BMW 330Ci oil light just came on?

DezUk · 18 May 2009 at 13:15

Just driving back to work from my lunch and noticed the orange oil light came on. I am assuming this is related to the car needing an oil service. When I turn the ignition the dash says oil service 475 miles, so that’s gonna need doing real soon.

Am I right or is the oil light something more serious to be worrying about?

Cheers

Phil W · 18 May 2009 at 13:16

Check the oil level?

Janesy B · 18 May 2009 at 13:18

When is the last time you actually checked the oil?

MrFunex · 18 May 2009 at 13:56

Phil W said:
Check the oil level?

DezUk · 18 May 2009 at 13:58

From reading a few forum posts sounds like its either low oil level or the oil sensor is broken. I am gonna nip out and check the oil levels but I am sure it will be linked to needing an oils service shortly.

Matt82 · 18 May 2009 at 14:01

typically it will mean low oil pressure which is typically bad bad news

Spamalot · 18 May 2009 at 14:02

DezUk said:
From reading a few forum posts sounds like its either low oil level or the oil sensor is broken. I am gonna nip out and check the oil levels but I am sure it will be linked to needing an oils service shortly.

Its almost certainly because it needs some oil :confused:

iaind · 18 May 2009 at 14:04

As has been said, chances are its gotten so low it's lost pressure (going around a corner or something)

This can be very bad news, if its the case get it topped up ASAP, preferably without driving it again

happy_2008 · 18 May 2009 at 14:12

Spamalot said:
Its almost certainly because it needs some oil

Could be more serious and looking at possible engine failure

Matt82 · 18 May 2009 at 14:13

i once did 30 miles after forgetting to put the oil filler cap back on.

it ran the head dry and as you can imagine that tappet like a goodun. after loosing almost 2L (out of 4.3L) i still didnt get an oil pressure warning, so his oil miust be pretty damn low. the next pain in the azz is that the pump may need to be primed

Wicksta · 18 May 2009 at 14:21

Matt82 said:
typically it will mean low oil pressure which is typically bad bad news

It means low (minimum) oil level on a 330ci. Red is no oil pressure, he's quite a way off that yet.

Matt82 · 18 May 2009 at 14:25

cool, how does it detect low oil level?

Wicksta · 18 May 2009 at 14:27

Matt82 said:
cool, how does it detect low oil level?

It's got a sensor which can tell the level. My Z4 doesn't have a dipstick at all I don't think.

Janesy B · 18 May 2009 at 14:29

Why do people do this? Drive around in an expensive car and then don't bother to check the oil levels every so often. If it's low then you should be kicking yourself.

Matt82 · 18 May 2009 at 14:31

Wicksta said:
It's got a sensor which can tell the level. My Z4 doesn't have a dipstick at all I don't think.

what does the sensor sense as the oil level will all over the place whilst the engine is running?

Matt82 · 18 May 2009 at 14:32

Janesy B said:
Why do people do this? Drive around in an expensive car and then don't bother to check the oil levels every so often. If it's low then you should be kicking yourself.

because its an expensive car, they have pay X amount for it so it shuoldnt need looking after other than driving it to the dealer every X number of miles.

its not the dont thing to get under the bonnet yknow

Wicksta · 18 May 2009 at 14:38

Matt82 said:
what does the sensor sense as the oil level will all over the place whilst the engine is running?

I'm guessing it compensates for the engine running, as mine came on while driving before.

Here is a pic of the part and where it is mounted:
http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=600818

Housey · 18 May 2009 at 14:41

I believe it means it's a write off?

iaind · 18 May 2009 at 14:46

Cheaper cars I've seen with it (read Clios) just read it when you turn the igniton on...

Matt82 · 18 May 2009 at 14:52

yeah, like my old 406 diesel used to and the link to the e46 site said that was a cure for the light staying on the a few seconds after you started up, ie the only time oil level would be half accurate after starting.

those BMWs are clever things