Low motor oil warning at 2k miles? wassup w/ that?

MMakoto · 12-09-2006, 12:36 AM

as i was driving today, the low engine oil warning light came on, and said it has less than 1 qt left. does the 335i burns motor oil very fast or something? i only high rev the car once in a while, and i doubt that's the cause. i turned off the engine and started up again after 3hrs, the warning light was gone, but the oil only shows in the middle (it was at max when i first got it). the oil gauge has been moving kinda slow lately too, it reaches normal in like 30mins after startup.
it's been in the 30s and 40s lately, could it be the cold weather that's causing it? anyone w/ the similar problem or might know the solution to my questions?

tctic · 12-09-2006, 01:15 AM

It is normal. And it doesn't mean it has only one quart left. It means it suggest you to add one quart. Visit your dealership and they will sort it out for you. Or you can just find the right oil and do it yourself.

2007/335i/coupe · 12-09-2006, 01:27 AM

Make sure your car is not leaking any oil. I had my 335 for about 2 months and the oil lamp came on then discovered I had a very slow leak which ended up being a faulty oil cooler. Of course, BMW replaced it for free

13307 · 12-09-2006, 09:39 AM

Assuming no leaks, which is a good idea to check for, I take solice in the car using a quart in the first few thousand, it means things are seating in and the engine is breaking in the way I think it should. But hey, isn't that what "FULL MAINTENANCE" is for! $50K should buy something extra right, let them worry about it.

arbitrage · 12-09-2006, 10:36 AM

I've been a little worried about mine, the oil check shows it in the bottom quarter of the little graph. I never checked it when I first got it, but for now I'll just keep driving till it warns me??

BK · 12-09-2006, 11:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by arbitrage

I've been a little worried about mine, the oil check shows it in the bottom quarter of the little graph. I never checked it when I first got it, but for now I'll just keep driving till it warns me??

If it's down to 1/4 on the graph, it's 3/4 qt low. You can ask a BMW tech, but I think you're supposed to not worry about it until it's a full qt low (when it warns you to add some oil).

froman · 12-09-2006, 12:05 PM

I have 11,500 miles on my 325, and the add a quart light just came on a couple of days ago. That's about what I expected. 2,000 miles seem pretty low to burn a quart of oil?
BTW, I called my salesman and asked if adding a quart was covered by the "free maintenance" plan LOL. He said, no, it wasn't, but he comped it for me anyway.

kilbuda · 12-09-2006, 03:15 PM

Same problem, same mileage; ended up as a faulty oil sensor and was covered and fixed under warranty.

Snakeii · 12-09-2006, 04:40 PM

the new bmw engines ahve rougly 3 more piston rings per cyl than the average car which for somreason eats up oil at the start of the use untill the engine is fully warn in

krafty04 · 12-09-2006, 06:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snakeii

the new bmw engines ahve rougly 3 more piston rings per cyl than the average car which for somreason eats up oil at the start of the use untill the engine is fully warn in

6 rings? wow, I'll belive you till I can look it up...

and do you believe some people don't follow the break-in procedure?

K.

MMakoto · 12-09-2006, 11:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kilbuda

Same problem, same mileage; ended up as a faulty oil sensor and was covered and fixed under warranty.

damn, hope mine isn't this case. how long did it take them to change the oil sensor?

Snakeii · 12-10-2006, 11:05 AM

it wont be the oil sensor, im suprised it was to start with for him, when you buy a bmw in the uk you get a 5 or 10 l (depending on the price of ur car) of oil i got a 10l 0w40 and thats compleatly gone im on my 2nd one now

kilbuda · 12-10-2006, 08:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MMakoto

damn, hope mine isn't this case. how long did it take them to change the oil sensor?

next day; seems fine now.

ShinBalNom · 12-10-2006, 08:24 PM

The dealer made me buy a fookin quart of oil... I was pretty pissed that the "full maintenance" didn't cover it.

Zeroday · 12-10-2006, 08:31 PM

wow that sucks.

arbitrage · 12-11-2006, 08:54 PM

Update on my oil, as I expected my oil light went on today and told me to add 1L. Called up BMW service and asked if this is normal (they said yes during break-in) and I asked about the oil sensor issue and they hadn't had to replace any oil sensors so far?? So bought a litre of castrol syntec from the lube job place across the street and filled her up. Now the oil check shows it right at the max line. Looks like its all good for now, will have to see how long this next oil lasts!! Oil was 10 bucks canadian!

PS, I'm at 2700kms on my 335i.

beestroh · 12-12-2006, 05:43 PM

Just had my oil sensor replaced today. Got the warning light on Saturday. Added a quart (I couldn't find 5W30, so I had to dump in some 5W40) and the level went up just over minimum. Then it started reporting maximum fill. My dealer changed the oil and the sensor in about 90 minutes.

