Oil level indicator

[777ER]

I have 1700 miles on my 2007 328xi and it looks like I ran into some problems with the oil level indicator.


Jan 20th on the way to a party, checked the oil level like I always do when I drive it.

Shows OK with the bar at the full line.

On the way back, halfway through the trip the yellow oil caution message came and I checked it, it shows at minimum and this message: "+1 qt"

Jan 21st, drove it to a local auto store and picked up a BMW approved Mobil 1 oil, added 1/2 quart to see if the level would change. On the way back home, I checked the oil level and it showed below minimums (the bar was between the left end of the line and the MIN line. I was like what the hell is up with that level sensor.

Got home, put the other 1/2 quart in. Idled the engine for a few mins in my garage...same thing.

Added in another quart for a precaution. Drove it for a short ride to the local store, still the same thing.

Went from NY to MA and the whole trip the level stayed the same.

Jan 21st night, (7th start since first problem showed) I checked the oil level while driving and it showed OK with the bar at the full line.

I'm like WTF is going on?!

Jan 22nd...from MA to NY, showed full the whole trip.


The dealer service dept called back today and they told me they don't have any loaner cars til the end of the month. The best they can give me now is a damn toyota camry.



Should I take it in as a precaution so they can drain the oil and measure how much came out and have the oil level sensor replaced as a precaution under warrenty?

[cemman]

Sounds like the right move, but boy are you going to hate that Camry.

[777ER]

Sounds like the right move, but boy are you going to hate that Camry.

I have 2 other local BMW dealers to call and see what loaner cars they have for me...

[Smoody]

I still do not understand why BMW can not see fit to put a dipstick on these cars.

Toyota.......the anti-bimmer.

[777ER]

I called the closest BMW dealer with a service dept and this is how it went after they asked me for the car info:

Me: ok, do you have any loaner car?

Them: i'm sorry unfortunately since the vehicle was not purchased at westchester bmw there are no vehicles available they are available through the sales dept therefore they are available for the sales customers


WTF is that crap?! :mad

[Zwanzigoetzel]

Sorry you have to go through this BS with your new vehicle. This does raise a good question however. And I'm just speculating here and I don't know how many other people in this forum had similar issues...I'm wondering if some BMW dealerships are trying to get back at customers that didn't buy their vehicle through them. "See, if you had it bought through us, you would have a loaner now, wouldn't you?"
As far as I'm concerned, if they don't have loaners, they should have to pay for a rental until the car is fixed!

Anyways, good luck with your issue and I hope it will get fixed soon.

Zwanzig

[cemman]

This is exactly what happened to me at Princeton BMW. I bought a 740i in Arizona and moved to PA and needed service, but they would not give me a loaner so I went to a dealer an hour away.

[rifle]

I have seen this with the German car dealerships, I am not sure why they do this other than "snobbery". The other dealerships I have dealt with always gave me a loaner. I figure that the money I saved on the purchase would offset any rental costs I might incur. Plus I may try to call the service dept of the closer dealership and see if their quota or lack thereof may influence them to giving me a rental. Otherwise, I will go back to the dealer that I purchased from.

[greenie99]

I have 1700 miles on my 2007 328xi and it looks like I ran into some problems with the oil level indicator.


Jan 20th on the way to a party, checked the oil level like I always do when I drive it.

Shows OK with the bar at the full line.

On the way back, halfway through the trip the yellow oil caution message came and I checked it, it shows at minimum and this message: "+1 qt"

Jan 21st, drove it to a local auto store and picked up a BMW approved Mobil 1 oil, added 1/2 quart to see if the level would change. On the way back home, I checked the oil level and it showed below minimums (the bar was between the left end of the line and the MIN line. I was like what the hell is up with that level sensor.

Got home, put the other 1/2 quart in. Idled the engine for a few mins in my garage...same thing.

Added in another quart for a precaution. Drove it for a short ride to the local store, still the same thing.

Went from NY to MA and the whole trip the level stayed the same.

Jan 21st night, (7th start since first problem showed) I checked the oil level while driving and it showed OK with the bar at the full line.

I'm like WTF is going on?!

Jan 22nd...from MA to NY, showed full the whole trip.


The dealer service dept called back today and they told me they don't have any loaner cars til the end of the month. The best they can give me now is a damn toyota camry.



Should I take it in as a precaution so they can drain the oil and measure how much came out and have the oil level sensor replaced as a precaution under warrenty?

Take the damn Camry and let the dealership check your car!!!!!!! Good grief. Its a LOANER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Jhunter]

Jan 21st, drove it to a local auto store and picked up a BMW approved Mobil 1 oil,

Why do you buy oil at an auto store when there is free oil at the dealership? My first stop would have been the dealership. Now I am sure the first time they would top it off and tell that this is normal, the oil is not always filled completely at the factory, blah, blah, blah.

