced my oil with Red Paint ----Problem solved

 

sweet....what weight paint do you run?

 

i have an aps pan too and can't read ****. Will some one fab something up for us APS owners? You'll sell a ton on this site!

 

I believe BMW has some models with an oil level sensor in the upper oil pan assembly. I have heard they are unreliable and most enthusiasts still use the dipstick to check oil. At least they made it easier to get to with the HR, not that that helps us any...

 

Well....Duh !!! Regular Oil Base, You think I'd run Latex ????

 

The dipstick for the z was engineered by Picasso loving, fine art students. It's as useful as one chopstick. I have to dip it 20 times to get a proper reading!

 

++ worst oil reading, ever.

I get scared ive overfilled it all the time, just because it drags and pics false readings.