Has Anyone Experienced this?: Check Engine Oil Level

[Critical Drew]

Several Months ago My 03' 4.4i would intermittently put up the message "check engine oil level" on the Info Center After shutting the car off. I checked the oil several times when this happened to be safe. It was always fine. Eventually this happened almost everytime I shut down
I determined that the sensor must be bad.

When I did a full oil/ Filter change last week I also replaced this sensor which is on the bottom of the sump.

I took the car to the Stealership and they charged me about $320 for a diagnostic and reflashing a software update to the info center.
Strangely the warning is now occurring several minutes into most drives. I added 8.5 qts. of new oil at the change and the dipstick reads normal.

I called the dealer back, but they have no ideas (of course).

Does anybody have an understanding of this system? Or has anybody been through this? And what was the fix?

Thanks

[lebahawk]

I had this message come up on me everytime mine reached about 4k miles on each oil change. but when I checked the oil level it was down 1/2 quart and when I kep on driving and ignored it, it started coming up while I am driving and sometimes staying on, until i go ahead and add about 1 qt of oil. so make sure when you check your oil level you are parked on a level surface. and not to be sarcastic or anything it could be over filled because u said u added 8.5 qt???

Originally Posted by Critical Drew

Several Months ago My 03' 4.4i would intermittently put up the message "check engine oil level" on the Info Center After shutting the car off. I checked the oil several times when this happened to be safe. It was always fine. Eventually this happened almost everytime I shut down
I determined that the sensor must be bad.

When I did a full oil/ Filter change last week I also replaced this sensor which is on the bottom of the sump.

I took the car to the Stealership and they charged me about $320 for a diagnostic and reflashing a software update to the info center.
Strangely the warning is now occurring several minutes into most drives. I added 8.5 qts. of new oil at the change and the dipstick reads normal.

I called the dealer back, but they have no ideas (of course).

Does anybody have an understanding of this system? Or has anybody been through this? And what was the fix?

Thanks

[Critical Drew]

Maybe someone here can weigh-in on the absolute oil capacity for the 4.4 motor.
I looked up the capacity in the owners manual and it said 8.5 qts.
I checked a few different threads that mostly agreed. There were a few with different figures, but mostly 8 to 9 qt. range.

My original fill and start was at 6.5qts. This barely registers on the dipstic after running and letting rest for 5 minutes or more.
I added the last 2 qts. and the dipstic shows full.

I am absolutely interested in ANY input or ideas here.
The dealer has no idea other than to try another sensor, or to start checking the wiring. I really don't know why I ever took it there. The "factory trained" techs and service writers clearly know less about this vehicle and basic to advanced mechanics than I do.
They are really just parts swappers. Diagnostics means nothing more than hook up the computer and it will tell us what's wrong. They have no idea how to ascertain the cause of a problem through analyzing the symptoms.

Whenever I get lazy and take a car to the dealer I regret it.

[TriX5]

Drew - FWIW, I had that wire to the oil level sensor all the way removed when I had the fuel rail off for the V-pan repair. What I noticed is that the wire is in a fairly precarious position on the front of the engine clipped in behind the vibration damper and then snakes past the AC pump and on to the sump parting company with the starter motor wires somewhere underneath IIRC. The wire runs from the wiring box on top of the P/side valve cover and passes under the air intake elbow. On mine the plastic cover was falling apart in a few places and I put some black electrical tape to protect it.

This is all quite difficult to see without removing the front cover between the stiffener plate and the stiffener plate itself. Then reaching in there is hardly a clean job.....but if I had to guess I'd say it might be a wiring issue. I'd start from there as it is the easier thing to ascertain and cheapest to fix.

BTW, you are right on the oil volume, I always start with 6 qts and then run, let settle and start adding 1/2 qts until halfway between E and F on the dipstick. It is about 8 and change in total.

[Sundayjumper]

Mine sometimes does this on a long run, only done it a couple of tiems though. The level is fine so I've not worried myself about it too much. Definitely sounds like a sensor / wiring problem in your case.

[Critical Drew]

Thanks again guys. I'm not looking forward to tracking down that wiring. It's kind of a hassle just getting the stiffening plate off. UGH

[TriX5]

Try just taking the plastic cover off first and see if that gets you enough access.

[dwhite832003]

Sounds like you installed a bad sensor... Try the old one again and see if the your results differ...

[Denis0331]

IMO when it comes to your beemer just get yourself a peak code reader to diognose all of your problems..its well worth it....and a repair manual... ‪Peake Research BMW Tools: Code Reader, Airbag Reset‬‏ - YouTube

[Denis0331]

also this could help Welcome, BMW fans!