Weird oil level sensor issue

[Overboost]

Thanks for this thread. After reading it I realized that I haven't seen my Check Oil Level message on my high cluster since my last oil change. I would always get it a just under a quart low and around 3000 miles. So I went out and checked the dipstick and zip, nada, nothing on it. It took 2 quarts of oil.

Needless to say, I think my sensor went bad and ordered a new one. I'll be replacing the sensor on my next oil service.

[wpoll]

Originally Posted by Overboost

Thanks for this thread. After reading it I realized that I haven't seen my Check Oil Level message on my high cluster since my last oil change. I would always get it a just under a quart low and around 3000 miles. So I went out and checked the dipstick and zip, nada, nothing on it. It took 2 quarts of oil.

Needless to say, I think my sensor went bad and ordered a new one. I'll be replacing the sensor on my next oil service.

Yikes - that's very low on oil...

My 3.0d doesn't seem to use any oil - never has. I have seen the low oil text warning on the high cluster only once but it was a false alarm - oil level was at the max mark.

Of course, the M57 runs on oil...!

Actually, that's not so funny - I've seen videos (like this one) showing what happens to a 3.0d when the turbo oil seals fail catastrophically...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M-pxsViKF88

Turbo run-away - the engine is consuming it's own lubrication oil and will eventually destroy itself (if you don't save it by blocking off the air intake ASAP!).

[Overboost]

Yes sir, I'm glad I checked. It's funny how you get used to the BMW nannies letting you know something needs attention and you stop checking things manually. That won't happen again.

[srmmmm]

I had checked the dipstick after adding a quart following the low level warning on the dash, and found it was still a quart low. So the sensor had triggered, but a bit late so it was replaced. That was at about 310,000 miles. At least you're starting our with 8 when it's full! But I'm more inclined to check the dipstick now. Makes me worry a bit about the CEO's 428i that has no dipstick


2002 X5 3.0 371,000 miles
2014 428i 66,000 miles


2004 325i sold at 123,600 miles
2001 325i sold at 66,000 miles


1970 Firebird Under restoration

[jac]

To replace, do you just drain the engine oil completely (hence why you do this at oil change time) and then just unplug and unbolt the broken oil level sensor and put a new one back on and refill? Or is there a magic dance needed afterwards?

[Overboost]

Originally Posted by jac

To replace, do you just drain the engine oil completely (hence why you do this at oil change time) and then just unplug and unbolt the broken oil level sensor and put a new one back on and refill? Or is there a magic dance needed afterwards?

Simple and straight forward. Drain oil, replace sensor, replace oil (and filter if doing an oil service at the same time), start up and drive away with a smile.

[wpoll]

Originally Posted by Overboost

Simple and straight forward. Drain oil, replace sensor, replace oil (and filter if doing an oil service at the same time), start up and drive away with a smile.

Add in the minor detail of removing the entire reinforcing plate... which usually requires the removal of around two acres of tupperware...

[Fifty150hs]

Originally Posted by Overboost

Yes sir, I'm glad I checked. It's funny how you get used to the BMW nannies letting you know something needs attention and you stop checking things manually. That won't happen again.

I have the opposite failure mode. It will randomly tell me to check my oil level and when I do it's fine. Scanner says the sensor is bad. Replacing it Presidents day weekend along with engine mounts and sway bar bushings. Oil change too of course.