Orange Oil Light

[jsc1976]

Hi, I am new to the bmw forum and have just collected a 330ci sport and have a slight concern over the oil lights. The orange oil light comes on after starting and then goes off after a few seconds (is this normal or is it trying to tell me something?). The red light is on when the ignition is on but extinguishes immediately after starting (suggesting oil pressure is fine). The oil level is ok and it has just been serviced.

Having searched various forums it would seem it could either be suggesting a low oil level or that this is a normal diagnostic check.

Any help would be much appreciated.

Many thanks

[vee]

It's normal for lights to come on when you start - a way of checking that the light works.
When your oil starts to run low it will light up yellow meaning it needs a top up.

Oil usage varies quite a bit in these cars.
Mines uses around 2/3 litres between 15k services while I've heard of others that use none at all.

Keep a litre of Castrol Edge 0W-40 in the boot

Edited by vee on Tuesday 27th June 10:04

[jsc1976]

Thanks Vee,

Though i was in for costly issues before i'd even started!

[Robertb]

That's quite normal.

I've had a couple of 330s, they did use oil between services, so keep an eye on the oil level.

I found that my amber oil light would come on after the car was switched off- this was my cue to pour in another half litre, about every 10k miles.

[daver]

My 330 does this even after topping up the oil. The orange light stays on for a few seconds then goes out.

This would seem to suggest that it’s less to do with oil level and more to do with oil pressure. Whether the cause is the pressure (or lack of) itself, or the sensor used to measure the pressure is another topic entirely though.

I’d be as interested as anyone in the views of someone actually qualified to comment!

[jsc1976]

Having read the manual I am certain it is oil level related and not oil pressure. I'm also fairly sure my issue is down to a faulty level sensor (the oil level is correct on the dipstick). The orange light on mine doesn't come on until a few seconds after the car has started and then remains on for maybe 10 seconds before going out and not appearing again until next time it is started. The red light which I think is oil pressure related goes out immediately after start-up.

Might get it checked out just to be sure . . .