Hey guys, I have a 1981 320is and I am not positive what this part is, maybe an oil sensor? Its right near the distributor. But the thing is leaking oil like mad, I have a small puddle in the morning. Is it an easy fix? Just a or ing seal maybe? Thanks for your help.

it is indeed an oil pressure sensor. and i believe there is a washer that it's supposed to sit on. you could try renewing the washer (check for cracks in that distributor housing while your at it)....if that doesn't work, maybe there's a crack in the sensor itself?

also be sure to check/torque the bolts that keep that whole distributor housing bolted to the head....there is also a gasket between that housing & the head which could be at fault.

Your right it's the oil presure sender. Only replace it with a good german part, they are not that much $ and cheap units will not last long.
A orig. equp. part will come with a new copper seal ring. Good luck, Jeff

Thanks guys for the feedback and input. Ill check it out and see what it needs. It seems that the part might be cracked. When I pulled the rubber boot off the part/wire, it was full of oil.

Thanks again.

I would change the copper crush washer first.
Its always that 10 cent part that ends up kicking your ass.

I would change the copper crush washer first.
Its always that 10 cent part that ends up kicking your ass.

Indeed. Condoms cost u $0.50, but the child support ends up kicking your ass. :D

Indeed. Condoms cost u $0.50, but the child support ends up kicking your ass. :D


hahaha :lol

Is the washer something I can get anywhere or do I need to get a specific one?

That all depends on how anal you are about your vehicle. I order that kind of stuff when I order other things, from BMA. It's probably a 10 cent piece. If you want instant satisfaction listen to John Madden "Ace is the place".

They frequently fail thru the center of the sender. If the boot was full of oil it's the sensor. They are cheap. Replace the whole thing, not just the washer.

Bruce