E90 318i Oil Level Sensor

[Oneball]

There’s no dipstick only an oil level display on the dash. It just says “ok” after the clock has finished spinning and doesn’t show an actual level. Is this normal?

[TheGinger1]

It should give an instant reading, but only after you have driven far enough to warm the engine. The spinning icon implies you have not warmed the engine up enough.

[Oneball]

I’d done 1.5h on the motorway. It was definitely hot and parked on level ground.

[Mr Tidy]

That doesn't sound right, unless it varies by model.

It doesn't matter about being on the level AFAIK. Once my E90 330i is up to temperature it will show a reading while on the move with 4 increments - lowest is 1 litre below maximum.

I only get an OK in the display when I do a "Check Control". Oil level is the next item on the menu as you scroll through.

[Oneball]

I ll try it next time I go for a drive, it s definitely reading as I plugged a computer in and it comes back with 54mm. No idea what that means though!!!

Going to do cam chains guides and a service in the new year anyway so if that doesn’t work I might swap the sensor at the same time.

[g3org3y]

Oneball said:

There s no dipstick only an oil level display on the dash. It just says ok after the clock has finished spinning and doesn t show an actual level. Is this normal?

It definitely doesn't show the level underneath?


(On max in this image)

[Oneball]

g3org3y said:

Oneball said:

There s no dipstick only an oil level display on the dash. It just says ok after the clock has finished spinning and doesn t show an actual level. Is this normal?

It definitely doesn't show the level underneath?


(On max in this image)

I get the “gauge” in the display without the solid line when the clock is spinning but the moment it stops I just get ok and the “gauge” disappears

[twokcc]

g3org3y said:

It definitely doesn't show the level underneath?


(On max in this image)

I'd read that differently as showing 3/4 full with other quarter being amount to be added to bring to full(250mm)
On my 2010 125i its similar but gauge is vertical on idrive display and not being on level ground (front to back) does make a difference) on my sloping drive.

[g3org3y]

twokcc said:

g3org3y said:

It definitely doesn't show the level underneath?


(On max in this image)

I'd read that differently as showing 3/4 full with other quarter being amount to be added to bring to full(250mm)
On my 2010 125i its similar but gauge is vertical on idrive display and not being on level ground (front to back) does make a difference) on my sloping drive.

From the owners manual (albeit US version).



The two 'markers' indicate MIN and MAX.

If you add more oil to an engine that displays a level as per my image, you'll be overfilling it!

Interestingly (for the OP) it suggests if the oil level sensor is defective, it'll come up as SERVICE.

[Oneball]

I’ve done chains and guides over Christmas with an oil change and now the display shows the bar gauge. Absolutely no idea why it wouldn’t before as I’ve done nothing different!!!!

[Mr Tidy]

Oneball said:

I ve done chains and guides over Christmas with an oil change and now the display shows the bar gauge. Absolutely no idea why it wouldn t before as I ve done nothing different!!!!

That's a result - they don't often fix themselves!