[demosthenes]

Does anyone know how the oil level sensor works?

Does anyone know what determines when we can get a reading? I can't get a reading until I've driven about 5 miles. Is it oil temp, water temp or miles driven?

TIA.

[ubern00b]

i believe it's oil temp for that one.

[demosthenes]

Originally Posted by ubern00b

i believe it's oil temp for that one.

I hope you are right. If so, it means that 328i owners finally have a way to determine when our cars are warmed up. We don't have water or oil temperature gauges.

[Pappy]

Originally Posted by demosthenes

Does anyone know how the oil level sensor works?

Does anyone know what determines when we can get a reading? I can't get a reading until I've driven about 5 miles. Is it oil temp, water temp or miles driven?

TIA.

I think it's like a depth finder or sonar for fishing. It continuously takes level readings and then gives an average. If your a quart low, then the average will be lower. It may take a few miles of driving for it to give an average.

[DrGP]

You are correct. You cannot get a reading untill you have driven the car a few minutes. Not sure what parameters have to be met before you will get a reading.

[Pappy]

Originally Posted by DrGP

You are correct. You cannot get a reading untill you have driven the car a few minutes. Not sure what parameters have to be met before you will get a reading.

And I think about how the oil is being flung all about and yet it gets an average..Amazing!!!

I wonder if there is a semi-protected chamber where the level is fairly stable???

[Richwm]

Originally Posted by Pappy

And I think about how the oil is being flung all about and yet it gets an average..Amazing!!!

I wonder if there is a semi-protected chamber where the level is fairly stable???

It is just in the bottom of the oil pan I replaced mine a couple weeks ago it looks simple. If I could find my camera I would take a picture for you.

Here is what it looks like its #4 in the diagram http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...39&hg=12&fg=05

[Pappy]

So there is a baffled chamber where the sensor is located???

Sure would like to see a pic or a link to an illustration of this area....

[Richwm]

Originally Posted by Pappy

So there is a baffled chamber where the sensor is located???

Sure would like to see a pic or a link to an illustration of this area....

Its not baffled at all when I took the old one out I stuck my finger in there and felt nothing.

Here is a diagram of the oil pan. http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...33&hg=11&fg=10

[Pappy]

Originally Posted by Richwm

Its not baffled at all when I took the old one out I stuck my finger in there and felt nothing.

Here is a diagram of the oil pan.

Thanks for the parts breakdown Richwm...It appears the sensor may be inside that tube (part #8) which acts as a anti-slosh chamber..

[itsbrokeagain]

usually it will take a measurement once it was warmed up. Because even with my 335 and Ive driven a bit (5-10) miles, it still will not take a reading.

If I let it idle in the driveway 10 minutes, it will take a reading.

[demosthenes]

Thanks for all the feedback.

So it seems like the last diagram shows a tube that measures oil level and there's probably an oil temperature sensor that makes sure a reading isn't taken until the oil reaches a certain temperature, right?

[dreamk]

now we know... thanks

[Pappy]

Originally Posted by itsbrokeagain

usually it will take a measurement once it was warmed up. Because even with my 335 and Ive driven a bit (5-10) miles, it still will not take a reading.

If I let it idle in the driveway 10 minutes, it will take a reading.

I can get a reading within one mile from cold...2008 E92 328i

[E92_328i_Boston]

In response to comment #3:

The 328i (2008) E92 certainly has a oil temp gauge.

-A

[demosthenes]

Originally Posted by E92_328i_Boston

In response to comment #3:

The 328i (2008) E92 certainly has a oil temp gauge.

-A

Thanks for the correction. So it appears that among the E90 and E92 models in the U.S., only the 328i E90 doesn't have the gauge. I wish it did.

[ENINTY]

Originally Posted by Richwm

Its not baffled at all when I took the old one out I stuck my finger in there and felt nothing.

Here is a diagram of the oil pan. http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...33&hg=11&fg=10

Richwm

Just curious, what made you replace the the oil level sensor in the first place?

[Richwm]

Originally Posted by ENINTY

Richwm

Just curious, what made you replace the the oil level sensor in the first place?

Mine never worked, it always said full and never moved even with only 6 quarts of Oil in the motor. After fighting with the dealership for three years to trying to get them to replace it I just did it myself. BTW the dealership wanted to charge me $500 to replace it after my warranty was up, so I just got it from Crown Auto for $150 and did it myself.

[JTBurn]

Originally Posted by demosthenes

I hope you are right. If so, it means that 328i owners finally have a way to determine when our cars are warmed up. We don't have water or oil temperature gauges.

Mine 328i has an oil temp gauge. Sorry you don't.

[gino58]

mine gives a reading after about 3 miles from cold. level is quite accurate since i've been monitoring my oil level everyday since I did my own oil change and it always say max OK. I used 7 quarts BMW oil. I'm now at 37K miles.2006 325i sport package

[ENINTY]

Originally Posted by Richwm

Mine never worked, it always said full and never moved even with only 6 quarts of Oil in the motor. After fighting with the dealership for three years to trying to get them to replace it I just did it myself. BTW the dealership wanted to charge me $500 to replace it after my warranty was up, so I just got it from Crown Auto for $150 and did it myself.

Richwm,

Thanks for the info. Mine's been tracking okay, I check the quantity of the oil at every oil change. Doesn't look like a difficult job. Thanks.