Top up oil?

[Finneganistan]

I got a warning light on the dash - oil level low. I had checked it last week, and it was fine then. I've only had the car a few months and I haven't done a change since I bought it. So I'd like to top up the oil now, but I don't know what grade is in there currently.

[zx10guy]

There's a possibility of the oil level sensor being faulty. Mine was when I got those warnings. Replaced the sensor and all is good now.

[tracer bullet]

You can mix grades. Anything LL-01 should be safe.

As far as viscosity to choose at any point in time... I've seen 0W30, 0W40, 5W30 and 5W40 all recommended over the years. I've never determined if there was one single best option, everyone has a different opinion it seems and I never saw an actual grade from BMW in any documentation.

[Finneganistan]

Originally Posted by zx10guy

There's a possibility of the oil level sensor being faulty. Mine was when I got those warnings. Replaced the sensor and all is good now.

Hmm. I wonder. And we have no way to physically check the level, right?

[zx10guy]

Originally Posted by Finneganistan

Hmm. I wonder. And we have no way to physically check the level, right?

Yep. BMW's infinite wisdom for removing the dip stick for these engines.

[jdt10768]

save money, delete the dipstick!

If it's time for an oil change, do an oil change - or just do one with the oil you prefer since car is new to you. But do it now, and don't drive until you do

[Finneganistan]

One oil change later, I can now confirm that sensor is malfunctioning. Any estimate on cost to have it replaced? Is this a difficult job, or an expensive part?

[zx10guy]

Originally Posted by Finneganistan

One oil change later, I can now confirm that sensor is malfunctioning. Any estimate on cost to have it replaced? Is this a difficult job, or an expensive part?

I did the job myself. It's not difficult. The part when I bought it was about $180....best price I could find and from an eBay seller. And this was about two years ago.

Unfortunately, the sensor mounts up through the bottom of the oil pan. So unless you have a very clean container to drain the new oil you just put into the engine, you're looking at pouring in 6.5 quarts of oil again. Removing the sensor will cause all the oil in the oil pan to drain out through the opening. I may have a pic of the sensor removed somewhere.

[mkeiser]

there's a little trick to replacing sensor without losing much oil...

have the car running when you remove the sensor and vacuum should keep most oil in the pain. still should have a pan and be quick about it though.