Low oil pressure?????

[Doru]

I did an oil change about a week ago. The oil I used: GC 0wx30. 8 liters (8.5 qts).

This morning when I started her up I received this message:
"Oil pressure low" followed by: "Turn engine off and check oil level".
Which I did. The oil level was exactly where it was a week ago (1/2 mark between min & Max).

Started her up again, no warning - nothing. Drove her for 1/2 Hr, and no more messages.

What am I looking at here? Oil level sensor? Oil pressure sensor? Or is the oil pump starting going South? Or is it a glitch?

Thanks

[JCL]

Could be pressure sender, wiring to that sender, oil pump, bearings, bad filter.

First step is to see what your oil pressure actually is, using a mechanical gauge.

If it only happened once, could just be a glitch. Since it happened soon after you changed the oil, I would look to that. You used an oil which is thinner when cold than the factory recommendation (0 vs 5). That would reduce oil pressure right at startup, as the oil is designed to flow better at very cold temperatures, which you probably dont have this week. Did you change the filter? If so, did you use an OE BMW filter or something else which may or may not have more restriction?

[electricalserv x5]

I hope You don,t have what happen to me ,did you have a oil change shop do the work?
They are horrible workers.
What happen to me was the worker thought is was a great idea to start the engine and revve the engine to 3k rpm with the low oil light on for a minute and blow my lower bearings....
With these cars YOU CAN NOT LET ANY ONE WORK ON THEM THAT HAS NO EXPERIENCE WITH BMW........They will damage your property , and look at you like 'what???'

[Doru]

Originally Posted by JCL

Could be pressure sender, wiring to that sender, oil pump, bearings, bad filter.

First step is to see what your oil pressure actually is, using a mechanical gauge.

If it only happened once, could just be a glitch. Since it happened soon after you changed the oil, I would look to that. You used an oil which is thinner when cold than the factory recommendation (0 vs 5). That would reduce oil pressure right at startup, as the oil is designed to flow better at very cold temperatures, which you probably dont have this week. Did you change the filter? If so, did you use an OE BMW filter or something else which may or may not have more restriction?

Yes, the filter has been changed. I used the Hengst filter. I am not worried the filter is wrong. Maybe the initial low viscosity of the oil might have something to do with this. I will compare some readings with INPA & GT1 if not today, later in the week. I have access to these, and I will do some readings on another 4.4 with the N62 engine, and also on a 4.4 with the M62 engine, then compare the results.
I wasn't sure if this is common occurrence, or if it's the lower initial viscosity of the oil, or if it's a sensor or the oil pump that might start giving grief.
How sturdy are these oil pumps anyways? I know they're different from the M62 engine.

[JCL]

Originally Posted by Doru

Yes, the filter has been changed. I used the Hengst filter. I am not worried the filter is wrong. Maybe the initial low viscosity of the oil might have something to do with this. I will compare some readings with INPA & GT1 if not today, later in the week. I have access to these, and I will do some readings on another 4.4 with the N62 engine, and also on a 4.4 with the M62 engine, then compare the results.
I wasn't sure if this is common occurrence, or if it's the lower initial viscosity of the oil, or if it's a sensor or the oil pump that might start giving grief.
How sturdy are these oil pumps anyways? I know they're different from the M62 engine.

If you want to confirm the sensor is functioning correctly, reading it with another computer won't help, you are still reading the same sensor. You need a mechanical oil pressure gauge.

You will be able to determine if the pressure is borderline low, just not if it is due to a sensor error or is actually low oil pressure.

Are you sure it is an original Hengst filter and not a copy?

I think of the oil pumps as being pretty robust, but that is more due to a lack of frequently reported problems than any empirical evidence.

[Ghost-Flame]

... well I was traveling and my alternator went about 5 days ago. I was able to get to a pep boys. they had the part and installed it. I let the guys at Pep Boys change the oil. I wasn't thinking and after I had left their shop I wondered what they used. Pennzoil Ultimate 5 30 and a purolater filter. I've used those filters before and hadn't had a problem.

I wasn't happy with the Pennzoil but figured I'll change back to my M1 0 40 in 4 or 5,000 miles.

I'm going to get a Mann filter and see if that helps. I may just drain the oil too.

My filter cap sometime crushes the filter and if you are not careful the bottom ring breaks loose from the filter and stays in the canister. If you just put the new filter in without cleaning the bottom... you know it's a mess.

I hope that all it is.

[bcredliner]

Originally Posted by JCL

Could be pressure sender, wiring to that sender, oil pump, bearings, bad filter.

First step is to see what your oil pressure actually is, using a mechanical gauge.

If it only happened once, could just be a glitch. Since it happened soon after you changed the oil, I would look to that. You used an oil which is thinner when cold than the factory recommendation (0 vs 5). That would reduce oil pressure right at startup, as the oil is designed to flow better at very cold temperatures, which you probably dont have this week. Did you change the filter? If so, did you use an OE BMW filter or something else which may or may not have more restriction?

I would troubleshoot the connection with the oil change first. Be sure to check oil pressure at a cold start and again at operating temp, if it tests fine you are done--likely glitch. You can drain a few quarts and fill it with a heavier weight to offset the O weight if the oil pressure tests low and test again to see if that fixes the problem heavier weight should be fine for the month of summer. Low quality filters usually reduce restriction due to less filter folds but could go the other way as mentioned. Since it is easier to change the filter and doesn't cost the much I would likely do that before doing anything with the oil.