Hello ...yesterday when shutting off my '06 530i I heard an extra chime and the warning light below popped up. I checked the owner's manual and couldn't find it. What is this?

 

This is low oil warning light, when it gets red than you are very to low
Check the oil level.

 

Okay, that's what I suspected. I have 80K on the car. Is it normal to use some oil? I did the oil change myself about 1 month ago. I used Mobil 1.

How much should I add to top off the oil? Does this light specify being low by a certain amount? My 99' E46 has a dipstick with two markings. Top one is the full line and the next one down is 1 qt low.

 

usually when you get the light you need a quart. Add a half a quart and see if the light goes away, if not add the rest. You may want to also check for an oil leak since you changed the oil a month ago and the car is asking for oil. Maybe you didnt put enough.

 

Did you reset the oil life monitor? That will also cause that light to come on.

 

Yep...I reset the oil light. Also when I go into the onboard comp and check the oil it says oil level is okay.

This car is so over-engineered, it's ridiculous. I greatly appreciate the help. Will get under the car and check for leaks. I pray its not an oil filter housing or oil pan. I've done both jobs on my E46...no fun.

 

Not sure if this is as common on the 530's as the 535's - but also would recommend checking the the valve cover gasket. Also like you said, oil filter gasket or head gasket.

If no external leaks, could be valve guides, worn rings, or some other internal issue. Not to make you worry, though - I'd check the others first.

 

You could have a false low oil warning...Check for leaks first.