No oil level in iDrive: 2006 530xi

[ES335]

The oil level check in iDrive will not display the oil level. I figured that the level sensor was bad and replaced it. The problem didn’t get resolved. I hooked up my Foxwell 510 to see what I could. It gives two options for oil level live data: engine oil fill level and engine oil level, briefly (pic below). The first gives the level in mm and the other never responds (just like the iDrive).

I dont mind having to check the oil level with a scanner, but my daughter has been using it and she needs the iDrive to tell her when the oil gets low, which it doesn’t do now.

I thought a wire might be broken, but there’s only three: ground, power and signal (at least that’s what I’ve been able to discern), so if I can read a level in mm, it looks like it’s working. I haven’t done any coding, either.

Any my ideas or solutions? I’m kinda at a loss.


DD77C569-B632-46E6-8B43-EBA9E37DDA3B.jpeg

Not it sure why the image gets rotated after posting. It’s correct on edit.

[iregj]

After replacement:

Initially, no oil level is stored. ”Oil level under min” is then displayed. The correct oil level is only displayed after approx. 2 minutes of engine operation (engine at operating temperature, engine speed greater than 0, vehicle stationary).

[ES335]

I watched the iDrive screen for 5 minutes and no response. I wouldn’t think this component would need to be registered or programmed for my car and I haven’t been able to identify a module for it either. Could this be a fault in programming or some type of reset needed?

[iregj]

It doesn't need to be registered. Do you have the earth strap mentioned here?

[ES335]

There isn’t an image with your reply, but I did find the reference in TIS 12 61285. I’m thinking that’s what you referenced. I’ll get under the car today or tomorrow and see if the earth strap is connected. Thanks for the direction!

[iregj]

Yes, that is the TIS page I was talking about. The image works on my end though.

[ES335]

I just checked and my car doesn’t have that earth strap. Not even a place to attach one near the level sensor. I removed and cleaned the large ground strap from the engine to the frame. Checked continuity and it checked fine.

Im starting to think that the system is working because I can measure the level through my scanner. That leads me to think the problem is with the iDrive. Not sure how I can diagnose or fix that.

[iregj]

If you disconnect the sensor does the scanner stop measuring? Oil temperature and quality are also measured by the same sensor, can you see those?

[ES335]

I haven’t tried to disconnect the sensor with the scanner hooked up, but I can read the oil level in mm and temperature with the scanner. The iDrive does displays the oil life, but isn’t that based on mileage?

I’m thinking about changing the oil soon (it’s at 600miles left) and scanning the level so I can know what full is in mm. I hate to have to do it that way, because if I can’t get to the car (my daughter has been using it), it could run low on oil and the iDrive won’t notify the driver.

[ES335]

Would a battery disconnect have any positive effect?

[iregj]

I don't see why it would.

[CarterH]

At this point, why not try a battery disconnect? It can sometimes fix the strangest of issues. I'd also go check some fuses, you'd be amazed at how simple a fix can be sometimes.

[ES335]

I’ve heard that it can correct weird problems and I’ll try it after I’m done with a two stage paint correction. Hopefully, it will be this weekend at the latest. I’ll also double check the fuses at the same time.

[ES335]

Problem solved! I disconnected the battery for a few hours and I got an oil level in iDrive. Thanks to everyone for the help!