Botond's Maintenance Log - KM08765

[holyc0w]

The sensor isn't reliable. Sometimes it illuminates, other times it doesn't. Yes, the sensor is "functioning" properly.
I'm also doubting the dipstick's accuracy, believe it or not. On numerous occasions, I'd check the oil and it would register as full. The very next day, the oil light would come on, and sure enough be a quart low.

Another time, I had to put almost 2 quarts in on a week where I drove a LOT. In this instance, the light never came on.

That's weird. Mine seems to be pretty consistent, though I do have a bit more time for the light to develop (less miles driven). Usually I get the yellow popping up on uneven surfaces and then comes on for good on even surfaces. This translates to about 1 quart low. I think the dipstick readings are pretty sensitive to uneven surfaces.

[anandoc]

Wow, is the sensor being unreliable a common thing on e46? Any other users experienced this before?

Glad to know that, I relied a lot on those electronic sensors offered in typical European cars.


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I have had the sensor fail on mine too.

[Rookiez]

That's weird. Mine seems to be pretty consistent, though I do have a bit more time for the light to develop (less miles driven). Usually I get the yellow popping up on uneven surfaces and then comes on for good on even surfaces. This translates to about 1 quart low. I think the dipstick readings are pretty sensitive to uneven surfaces.

Same with mine, it's pretty reliable.

I have had the sensor fail on mine too.

Interesting to know this. I kinda want to make a poll on how accurate and do you trust your oil sensors, then post the year of your car and it's mileage. Has it been done previously?

[az3579]

Wow, is the sensor being unreliable a common thing on e46? Any other users experienced this before?

Glad to know that, I relied a lot on those electronic sensors offered in typical European cars.


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That's weird. Mine seems to be pretty consistent, though I do have a bit more time for the light to develop (less miles driven). Usually I get the yellow popping up on uneven surfaces and then comes on for good on even surfaces. This translates to about 1 quart low. I think the dipstick readings are pretty sensitive to uneven surfaces.

I can't speak to other people's situations, only my own. For me, this is what happened.

[ZHPizza]

Wow, is the sensor being unreliable a common thing on e46? Any other users experienced this before?

Glad to know that, I relied a lot on those electronic sensors offered in typical European cars.


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Mine comes on every now and then after I shut off the car. Always in my very level garage and the oil level has always been fine.

[BMWM3186]

Mine always comes on if I'm near half a quart low.

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[derbo]

My oil level sensor has faulted 14 times when I run ISTA+ to check diagnostic. The fault is never present when I am checking though which makes it harder to diagnose. I haven't seen the light in over 2 years though..

[ELCID86]

Mine beeps and shows yellow after I turn the car off every once in a while. Oil level seems ok. My consumption at 212k is very minimal. Though every once in a while she seems to gulp down a 1/2-1 full quart (which I think the TSB says is "normal"...

[Rookiez]

Mine beeps and shows yellow after I turn the car off every once in a while. Oil level seems ok. My consumption at 212k is very minimal. Though every once in a while she seems to gulp down a 1/2-1 full quart (which I think the TSB says is "normal"...

Glad to hear more and more high mileage members reporting this


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[az3579]

2017-07-17 -- 274,150 -- Oil top up - 1.5 quart (Mobil1 10W-30 Synthetic)

2017-08-07 -- 276,058 -- Oil top up - 1 quart (Mobil1 10W-30 Synthetic)

2017-08-11 -- 276,401 -- Replaced MAF (OEM Siemens/VDO, P/N: 13627566983); replaced fuel door spring (OE BMW, P/N: 51171888374)