Need Advice: Check Engine Oil Level
 

Has anyone had an issue with the "Check Engine Oil Level" coming on. I have put about 1500 miles on my 03 4.6is since purchasing. The SES came on a few days ago. Ran the diag and no codes came up so I had it cleared and it didn't come back on. A few days later the Check engine oil warning came on, so I had the oil changed as I didn't know when it was last changed before I purchased. However, the warning still comes on whenever I park/turn the car off. I manually checked the level however and it looks fine. Please advise if you have experienced such a problem before.

Thanks,
Moses

could be a bad sensor if the oil isn't low

I have had the same issue. I had it looked at and they replaced the oil sensor. A day later is started doing it again. I told BMW, but decided to wait until my regular maintenance appointment to get it fixed (again). I check the oil level with the dip stick periodically and the level is good. My appointment is on January 26th. I'll let you know if they fix the problem.

I own a 2003 3.0i with about 74,000 miles.

Thanks! I look forward hearing the prognosis.

I do think it is a problem with the sensors, but if anyone else has any further info it would be greatly appreciated.

Can someone also confirm what level their interior oil indicator is generally at. Is it normally at the halfway mark/210 (I think it is)

Yes, having faulty oil level sensor is a common problem in BMW's. It's an easy DIY.

care to elaborate (on the DIY) that is?

Part is #9 on this diagram. It's on the bottom corner of the oil pan so it's easily accessible. Just swap it out on your next oil change.

1. Remove oil pan bolt to drain oil and remove oil filter as per normal oil change.
2. Unplug the electrical connection to the sensor. Make sure you don't get any oil on it.
3. Remove the 3 hex nuts and pull out the old sensor.
4. Clean the area around the hole before you put the new sensor in. Make sure you use the new gasket that comes with the sensor.
5. Tighten the 3 hex nuts and reconnect the plug.
6. Install the new oil filter, replace oil pan bolt with new washer and refill with new oil to complete the oil change.
7. Take it for a short run and then check for leaks around the sensor.

My mechanic wants to charge me 149.99 to replace he sensor while they are doing my oil change ($90 for the oil change). Does this sound about right?

Engine model? Year of vehicle? Put it in your profile, it saves asking.

That is reasonable if it includes the price of the part (based on the cost of the sensor for my 2003 3.0). If it is just labour, it seems high to me, as the oil is already out and the vehicle is in the air.