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Oil Level Sensor Malfunction after oil change Oil Level Sensor Malfunction after oil change
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Old 06-26-2012, 10:53 PM
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Oil Level Sensor Malfunction after oil change
I changed the oil in my E70 4.8 this weekend and now I'm getting an oil level sensor malfunction. I have checked the oil with the dipstick and it is fine. When I go to the screen I have all green indicators but when I turn off the car I get the notice that the oil level sensor has malfunctioned. I can clear this out and then the next time I turn the car off it reappears. Has anyone else had this issue?

I've been changing my own oil for over 30 years and never had any issues. Why would this sensor start showing a fault after an oil change.

Thanks for any help,

Mike
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Old 06-27-2012, 07:15 AM
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The sensor has two purposes, level and quality of oil.
The oil that, is recommended to use?
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Old 06-27-2012, 10:14 AM
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There was an SIB on the oil sensor reading being faulty, due to moisture in the oil. Not exactly what you are seeing, but it could be similar, and may provide a starting point in diagnosis. The sensor measures capacitance across two plates in the oil, determining the relative degradation of the oil as additives are depeleted. The same sensor also measures oil level. I would assume that there could be air or moisture in the sensor, or crud, causing it not to be able to read correctly.

I'll do a search for the SIB.

Found it:
Attached Images
File Type: pdf SI B 12 05 07 Low Oil Level Warning Message is Displayed.pdf (53.3 KB, 1013 views)
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Old 06-27-2012, 04:15 PM
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The sensor is known to malfunction. Given it is new oil, I am not betting on cold weather moisture condensate.

Dealer replaced mine under warranty....never had issues with my on oil changes.

Not sure how to troubleshoot, but am guessing it will be cheaper for you to buy and install it yourself as compared to having the dealer just do a diagnostic!
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Old 06-27-2012, 05:07 PM
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at least you have a dipstick to confirm your oil level is ok, a feature i don't have in my x5 3.0si and Z4 Sdrive 35i.
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Old 06-27-2012, 09:00 PM
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I used what should be a "better-than" oil, Redline full synthetic 5w40. I'm not sure why this would cause the sensor an issue.

JCL, thanks for the service bulletin I will check that out.

zx45, yes I'm glad they put a dipstick on the 4.8. My wife's E350 doesn't have one and I hate relying on the sensor.

Mike
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