Oil Temp / Gauge issue?

[Sebastalona]

Hi,

I have a query about the oil temp gauge on my 23i.

I’ve only had the car a couple of months, but I’ve never seen the needle move above 75. Granted, most of my journeys are short, but I drove the car back up from Rhyl North Wales to Edinburgh, and it barely moved. I’ve also been on a couple of longer drives also since.

I’ve not had any apparent issues, but just wanted to see if this is normal?

I’m just concerned that the oil is not reaching its optimal operating temperature.

Could anyone advise on potential cause/issues that may need to be addressed?

I’ve read conflicting reports of the existence/presence of an oil temp sensor. I’ve read there is one on the block next to filter, also one in the sump pan which is combined with the oil level sensor (which seems to be working fine).

Any help much appreciated.

 

[B21]

The 23i this time of year will be running cold on the oil..75c sounds low..

Depends on how you drive..Miss Daisy cold day low temp..

It will take 15 miles plus to get up to temp.

As ususal proper BMW diagnostics could check it for you.

Its on the engine block at the top.

 

[Sebastalona]

The 23i this time of year will be running cold on the oil..75c sounds low..

Depends on how you drive..Miss Daisy cold day low temp..

It will take 15 miles plus to get up to temp.

As ususal proper BMW diagnostics could check it for you.

Its on the engine block at the top.

Ah right, ok. So the sensor on the engine block of the N52 next to the oil filter is actually a dedicated oil temp sensor and not a coolant sensor?

If so, I may just buy a new one to replace to at least rule that out.

 

[Sebastalona]

This?

 

[B21]

There were two versions of this..I'm not an expert on N52s so you should clarify / seek other counsel!

 

[Sebastalona]

There were two versions of this..I'm not an expert on N52s so you should clarify / seek other counsel!

Yeah, I just cannot nail down a definitive answer on whether the oil sensor is where you suggest, or combined with the level sensor. If it’s the former I’ll change it, latter I’ll get it checked out on its first service start of February.

 

[B21]

Yeah, I just cannot nail down a definitive answer on whether the oil sensor is where you suggest, or combined with the level sensor. If it’s the former I’ll change it, latter I’ll get it checked out on its first service start of February.

Tap your vin into realoem and it should give you the correct answer...also tip the vin into a vin decoder..should show the CO2 issue

 

[Sebastalona]

Yeah that’s where I got the part number. So with my VIN punched in, and in the engine section it shows diagram of engine block, and oil/coolant sensor.

What I’m trying to establish now is if this sensor serves as both coolant/oil sensor combined, or if it’s one or the other?

 

[B21]

Two seperate sensors for oil and coolant

 

[Sebastalona]

Ok thanks. I’ll pick up another sensor then and see if it makes any difference.

It could just be my style of driving, I haven’t leathered it yet!

 

[Pondy]

What I’m trying to establish now is if this sensor serves as both coolant/oil sensor combined, or if it’s one or the other?

It will be that the sensor can be used for coolant OR oil.
The coolant ways are kept away from the oil ways, so you won't have a dual oil/coolant sensor.

Just be sure you chsange the right oil temp sensor (which feeds the gauge). BMWs tend to have multiple sensors in different places which sense the same things. Oil and coolant temperatures are used for all manner of stuff on the ECU, fans, vanos, etc, etc.

 

[Sebastalona]

Well I went for a longer drive last night, and the needle did in fact make it to 90 degrees!

Don’t know if I just didn’t notice before! I’m used to having a coolant gauge and it reaching middle of dial very quickly.

Now onto the next thing which I only noticed last night and that is a broken clamp from the roof support cover!

Ordered a replacement from Ali Express as it appears BMW don’t sell them individually! Made an enquiry to a spares place too but can’t imagine them cannibalising a compete unit. I’ve found a 3D print file I can try if Ali Express replacement isn’t up to the job.