The second time the oil was low I would be right back at the dealership. Now they can not deny that something is not right. Also, I think it is probably harder for them to give you shit about a loaner when you are there in person being assertive but courteous about the situation.

[TheRealMadDog]

Take the damn Camry and let the dealership check your car!!!!!!! Good grief. Its a LOANER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

+1. It's not like they're offering you a Yugo as a loaner.....

TRMD

[greenie99]

Why do you buy oil at an auto store when there is free oil at the dealership? My first stop would have been the dealership. Now I am sure the first time they would top it off and tell that this is normal, the oil is not always filled completely at the factory, blah, blah, blah.

The second time the oil was low I would be right back at the dealership. Now they can not deny that something is not right. Also, I think it is probably harder for them to give you shit about a loaner when you are there in person being assertive but courteous about the situation.

++++++!

[777ER]

Why do you buy oil at an auto store when there is free oil at the dealership? My first stop would have been the dealership. Now I am sure the first time they would top it off and tell that this is normal, the oil is not always filled completely at the factory, blah, blah, blah.

The second time the oil was low I would be right back at the dealership. Now they can not deny that something is not right. Also, I think it is probably harder for them to give you shit about a loaner when you are there in person being assertive but courteous about the situation.

It was on a sunday...all the dealerships here are closed. Read the 1st post. Jan 21st.

[777ER]

+1. It's not like they're offering you a Yugo as a loaner.....

TRMD

Called the dealership I brought it from, figuring i can divert from my commute home to go there.

They have an BMW loaner on the 5th, or I can go in the 3rd and get the camry. Well I opt for the 5th ;)

[TheRealMadDog]

Called the dealership I brought it from, figuring i can divert from my commute home to go there.

They have an BMW loaner on the 5th, or I can go in the 3rd and get the camry. Well I opt for the 5th ;)

Yep, you know you're hooked when you won't drive a non-BMW loaner.

[777ER]

Yep, you know you're hooked when you won't drive a non-BMW loaner.

Once you've gone BMW, you never go back! :evil2

[TheRealMadDog]

Once you've gone BMW, you never go back! :evil2

+ 1 :redspot

[Plowman]

Had the same problem with mine first day I got it. I was a bit spooked thinking the thing left the factory and dealer low on oil. Added 1 qt and it still told me I was down a quart. Dealer advises they are having issues with the sensor but the part has not been upgraded. By the was mine now works fine.

[vconrad51]

I leased a 328xi coupe just before Christmas. I have also had problems with the oil sensor. Several times, the warning light has come on indicating I am low on oil. However, the oil level is just fine. I have been in touch with my dealer and we're watching the problem. All has been fine the past week. However, I'm not worried because I know that if there truly is a problem my dealer will promptly fix it. I am pleased with my new BMW and it's far superior to any Toyota, Lexus, or any other car in the same category. I have been treated with respect and fairness by my BMW dealer and I do not consider the oil sensor to be a major problem or a major defect.

[Colonel Angus]

Had the exact same thing happen to my 07 328xi. Turned out t was the sensor that was faulty. Running a car with too much oil is as bad as running a car with low oil. Get it checked now!

[Jhunter]

Yep, you know you're hooked when you won't drive a non-BMW loaner.

I agree. Although about a month ago my dealer screwed up and did not reserve a BMW loaner for my service. They got me a Mini Cooper S from the Mini side of the dealership. I referred to it as a clown car but it was a blast to thrash it around for a day and a half. Wouldn't want to own one though.

[rjm]

Running a car with too much oil is as bad as running a car with low oil. Get it checked now!


I agree with that. The manual states that you can damage the engine (probably the seals because of too much oil pressure) if you drive it with too much oil in it. There is just no excuse for BMW not putting a dipstick in these cars...I sure hope they put them in future models!!

[777ER]

Oil level sensor replaced with an updated part # today.

I had a loaner car and put an additional 120 miles on it and used almost half of the gas tank :D

Got a BMW chrome license plate frame, 3 series keyring, and 2 quarts of BMW 5W-30 oil with my dealer's $50 gift certificate :)

[Harve]

Oil level sensor replaced with an updated part # today.

I had a loaner car and put an additional 120 miles on it and used almost half of the gas tank :D

Got a BMW chrome license plate frame, 3 series keyring, and 2 quarts of BMW 5W-30 oil with my dealer's $50 gift certificate :)

I wonder if this means they have upgraded the faulty oil sensors on the current ones being built right now? Mine's in production this month, I hope I don't have those oil sensor problems. It'd be a pain regardless if I get a good loaner or not.

Way to go on the goodies by the way!

[TheRealMadDog]

Oil level sensor replaced with an updated part # today.

