E46 330 2001 Yellow oil light problem!!

[lewisboy26]

please can anyone help ?? when starting my engine the YELLOW oil light comes on after approx 15 seconds of engine running, it then turns off after a further 10 seconds. it only happens like this and never comes on while driving or turning the engine off. when the problem first started it did not do it every time but now it seems to happen every time i start the engine. the oil level is fine and there is nothing in the book that sugests anything else besides oil level getting low !! has anyone had this problem ??

thanks

Lewis

[adom]

I've got the same problem on my '98 e46 328i. does exactly as you describe and my independant thinks the sensor may be on the way out. Oil level etc is fine so I've learnt to ignore it.

[lewisboy26]

thanks for the information, im getting used to ignoring mine to lol i just wanted to be sure i wasent missing anything... thanks agian m8

[mr.bmw]

hello there fellow bmw owner, i have some possible problem solvers if they are of any use

1: quick and easy cut a small square of black insulation tape and place over orange light

2: slightly more dificult remove dashboard wiv big screwdriver and smash annoying bulb

3: most effecive try taking your car to billy griffiths scrap yard, he will giv u £30 for any heap and hopefully not to far walk back to work or house!

[lewisboy26]

Dear Mr bmw thanks for the info it was a little helpfull but not sure any of your 3 ideas will solve my problem! but No 3 was the best option except i wouldent sell that tw*t a rusty pushbike !! Anyhow your E-mail gave me an idea !! I have a very dear butty with the same car as mine except his steering wheel is on the wrong side lol(but with more gadgets than mine), so im gona borow his oil level sensor im sure he wont mind.

all the best

Lewis

[rlk500]

I have exactly the same problem with my E46 328 Tourer. Indy suspects the oil pressure switch, which is a whole £5.30 + vat. Easy to fit as it's on the oil filter casing right at the front of the engine. I'll let you know after I have replaced it........

[lewisboy26]

thanks for the info m8, yes please let me know if you could that would be wicked !!


thanks

Lewis

[gazsharp]

Got the same problem 2001 330 conv sport. I have been told that it is a common fault caused by leaving the ignition on during an oil service. Something to do with the magnet sensor being on the wrong side. Nothing wrong with car as just had mobile 1 oil change, yet light still shows exactly as you describe.

My local BMW dealer Douglas Park has never heard of this fault though, but I wouldn't trust them on anything.

Did you get it fixed.

[DaveR]

Same symptoms here.

Come on rlk500, you've had a year - any joy?

[ceriw]

Hullo there, yes, same on this 330c msport... light comes on after 14 secs and goes off after 15.... oil level fine -checked each day, and when the oil has dropped to min the light comes on as it should.
Others have mentioned a 150 quid cost to replace the sensor (BMW!) - but why do so if it isn't defective per se.?
5 quid sounds reasonable... will be glad to hear if it solves the 'problem'.

[CIS121]

gazsharp said:

Got the same problem 2001 330 conv sport. I have been told that it is a common fault caused by leaving the ignition on during an oil service. Something to do with the magnet sensor being on the wrong side. Nothing wrong with car as just had mobile 1 oil change, yet light still shows exactly as you describe.

My local BMW dealer Douglas Park has never heard of this fault though, but I wouldn't trust them on anything.

Did you get it fixed.

Yes, this rings bells. What one BMW dealer tells you they've never heard ofyou go to the next one and they advise that it's a common fault. I've been there before. Over time, you get to spot the newbie who isn't very clued up and is afraid to admit it!

[fixedwheelnut]

It is most likely the 'Oil Level Sensor' in the base of the sump that is faulty, a fairly common problem but not massive. Just make sure the wiring connections are ok at the sensor as occaissionally they can get corroded and cause erratic signals.

To change it remove the undertray and the re-inforcement plate on the subframe, drain the oil and replace the sensor.

[DaveR]

My Indie mentioned this to me as a possible cause but the sensor cost an inordinate amount of money IIRC.

If this is the cause, however, and corroded contacts is the issue, is it really necessary to replace the sensor? Would not just cleaning the contacts (assuming this is possible) fix the problem if the sensor itself is still functioning correctly?

[dhutch]

gazsharp said:

Got the same problem 2001 330 conv sport. I have been told that it is a common fault caused by leaving the ignition on during an oil service. Something to do with the magnet sensor being on the wrong side. Nothing wrong with car as just had mobile 1 oil change, yet light still shows exactly as you describe.

This is interesting as 2001 330ci has just started doing this after an oil change.

Previously no issues with car or garage, have used the same garage for years.

What is the fix?

[V8covin]

New oil level sensor.
Non genuine ones are cheaper but don't last as long.
It's nothing to worry about

[dhutch]

V8covin said:

New oil level sensor.

Really? From leaving the ignition on during an oil change! Kills a £100 sensor?

[V8covin]

dhutch said:

Really? From leaving the ignition on during an oil change! Kills a £100 sensor?

I don't believe that's the cause no

[bmwmike]

Seems doubtful but who knows. It's a capacitative oil sensor not magnetic on the e46, so perhaps zero oil level upsets the capacitance. I imagine it would be fine after an oil refill though!

[tgr]

It's a well known problem, the sensor just fails. Monitor the oil level using the dipstick and replace the sensor at your next oil service

[dhutch]

Ok. So maybe just coincidence it's failed at the exact same time as an oil change?

Seems unlikely, but maybe?