BK · 12-12-2006, 05:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by beestroh

Just had my oil sensor replaced today. Got the warning light on Saturday. Added a quart (I couldn't find 5W30, so I had to dump in some 5W40) and the level went up just over minimum. Then it started reporting maximum fill. My dealer changed the oil and the sensor in about 90 minutes.

Based on your description, it sounds like the oil sensor worked as it should... did I read it wrong? Why did it need to be replaced?

beestroh · 12-12-2006, 09:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BK

Based on your description, it sounds like the oil sensor worked as it should... did I read it wrong? Why did it need to be replaced?

Fair point... I didn't explain that very well. It would give readings all over the ballpark after I added the quart of oil, too.

MMakoto · 12-13-2006, 12:12 PM

well, i went to service yesterday, they added just 1 qt for me, and now it's reading at the line of max, same as arbitrage's situation. i just hope that nothing happens again for a while. would definitely not wanna go back to change the oil sensor as some of you had did here. i wonder, how many of us needs to report a faulty oil sensor in order for bmw to put this up on their bulletin huh?

RiXst3r · 12-13-2006, 12:19 PM

My oil indicator has never moved from the MAX line, same as the day I bought it... I did a "hard" break-in.. almost 2000 miles now

TiAg335i · 01-11-2007, 04:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MMakoto

well, i went to service yesterday, they added just 1 qt for me, and now it's reading at the line of max, same as arbitrage's situation. i just hope that nothing happens again for a while. would definitely not wanna go back to change the oil sensor as some of you had did here. i wonder, how many of us needs to report a faulty oil sensor in order for bmw to put this up on their bulletin huh?

Sorry to bump this but the oil sensor in the 335i is really terrible. I went to get a simple oil change today, and they were done, it was reading "add 1 quart". I JUST CHANGED THE OIL. So I took it back and they added half a quart, same thing. Then we had the oil changed again and currently its reading at tha MAX line, about 3/4 the way up the bar. They tried to hit it in the center, but it always missed it by 1/4 or 1/2. It is extremely innacurate, because it will always jump depending on where the oil is sitting in the engine...poor design that needs to be fixed.

BTW, would changing the oil twice in a row harm the engine in any way?

