E46 330ci Oil Sensor

[CI80]

The engine oil sensor on my 2001 BMW E46 330ci has stopped working, the amber oil light comes on dash when the car starts up (the oil level is fine). My local garage agrees with BMW on the price of the sensor (£96) but seem to think it is an extremely long job to get to and replace the sensor. They seem to think its in the oil sump and that they need gaskets etc .A brief browse of the internet seems to show the sensor in a fairly easy to reach external area of the engine.

Can anyone point me to where I can get the answer to this?

[330southampton]

Im a member of www.e46zone.com i suggest u register and ask for help as they will help you :-)

[Neil_Sc]

As far as I am aware it is a simple job, 3 hex nuts and out it comes.

You would naturally need to drain the oil, but I can't think it would take more than 10 minutes on top of an oil change.

This page shows you the oil level sensor and gasket

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=EV52...

[Martyn D]

This might help

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=BN52...

[john_p]

I did this, it's trivial to do but you need to remove the undertray and drain the oil. Then, three small bolts and it's out.

If you can live with it, it can wait until your next oil service. Just check it manually.

I bought a replacement from GSF and it failed after 6 months, so I'd buy one from BMW next time

[tgr]

Agree they're making a meal of it. I personally don't like warning lights on my dash but if you can stand it I wouldn't worry about waiting until the next oil change. Swap the two sensors out and you're done - and get the (improved spec) part from BMW to avoid having to do it again