BMW E46 - when to fill oil??

Over Clocker · 10 Jan 2009 at 16:12

Hi guys,

The oil light has just come on in my E46 (2.2 6pot). Someone has told me to top it up now, and someone has told me to wait a few more weeks and then top it up!

Anyone know what is best?

Cheers,

Mal

rare · 10 Jan 2009 at 16:20

Mal, if the oil light comes up it NEEDS oil. The Oil warning light is just that, a warning. It means there is not enough oil in the engine, not just that it needs a top up.

Get it done!

Datamonkey · 10 Jan 2009 at 16:23

Hey up,

It depends,

check the manual. If the light is red, then you need to stop and fill now. Orange/Yellow when you turn the ignition off means top up when possible.

But as said, just get out in the cold an top it up.

Tom|Nbk · 10 Jan 2009 at 16:24

If the light comes on Amber it means please fill me in the next 30 miles or when you next fill up petrol annd if it comes on Red it's probably too late.

What does the dipstick say?

NickXX · 10 Jan 2009 at 16:25

Top it up now, don't wait!! Yellow means it's low (so top up asap), red means game over.

Over Clocker · 10 Jan 2009 at 16:31

Cool, I will top it up on Monday (I have a bottle of oil in my office).

I swear I only topped it up about 3 months ago!!

Tom|Nbk · 10 Jan 2009 at 16:35

Over Clocker said:
Cool, I will top it up on Monday (I have a bottle of oil in my office).

I swear I only topped it up about 3 months ago!!

Was just going to say when did you last top it up?

How many miles have you done?

[TW]Fox · 10 Jan 2009 at 17:11

Amber light after you turn off means top up when convenient, 'ie when refueling'. I would do it now, you will find it probably needs a litre. They do use oil, dont worry about it.