12-09-2006, 12:36 AM	#1
MMakoto Lieutenant 13 Rep 467 Posts Drives: lookin' Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: NyC iTrader: (3)	Low motor oil warning at 2k miles? wassup w/ that? as i was driving today, the low engine oil warning light came on, and said it has less than 1 qt left. does the 335i burns motor oil very fast or something? i only high rev the car once in a while, and i doubt that's the cause. i turned off the engine and started up again after 3hrs, the warning light was gone, but the oil only shows in the middle (it was at max when i first got it). the oil gauge has been moving kinda slow lately too, it reaches normal in like 30mins after startup. it's been in the 30s and 40s lately, could it be the cold weather that's causing it? anyone w/ the similar problem or might know the solution to my questions?
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12-09-2006, 01:15 AM	#2
tctic Major 38 Rep 1,238 Posts Drives: BMW E90 Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Canada iTrader: (0)	It is normal. And it doesn't mean it has only one quart left. It means it suggest you to add one quart. Visit your dealership and they will sort it out for you. Or you can just find the right oil and do it yourself.
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12-09-2006, 01:27 AM	#3
2007/335i/coupe Falling in Love with German Boost 22 Rep 298 Posts Drives: 335i, E350, Accord EX, GSXR750 Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: California iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 BMW E92 335i [0.00] 2007 Mercedes E350 [0.00] 1994 Honda Accord E ... [3.60] 2006 Suzuki GSX-R 750 [0.00]	Make sure your car is not leaking any oil. I had my 335 for about 2 months and the oil lamp came on then discovered I had a very slow leak which ended up being a faulty oil cooler. Of course, BMW replaced it for free
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12-09-2006, 09:39 AM	#4
13307 Private First Class 30 Rep 156 Posts Drives: 18 F82 M4 ZCP Black/Black Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Phila, PA iTrader: (1)	Correct Assuming no leaks, which is a good idea to check for, I take solice in the car using a quart in the first few thousand, it means things are seating in and the engine is breaking in the way I think it should. But hey, isn't that what "FULL MAINTENANCE" is for! $50K should buy something extra right, let them worry about it.
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12-09-2006, 10:36 AM	#5
arbitrage First Lieutenant 14 Rep 371 Posts Drives: 07 335i coupe Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Whitehorse Yukon Territory Canada iTrader: (0)	I've been a little worried about mine, the oil check shows it in the bottom quarter of the little graph. I never checked it when I first got it, but for now I'll just keep driving till it warns me?? __________________ Ordered June 3 '06: E92 335i Saph Blk, Jade Grey lthr, poplar grey trim, 6spd, Sports Pkg, CA. Update Sept 29 '06: Got the car...It rocks!! Update Sept 08: Moved to Whitehorse and had to buy out of my lease. Miss the car a lot. Will return to BMW family in a couple of years.
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12-09-2006, 12:05 PM	#7
froman Private First Class 16 Rep 178 Posts Drives: 2008 550i Sport Space Gray Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Houston, TX iTrader: (0)	I have 11,500 miles on my 325, and the add a quart light just came on a couple of days ago. That's about what I expected. 2,000 miles seem pretty low to burn a quart of oil? BTW, I called my salesman and asked if adding a quart was covered by the "free maintenance" plan LOL. He said, no, it wasn't, but he comped it for me anyway.
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12-09-2006, 03:15 PM	#8
kilbuda Cosmonaut 0 Rep 21 Posts Drives: 10 128i Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: New Hampshire iTrader: (0)	Same Same problem, same mileage; ended up as a faulty oil sensor and was covered and fixed under warranty. __________________ “Embrace nothing: If you meet the Buddha, kill the Buddha...” -Siddharta
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12-09-2006, 04:40 PM	#9
Snakeii Private First Class 11 Rep 191 Posts Drives: 330iSE E90 Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Swindon, England iTrader: (0)	the new bmw engines ahve rougly 3 more piston rings per cyl than the average car which for somreason eats up oil at the start of the use untill the engine is fully warn in __________________ http://img376.imageshack.us/img376/7735/pic2wi3.jpg]
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12-10-2006, 11:05 AM	#12
Snakeii Private First Class 11 Rep 191 Posts Drives: 330iSE E90 Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Swindon, England iTrader: (0)	it wont be the oil sensor, im suprised it was to start with for him, when you buy a bmw in the uk you get a 5 or 10 l (depending on the price of ur car) of oil i got a 10l 0w40 and thats compleatly gone im on my 2nd one now __________________ http://img376.imageshack.us/img376/7735/pic2wi3.jpg]
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12-10-2006, 08:24 PM	#14
ShinBalNom Captain 23 Rep 669 Posts Drives: AW 330i Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: So. CAL iTrader: (1)	The dealer made me buy a fookin quart of oil... I was pretty pissed that the "full maintenance" didn't cover it. __________________ --------------------------------------------- Don't drive faster than your Angel can fly... BBS CK 19" / Eibach Pro-Kit / Koni FSD / Blacklines / M-tech
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12-10-2006, 08:31 PM	#15
Zeroday Colonel 46 Rep 2,350 Posts Drives: Plymouth Volare Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: your nerves iTrader: (0)	wow that sucks.
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12-11-2006, 08:54 PM	#16
arbitrage First Lieutenant 14 Rep 371 Posts Drives: 07 335i coupe Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Whitehorse Yukon Territory Canada iTrader: (0)	Update on my oil, as I expected my oil light went on today and told me to add 1L. Called up BMW service and asked if this is normal (they said yes during break-in) and I asked about the oil sensor issue and they hadn't had to replace any oil sensors so far?? So bought a litre of castrol syntec from the lube job place across the street and filled her up. Now the oil check shows it right at the max line. Looks like its all good for now, will have to see how long this next oil lasts!! Oil was 10 bucks canadian! PS, I'm at 2700kms on my 335i. __________________ Ordered June 3 '06: E92 335i Saph Blk, Jade Grey lthr, poplar grey trim, 6spd, Sports Pkg, CA. Update Sept 29 '06: Got the car...It rocks!! Update Sept 08: Moved to Whitehorse and had to buy out of my lease. Miss the car a lot. Will return to BMW family in a couple of years.
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12-12-2006, 05:43 PM	#17
beestroh Enlisted Member 0 Rep 45 Posts Drives: 2006 330xi Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Columbus, Ohio iTrader: (0)	Just had my oil sensor replaced today. Got the warning light on Saturday. Added a quart (I couldn't find 5W30, so I had to dump in some 5W40) and the level went up just over minimum. Then it started reporting maximum fill. My dealer changed the oil and the sensor in about 90 minutes.
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12-13-2006, 12:12 PM	#20
MMakoto Lieutenant 13 Rep 467 Posts Drives: lookin' Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: NyC iTrader: (3)	well, i went to service yesterday, they added just 1 qt for me, and now it's reading at the line of max, same as arbitrage's situation. i just hope that nothing happens again for a while. would definitely not wanna go back to change the oil sensor as some of you had did here. i wonder, how many of us needs to report a faulty oil sensor in order for bmw to put this up on their bulletin huh?
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12-13-2006, 12:19 PM	#21
RiXst3r 274 Rep 6,510 Posts Drives: M235i Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Ohio iTrader: (14)	My oil indicator has never moved from the MAX line, same as the day I bought it... I did a "hard" break-in.. almost 2000 miles now
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