Member
While driving to the hardware store, I noticed my Oil light flickering red for about 5 seconds or so and then turned off. It happened as I was going down a slight hill. Total driving time was over an hour due to traffic, but the light never came on at any other time during the trip. How concerned should I be?
I've done some searching, and it looks like it could be a sensor, but the symptoms seem slightly different from what I've read since my car wasn't idling when it came on, nor did it light up mulitiple times on the trip. I drive an '03 330i.
Thanks
Member
did you check ur oil?!?!?!
My Previous Vehicle - In the Edmonton/Northern AB Area? We're having a meet... Click Here
Member
Out of pure curiosity... how's your oil level?Originally Posted by ctsoul
^Gone, but not forgotten.
You should probably put some oil in your car...
"Screwed" by ESS Tuning
Member
survey says, check your oil
Unknown Driver
We need to hold an online "clinic" about basic vehicle maintenance and theory, because there have a been a rash of questions like this lately.
Soon, it's gonna be "what does that yellow led mean over by my fuel guage?...oh, and my car won't start."
Member
Unless his oil level is fine....
Sent from my Thunderbolt using BF.com
^Gone, but not forgotten.
His symptoms don't point to a sensor being bad. He said when he goes down hill (oil table shifts and the sump pickup goes dry).
I have a feeling it's the oil level.
+10000000
It would help if half the people out there would just read there owners manual. Henry Ford said it the best "if you want to hide something from the public, put it in there vehicles owners manual".
Last edited by 1988 325ix; 12-02-2011 at 11:37 AM. Reason: Automerged Doublepost
"Screwed" by ESS Tuning
Member
RED oil light is a pressure problem, yellow oil light is a level problem.
Edit: Of course though, check the level first.
Last edited by telijah; 12-02-2011 at 11:46 AM.
Unknown Driver
"...and what angel eyes should I choose?" -Abraham Lincoln
The sensor is located in forward area of the sump. If he's low on oil and driving down hill, the oil returned to the sump would be minimal as it would remain in the forward area of the pan.
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...11&fg=10&hl=74
red oil light while engine running would indicate low oil also, as lack of pressure is also related to low oil.
I'm assuming that the OP also has a yellow oil light before and upon startup.
Last edited by mdfiasco; 12-02-2011 at 11:46 AM. Reason: Automerged Doublepost
^Gone, but not forgotten.
Maybe he is so low that it's always borderline of running dry?
"Screwed" by ESS Tuning
Member
If that were the case, he'd also have the yellow light, unless he needs the level sensor replaced too.
^Gone, but not forgotten.
True.
"Screwed" by ESS Tuning
Member
How worried should you be: very. Hate to flame a new(ish) member, but red means stop. That little red oil can is the grim reaper's calling card. Low oil pressure and engine failure are close cousins.
Of course low pressure could be the result of very low oil level, but it's not too likely. If the level is low and you never got the yellow oil light, you need a new level sensor, so get one (after adding oil) and keep an eye on the oil light. If the level is fine, I would take it to a mechanic immediately, maybe even on a flatbed.
Member
Red means turn engine off IMMEDIATELY. Gotta wonder who is buying BMW these days?
New Member
OP can you PLEASE tell me what RPM were you at when you saw the red light? I would really like to know at what RPM the light came on.
Member
Not necessarily true. I have a friend that has had the "Red light" for years......comes in, and goes out at weird times. He has done a ton of diagnosis, had BMW look at it, and even talked to Mike Miller about it. No fix. It is...what it is.
You are correct....driving down the road.....red light comes in hard.....pull over....turn car off.
Last edited by danewilson77; 12-03-2011 at 10:37 AM.
I WANNA GO FAST!
If oil level is fine and sensor is working, it could be as simple as a cheap oil filter (I have seen the cheap ones trigger this light) or partially clogged oil filter.
Member
Did OP reply yet???? lol Did he check his oil yet???
Yes, could be a 100 things... but lets start with the obvious
My Previous Vehicle - In the Edmonton/Northern AB Area? We're having a meet... Click Here
Member
"RED" though? Or yellow?
Last edited by danewilson77; 12-04-2011 at 02:36 PM.
Posting Permissions
Reply With Quote
Bookmarks