Whilst checking the oil this morning the top part of the dipstick (under the rubber grommet) perished. So now it looks like this, you can see where it fell off.

 

 

What did the plastic that fell apart do, is it just to keep the grommet from falling down the dipstick or does it perform another important function?!

 

Looks like it's used about 250ml of oil in ~250 miles.

Haven't driven the car since, but just replaced the dipstick. The new one has two latches at the top (posh), and is yellow in colour.

 

Cost £9 or so and the part number is 06F-115-611-F.

Edited 20 November, 201312 yr by ethos