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BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum > BMW E90/E92/E93 3-series General Forums > General E90 Sedan / E91 Wagon / E92 Coupe / E93 Cabrio > iDrive not reading my oil level all of the sudden (3446 and 38A4 codes).



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      04-24-2024, 09:42 AM   #1
lomon98
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iDrive not reading my oil level all of the sudden (3446 and 38A4 codes).

Hi,

I've got a e92 335i n55 (108k miles) and today I tried reading my oil level and to my surprise iDrive said "Measurement inactive. Service interval adjusted. Have the system checked during next oil service". Naturally I don't want to wait a few months for my next oil change as I like keeping track of my oil level ( I put a liter 2 weeks ago as it has consumed it all in less than a year ). My DME codes are:

3446 - BSD, message; oil condition sensor: Missing.
38A4 - BSD, message; intelligent battery sensor (IBS): Missing.

I've noticed in other forums that the 38A4 one is just a consequence of the other one so I don't think there is a problem with the IBS sensor (could be wrong, just guessing). I've also seen people get other BSD related codes along with these ones so I am not sure what is triggering mine exactly. Any ideas?

Thanks!
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      05-02-2024, 10:53 AM   #2
lomon98
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      05-02-2024, 01:13 PM   #3
lomon98
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I decided to take the car to the mechanic to do an oil change as it is due soon anyway... will bring a new oil level sensor. I've seen the bmw one is a bit pricey compared to others such as this RIDEX one. Is it worth it to get the OEM one?

Thanks!
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      05-16-2024, 01:29 PM   #4
lomon98
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Update

Update: just did the oil change and swapped the sensor with the ridex one from autodoc. Problem is still there and I am still getting the same codes... I don't know what to do anynmore
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      05-17-2024, 03:18 AM   #5
lomon98
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Quote:
Originally Posted by lomon98 View Post
Update: just did the oil change and swapped the sensor with the ridex one from autodoc. Problem is still there and I am still getting the same codes... I don't know what to do anynmore
Also just mention that the sensor was receiving power so in theory there is nothing wrong with the electric line/harness. I am thinking it could be software / ECU related maybe.
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      05-17-2024, 11:08 AM   #6
gbalthrop
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Quote:
Originally Posted by lomon98 View Post
... e92 335i n55... DME codes are:
3446 - BSD, message; oil condition sensor: Missing.
38A4 - BSD, message; intelligent battery sensor (IBS): Missing.
Fault Codes indicate a Signal is "Missing", Out of range, etc. Fault Codes do NOT mean "Replace Part X".

My interpretation of your two-reported Faults is that the DME is NOT able to communicate with the OZS (Oil Condition
Sensor) via the BSD Bus (Violet wire as shown on attached ISTA ScreenPrint). ALWAYS check wiring BEFORE replacing
component, as suggested in "Service Plan" in Fault Info sheet linked below. If you would like test suggestions using
$10 US/ 10 Quid (Amazon UK) Multimeter, please advise & provide Last-7 Characters of VIN.

Generally: you want to inspect each of the Pins & Sockets, & the Violet wire where it attaches at X62540/1 and ALSO at
X60002/43. Then TEST wire for continuity between X62540/1 & X60002/43. ALSO Test for "Short" to Chassis Ground.

Here are "BMW Fault Code Lookup" definitions of those two codes, with Fault Info Sheet for each linked below definition:
3446 | BSD, message; oil condition sensor: Missing | mevd176k | Engine electronics
https://bmwfault.codes/XMLDiagView?d...kAMAAxADAANAA=

38A4 | BSD, message; intelligent battery sensor (IBS): Missing | mevd176k | Engine electronics
https://bmwfault.codes/XMLDiagView?d...kAMAAxADAANAA=

Attached are ISTA ScreenPrints of the Violet BSD Interface wire, with Connector Location & Connector View (for Pin# ID)
of the Connectors at the OZS & X60002 at the DME beneath the Intake Manifold.
George
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      06-01-2024, 11:26 AM   #7
lomon98
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Quote:
Originally Posted by gbalthrop View Post
Fault Codes indicate a Signal is "Missing", Out of range, etc. Fault Codes do NOT mean "Replace Part X".

My interpretation of your two-reported Faults is that the DME is NOT able to communicate with the OZS (Oil Condition
Sensor) via the BSD Bus (Violet wire as shown on attached ISTA ScreenPrint). ALWAYS check wiring BEFORE replacing
component, as suggested in "Service Plan" in Fault Info sheet linked below. If you would like test suggestions using
$10 US/ 10 Quid (Amazon UK) Multimeter, please advise & provide Last-7 Characters of VIN.

Generally: you want to inspect each of the Pins & Sockets, & the Violet wire where it attaches at X62540/1 and ALSO at
X60002/43. Then TEST wire for continuity between X62540/1 & X60002/43. ALSO Test for "Short" to Chassis Ground.

Here are "BMW Fault Code Lookup" definitions of those two codes, with Fault Info Sheet for each linked below definition:
3446 | BSD, message; oil condition sensor: Missing | mevd176k | Engine electronics
https://bmwfault.codes/XMLDiagView?d...kAMAAxADAANAA=

38A4 | BSD, message; intelligent battery sensor (IBS): Missing | mevd176k | Engine electronics
https://bmwfault.codes/XMLDiagView?d...kAMAAxADAANAA=

Attached are ISTA ScreenPrints of the Violet BSD Interface wire, with Connector Location & Connector View (for Pin# ID)
of the Connectors at the OZS & X60002 at the DME beneath the Intake Manifold.
George
wow first of all apologies for the late reply, and thanks a lot for the extensive explanation, although I feel I need a degree in BMW electronics . I any case I will get a voltmeter and try to look where is the problematic sensor/wire as that is the only solution I can think of atm
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      09-09-2024, 01:52 PM   #8
lomon98
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Hi, I want to try disconnecting the IBS sensor to see if I am able to get a read of my oil level in case the IBS sensor is the one causing the problem (I hope this makes sense). Does anyone know where is the blue plug on the lci e92 models? I cannot locate the one Ive seen in the non lci ones (lots of pics and videos of that one out there but non of the lci…)

Thanks!
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      09-09-2024, 02:46 PM   #9
TheMidnightNarwhal
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Quote:
Originally Posted by lomon98 View Post
Hi, I want to try disconnecting the IBS sensor to see if I am able to get a read of my oil level in case the IBS sensor is the one causing the problem (I hope this makes sense). Does anyone know where is the blue plug on the lci e92 models? I cannot locate the one Ive seen in the non lci ones (lots of pics and videos of that one out there but non of the lci…)

Thanks!
I'm not sure but on my E92 LCI the connector going into the IBS on the negative side is black and just unplugs there.
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      09-11-2024, 03:02 PM   #10
lomon98
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So today I managed to disconnect the IBS terminal from the negative terminal of the battery and still got the same codes as before. I am now wondering whether this could be the connection to the sensor (X62540 in the pictures above) that somehow got damaged the last time I took the car to the mechanic (catless dp fitting)… will try to give it a look but I am beginning to lose patience so maybe I will take it back to an indy or the bmw dealer
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      09-11-2024, 04:04 PM   #11
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Also, keep in mind that bad signals from other BSD devices like the Alternator or the water pump can also cause other devices to lose signal or stop communicating.

as a test you can unplug the BSD bug plug from the alternator and see if the sensor starts working again. If that doesn't work then you can try it with the water pump.

I once replaced my alternator with an Autozone alternator and it caused issues with everything on the BSD bus.
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