I had a loaner car and put an additional 120 miles on it and used almost half of the gas tank :D

Got a BMW chrome license plate frame, 3 series keyring, and 2 quarts of BMW 5W-30 oil with my dealer's $50 gift certificate :)

What was the $50 gift certificate from ??

TRMD

[mainebmwtech]

the brilliant german who designed this oil level/temp/condition sensor needs to be shot....i would know. i deal with these sensors all day. the problem with the loaners is going to be an issue almost anywhere because there are so many issues going on with the release of the new 3, m5, m6, z4 coupe and x5. releasing all of these cars at the same time is an issue because no matter what car company you are, there will be problems with the first of everything. all bmw techs hate germans for the delete of the dipstick. there is a updated sensor for those having an issue. unfortunatly it has to be proved out to be bad by draining the oil and measuring it to see if it is actually low. a real pain. dont worry guys, well fix em in due time....

[bigrobb2]

the brilliant german who designed this oil level/temp/condition sensor needs to be shot....i would know. i deal with these sensors all day. the problem with the loaners is going to be an issue almost anywhere because there are so many issues going on with the release of the new 3, m5, m6, z4 coupe and x5. releasing all of these cars at the same time is an issue because no matter what car company you are, there will be problems with the first of everything. all bmw techs hate germans for the delete of the dipstick. there is a updated sensor for those having an issue. unfortunatly it has to be proved out to be bad by draining the oil and measuring it to see if it is actually low. a real pain. dont worry guys, well fix em in due time....

LOL!!!! I guess its their revenge on the world for loosing the war.

[777ER]

What was the $50 gift certificate from ??

TRMD

The dealer and BMW NA. Only valid at the purchasing dealership.

[777ER]

the brilliant german who designed this oil level/temp/condition sensor needs to be shot....i would know. i deal with these sensors all day. the problem with the loaners is going to be an issue almost anywhere because there are so many issues going on with the release of the new 3, m5, m6, z4 coupe and x5. releasing all of these cars at the same time is an issue because no matter what car company you are, there will be problems with the first of everything. all bmw techs hate germans for the delete of the dipstick. there is a updated sensor for those having an issue. unfortunatly it has to be proved out to be bad by draining the oil and measuring it to see if it is actually low. a real pain. dont worry guys, well fix em in due time....

no $hit...

where in Maine do you work at? Anywhere near Bath or the five islands?

[mainebmwtech]

live next to bath and work in portland area...

[jkmasi]

i'am hoping & waiting for some aftermarket company to come out with a
oil dipstick kit.i know it will involve some drilling into magnesium,&
probably dropping the oil pan,but i wonder how much the oil sensor is to replace once the warranty is up.

[db8 na]

Hey 777ER, did you ever get this problem fixed? If so, what was the diagnosis? I am going through the same problem right now with my 328XI.

[777ER]

Hey 777ER, did you ever get this problem fixed? If so, what was the diagnosis? I am going through the same problem right now with my 328XI.

Yep...yesterday. See post #23

They checked the oil level by draining and measuring it. The sensor was giving a false reading. It has been replaced with a updated part #.

[wildman1]

I wonder if this means they have upgraded the faulty oil sensors on the current ones being built right now? Mine's in production this month, I hope I don't have those oil sensor problems. It'd be a pain regardless if I get a good loaner or not.

Way to go on the goodies by the way!

This must be an isolated problem, and not necessarily common to the entire series. I got my 335 on 09/09/06, and have about 5k miles on it now. I've never had any problem with the oil sensor.

[BrianC9379]

I purchased a new 2007 328xi one month ago. After 500 miles, the oil level indicators (both electronic dipsticks) showed low oil. I took it to the dealer and they replaced the oil level sensor. Today, I have about 1,400 miles on the car and again, both oil level indicators show low oil. I don't know if it has to do with the cold temperatures we're having here in NJ, but this still should not be.

I will take it back to the dealer for what I hope is a non-faulty sensor. How many tries do I give the dealership?

[Pak027]

I've had my car 2 1/2 months. The low oil level indicator started coming on a couple of weeks ago. At first it was intermittent, then every time I drove it. Last Friday the dealer replaced the engine oil level switch, the filter element, the leveling sensor and the oil. They measured the oil that they drained out of the car and it was not low. The SA said the replacement sensor was a newer design that should solve the problem.

Everything was fine for 4 days, then I started getting low oil warnings again! The SA told me today the same thing has happened with other cars; he called the area manager today who told him not to replace any more parts and to wait until BMW comes up with a fix for the problem.

I can put up with the chime and the little Aladdin's lamp symbol but, until they fix it, there's no way to know if the oil level is OK. If this goes on for a while I think the dealers will have to let people bring their cars in every couple weeks for a while-u-wait oil measurement.