Strange or normal behaviour of the oil sensor?

zriha

Member
Zagreb, Croatia
So, recently I changed the oil pan gasket and oil sensor, and the previous sensor didn't have this kind of "communication" with me, I would just start the car and that's it, but now as you can see from the video, I start the car, it is yellow for a few seconds and then it just goes away.

Carly says everything is ok. :) Is this normal and my old sensor was bad? :)

[vimeo]697658071[/vimeo]
 
That doesn't look right to me. I could see maybe a second or two but that is way too long for me.
 
Owners handbook says this
Engine oil level
The yellow engine oil indicator lamp
lights up while driving:
The oil level is at the absolute minimum;
refill as soon as possible. Do not
drive more than approx. 30 miles / 50 km
until you do.

The yellow engine oil indicator lamp
lights up after the engine is
switched off: add engine oil at the
earliest opportunity, when you stop to
refuel.

Engine oil sensor
The yellow engine oil indicator lamp
lights up within 20 seconds after
the engine is started:
The oil level sensor is defective. Please
have it checked by a BMW center.

Sounds like yours is working ok with the light going off after starting, if it displays when you switch off then oil needs topping up.
 
Thank you so much for clarifying it, I would say, maybe it is because of the new sensor, as it is not original, but new. I am checking my oil manually on the dip stick, and all is good.
 
I changed my sensor in the sump after getting a fault code for it but still check using the dipstick, thats more reliable than the sensor in my opinion. Scan the car and see if yours sets a code for a bad sensor but in the meantime stick to using the dipstick.
 
colb said:
I changed my sensor in the sump after getting a fault code for it but still check using the dipstick, thats more reliable than the sensor in my opinion. Scan the car and see if yours sets a code for a bad sensor but in the meantime stick to using the dipstick.

Thank you, will do! :)
 
I know that has basically been answered but the light behaving like that might just mean it needs some oil.

Remember reading that the light staying on after start up for a few seconds can mean a dodgy sensor or it just needs some oil.

I know Colb provided a list of conditions under which the light might come on but just adding to it.

Since you replaced your sensor it's unlikely to be that (unless there's an issue with it from factory), so I'd try adding a 100ml of oil and seeing if it fixes the issue. Obviously if you're 100% confident the oil is perfect then don't over fill the engine either..
 
Thanks mate! :) I will try it! :) 100ml of oil will not do any damage.

As I am thinking, as the oil pan was out of the engine, maybe I miss some oil. But strangely, dip stick is ok.
 
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