[murphyrg]

I know there are already many posts on failed oil level sensors, but none seemed to match my problem. I just bought a '09 335 which triggered a low oil warning just after picking it up. Initially, I tried to get a level reading through the I-Drive menu, but it responded that it was unable to obtain a level due to a sensor error and I should check with the dealer. Strangely enough, when I tried getting a level from the dash info display, it worked fine: showing it to be at the Min level then the Max level after I added a quart. What gives? There is only one sensor which is clearly working - why the I-Drive error message?

Not surprisingly, the dealer wants to just replace the sensor to see if the error message goes away. They're pretty free with my money in cases like this.

Thanks

[nightops]

Originally Posted by murphyrg

I know there are already many posts on failed oil level sensors, but none seemed to match my problem. I just bought a '09 335 which triggered a low oil warning just after picking it up. Initially, I tried to get a level reading through the I-Drive menu, but it responded that it was unable to obtain a level due to a sensor error and I should check with the dealer. Strangely enough, when I tried getting a level from the dash info display, it worked fine: showing it to be at the Min level then the Max level after I added a quart. What gives? There is only one sensor which is clearly working - why the I-Drive error message?

Not surprisingly, the dealer wants to just replace the sensor to see if the error message goes away. They're pretty free with my money in cases like this.

Thanks

possibly the i drive is giving you more info that the sensor is suspect. I believe that the i drive likes to see the oil warmed to a certain temperature before it gives a reading- which kind of defeats the purpose. since bmw has decided not to put in a regular dipstick making sure that sensor is working properly is key and i know that it was changed on my car before 50k. are you out of warranty? It might be a diy thing i would def take a look around and underneath the engine to see if you do have any leaks.

[murphyrg]

No leaks that I can see and I am out of warranty. I have tried getting a reading at various engine temps through the I Drive with no luck. Since the other display works fine, it almost seems like a software issue rather than a sensor failure.

I would be less annoyed over this if BMW had just left the dipstick in as a backup for this type of situation.