Oil level indicator light... known issue with the D's?

Thud · 11-09-2011, 08:22 AM

Approximately every 5th time I shut down my engine I get the oil level warning displayed on the dash. And then I'll check the oil immediately (when fully warmed up), and it's right in the middle of the range on the dipstick.

So it seems I'm getting an erroneous oil level warning. Interesting note, I first received it about a week after my most recent scheduled oil change, which was performed by the dealer.

Anybody else seen this? Is it safe to add another half quart or so just to be sure?

maswastage · 11-09-2011, 08:26 AM

That's odd. The dipstick doesn't lie, so if it's showing your oil level is fine then it's probably fine. I wouldn't suggest adding extra oil because overfilling the engine oil can be as harmful as underfilling it. Most likely it's just an electrical gremlin causing the light to come on. Maybe take it to the dealer and see if they can isolate the problem?

PSEE · 11-09-2011, 12:23 PM

The oil level should be checked, preferably, on a cold engine - like having sat
overnight. This'll allow *all* of the oil to drain down to the iol pan that's going
to.

Alternatively, let the (hot) engine sit a few minutes before checking it - again
to allow the oil in the upper parts of the engine to drain down..

11-09-2011, 08:22 AM	#1
Thud Throbbing Member 43 Rep 1,433 Posts Drives: Join Date: Jan 2008 iTrader: (0)	Oil level indicator light... known issue with the D's? Approximately every 5th time I shut down my engine I get the oil level warning displayed on the dash. And then I'll check the oil immediately (when fully warmed up), and it's right in the middle of the range on the dipstick. So it seems I'm getting an erroneous oil level warning. Interesting note, I first received it about a week after my most recent scheduled oil change, which was performed by the dealer. Anybody else seen this? Is it safe to add another half quart or so just to be sure? __________________ 2014 Tesla Model S 85kwh Previous cars: 2011 335d / Deep Sea Blue / Saddle brown / sport / premium 2008 BMW 135i / 6MT 2002 Z06 Corvette
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11-09-2011, 08:26 AM	#2
maswastage Resident Diesel Junkie 56 Rep 1,070 Posts Drives: 2010 AW 335d Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Maryland iTrader: (0)	That's odd. The dipstick doesn't lie, so if it's showing your oil level is fine then it's probably fine. I wouldn't suggest adding extra oil because overfilling the engine oil can be as harmful as underfilling it. Most likely it's just an electrical gremlin causing the light to come on. Maybe take it to the dealer and see if they can isolate the problem?
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11-09-2011, 12:23 PM	#3
PSEE First Lieutenant 12 Rep 332 Posts Drives: 2009 335d Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: BMW, MA iTrader: (0)	The oil level should be checked, preferably, on a cold engine - like having sat overnight. This'll allow all of the oil to drain down to the iol pan that's going to. Alternatively, let the (hot) engine sit a few minutes before checking it - again to allow the oil in the upper parts of the engine to drain down..
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