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Engine Oil Light Sensor

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Old 09-29-2011, 12:11 PM
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Hello,

The yellow engine oil warning signal stays on for 3 seconds when I start my car now. I got a oil change approx 6 months ago and I got it checked 2 months ago and the mechanic said it was fine...

When I check my idrive, the engine oil says level says it is below minimum but when I check the status, it says its OK (21000km remaining).....




Any suggestions? Thoughts?

Thanks
Old 09-29-2011, 01:05 PM
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pcy
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Your car is low on oil. The first picture shows the reading from the actual oil level sensor.
The 2nd picture is related to oil change 'interval'.

You don't need to change oil; however, you need to add oil, ASAP. Add 1 qt. and check the level, add more if necessary.
Old 09-29-2011, 01:13 PM
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Totally agree with pcy. Your second pic is simply an analysis of ANY oil left in the engine. It doesn't care how much. The first pic told you to add oil so I suggest strongly that you do so, go for a short ride and check the level again. (It takes about ten minutes of actual driving for the sensor to work-at least on my car)
Old 09-29-2011, 01:25 PM
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thanks guys

what type of oil.. 2006 525i?

thanks again
Old 09-29-2011, 01:26 PM
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Castrol full Synthetic 5w30?
Old 09-29-2011, 11:26 PM
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Originally Posted by gurp99
Castrol full Synthetic 5w30?
yup!
Old 09-30-2011, 03:51 AM
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Believe it or not, but USA Castrol 5W-30 "full synthetic" is not a BMW recommended oil -- shocker !

It must be the European spec oil ... see below:

BMW Long-life rating LL-01 Approved Synthetic Oils for the US Market:

Castrol Syntec European Formula SAE 0W-30

Mobil 1 SAE 0W-40 (European Formula)

Pennzoil Platinum European Formula Ultra SAE 5W-30

Valvoline SynPower SAE 5W-30
Old 09-30-2011, 04:22 AM
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I use Mobil1 0W-40.
I see they go on sale at auto parts stores for around $4 to $5 per qt. When they go on sale, I stock them up.
Old 09-30-2011, 07:31 AM
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I have heard that its the Mobil 1 SAE 0W-40 (European Formula) as well. On another note, you dont seem to have enough miles since your last oil change to warrant needing a quart... are you leaking somewhere? I found a slow leak which actually became significant quickly through the oil switch. Easy fix but at least I was able to find out why I needed to add a full quart halfway through my interval. I now change my oil every 7500 miles too.
Old 10-03-2011, 07:18 PM
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Make sure to check for leaks, I had the same problem, turned out to be a leak from oil pan gasket.


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