Yo-Yo Engine Oil Level

[Hikaru]

Hi, I am currently driving a 2008 320i and when I check my engine oil level it can be 3/4 to 1/2 and sometimes even just one notch above the minimum mark. I have run my car for atleast 30 minutes before checking it and sometimes even longer. All this happened right after I have done an engine oil service where the mechanics have topped up 4 and half litres. Right after one month or so driving the level drop again. When he open the undercarriage for the car, there was not signs of oil leaks. This problem has persisted for the past two months and I heard the engine oil sensors is a common problem. Anyone have any clue? Is it possible that the engine likes to drink the black stuff (there is no black smoke or white ones emitting at the end)? I don't want to overfill my engine but at the same time I am scared that there is no engine oil in there....Would appreciate some help on this. Thanks!

 

[alxy]

Hi bro,

I am having same problem, except when I drive for longer periods, I get the "+1l" warning message. Same concern here, whether it is genuine problem or is sensor faulty. I don't want to top up and then have excess oil. On the other hand, I am also scared to keep running at low oil levels if indeed it is low.

Did you find solution to your problem?

 

[Hikaru]

Wow didn't think anyone would dig up such an old thread that I started. Well the short answer to your question is no. All my mechanics did was to make sure that they top up enough of the black stuff, 4.25 litre of it.

But I suspect that the problem only happened when I used BMW ll-98 as recommended then by my mechanic and or semi syn oil. Now after consistent use of full syn, mobil 1 or shell, I have not encountered this problem any more. Of course like what the other sifu said before, best to monitor as a leak may happen at the back of the engine which is not visible so easily.

So far I have not gotten the warning for eight months or so. Cheers!

 

[alxy]

This problem buggin me for some time so looking back at old threads to see if got any solution

I always full syn, so should not be that issue. Guess will just have to bring it to mech one day to fullyh check for any leaks. Did bring it 2 weeks back to mech, but that was because of leaky hose, which sprayed radiator water everywhere. I asked them to check for oil leaks also but they said no obvious ones. But they probably just did a casual check as main priority was the leaky hose then.

Thanks bro

 

[astroboy]

At different oil temperature, the conductance for the oil differs, so the reading can yo~yo. I seldom check the OBC gauge because it makes you yo~yo. :4:

 

[Lefthanded]

So far no issue.

 

[Hikaru]

Ya I noticed that I get that warning after a long drive during noon time with lots of stop-go traffic (now it doesn't happen anymore). I also topped up to 4.5 litre just to be on the safe side. Now my indicator shows 3/4 to max on normal driving. Best test when you have run the engine for a while and on level ground. I do it mostly after i reach home from work.

Perhaps it's the fact that full-syn has better heat resistance property that doesn't cause the yo-yo.

Seriously I only check once in a while. The beauty (and also the pain) of the modern Beemer is that all these electronic gadgets will make sure that your black stuff/coolant (happened once when my coolant level was too low, as opposed to my old camry where i only realised the water was empty when the engine temperature shot up) is always topped up as opposed to opening your bonnet once in a while to check. Just a few clicks and you got the answer.

 

[Lefthanded]

In my case, only get the reading while on the go. Never while in stationary no matter how long the engine running

 

[alxy]

Any way to test if oil level is low without emptying it out? Right now I'm getting 1/4 to 1/2 most of the time after engine has gone about 10mins. If I run longer >30mins then sometimes I get the "+1l" warning. I never used to check the oil level but ever since the warnings keep popping out, it has made me paranoid. Now I check like every 5-10mins! How would we know sensor is faulty? There should be a sensor for that

Bro Hikaru, how did you top up to 4.5l? How did you know your engine oil level beforehand? Or did you just empty it all out and then pour in exactly 4.5l?

 

[Ariff_E]

Hi guys.. I have the same problem.. But when i went to my specialist, when they drained the oil.. Theres only two n half L left.. And i changed it 2 weeks back! I may have to overhaul my engine.. Dunno if it's top or full.. Waiting for the specialist currently..

 

[Hikaru]

Alxy,

Yeah, it was during an oil change that i know I had topped up to 4.5l. I used to be paranoid as well but got used to it and I will only just check occasionally. Don't worry, last time I also waited for the sensor to prompt me before realizing that the level was low.

 

[alxy]

Hi guys.. I have the same problem.. But when i went to my specialist, when they drained the oil.. Theres only two n half L left.. And i changed it 2 weeks back! I may have to overhaul my engine.. Dunno if it's top or full.. Waiting for the specialist currently..

Hi bro,

Did you notice if your car porch had oil stains or anything that indicated a leak? I have same problem, but not sure if oil leaking or sensor faulty. I can't see any oil leak marks. Will have to take it to mech one day to do proper check-up

 

[astroboy]

The loss oil has to go some where.. evaporation should be the last choice of answer. Check the following:

1) Oil filter seal
2) Vacuum pump
3) Rocker cover gasket
4) Header gasket
5) Timing cover seal
6) Oil sump gasket
7) Rear crank seal
8) drain bolt seal
9) Oily tail pipe
10) Cam solenoid seal
11) Oil stain in coolant due to heat exchange seal fail

 

[alxy]

Thanks bro. I think I will have to get it checked soon. No point I keep speculating on whether I have a leak problem or a sensor problem. Just that normally to have such a big oil loss (if sensors were true), surely would show some signs (e.g. white smoke or oil stain)? Sensors also not quite giving consistent picture. When I start car on cold mornings, I get MAX. After a while running, it drops suddenly to MIN. When running even longer, it goes one notch below MIN and the "+1l" warning light pops up.

 

[Hikaru]

Mine is consistent in the sense that it only fluctuates between 3/4 to 1/2 for normal run. Maybe extended run it will drop to 1/4 but never that great of a fluctuation as you.

 

[alxy]

Mine is consistent in the sense that it only fluctuates between 3/4 to 1/2 for normal run. Maybe extended run it will drop to 1/4 but never that great of a fluctuation as you.

Good to know. Hope it is just a sensor problem because the alternative is OUCH$$$$$$

 

[Hikaru]

Good to know indeed. I was fearful of a leak too when I first bought the car but I had a good mechanic to poke around and my undercarriage cover is clean of any oil. More coolant leak then oil leak for now.

 

[alxy]

Just for update, finally found time to take car to mech. Confirmed was oil leak....engine valve cover they said. Hopefully after this no more issues.....

 

[Hikaru]

Oh dear. Do update us on the workshop and the total costs for the repair. Good luck!

 

[alxy]

Done at MSpeed. Total damage RM1,850.... OUCH$$$$$