Oil Level Reading

[Trawler]

Just wondered how often you checked the oil level while driving & what you think of the funny readings:

Normal/quick driving +0.8
Track work -----
Slow driving at constant speed/gear +1.1
Bit of fun on country roads +0.6 to 0.7

Always seems to return to +0.8 which is the level after an oil change. Done this now for 5 years

[Bounce]

mine always shows the same reading whatever the driving conditions.The only time it reads any differant is after an oil change.

[shimmy]

mine always shows the same reading whatever the driving conditions.The only time it reads any differant is after an oil change.

Mine also, except occasionally after a Trackday it will read ------ for a few hours.


I'd get the sensor changed

[Trawler]

I'd get the sensor changed[/QUOTE]

Thanks I will get it looked at

[Luke]

Is it an expensive thing to get done? Ie do they have to replace the oil etc?

[E30M3SE]

The level sensor is located in the bottom of the sump, a little away from the drain plug, so waiting for an oil change would make sense.

[Roland]

was just reading an older aftersales training for CSL mechanics.

it says there are 2 ways of measurments.



1. the long term measurement, thats the regular way we all do.

it doesen't work:
oiltemperatures below 60°C.
if it shows only lines you did to much crusing in town
or during or after track use.
2. the quick measurement, after oilservice and adding oil.

it woks this way:
engine has to be warm, oiltemperature over 60°C
1.park CSL horizontal
2.turn off the engine
3.go with BC to oillevel
4.start your engine and let it run for at least 2min. in idle
5.now push the Sport button, and keep it pushed
now it (should) shows you the actually oillevel in flashing numbers.
not flashing numbers show you the old longterm level.
what means the oiltemperature is to cold or your car isn't horizontal parked .
if the display shows only lines, measurement isn't ready.

sorry for bad translation.
will check it myself for the 1st time in april after waking up the garage queen

[mattCSLnut]

The level sensor is located in the bottom of the sump, a little away from the drain plug, so waiting for an oil change would make sense.

This is another common E46 fault and not exclusive to the M3 CSL, and as said before best changed @ an upcoming Oil & Filter Service :thumbs:
Pix below shows the oil level sensor and it's location, albeit on my old E46 320d :clown: but you get the idea.

[Trawler]

The level sensor is located in the bottom of the sump, a little away from the drain plug, so waiting for an oil change would make sense.

Yep, Gareth kindly checked the oil level (again) using the old fashioned dip stick & the sensor will be changed at the annual oil change.

[Trawler]

Roland,

Do you know why BMW do not use a device that measures the level when cold and the car is on a level surface? Too simple for them :hahaha:

What does the sensor measure, temp, pressure, flow and are there any fancy calculations?

Vielen Dank

[Roland]

Roland,

Do you know why BMW do not use a device that measures the level when cold and the car is on a level surface? Too simple for them :hahaha:

What does the sensor measure, temp, pressure, flow and are there any fancy calculations?

Vielen Dank

Isn't it that all cars have to be checked with engine warm :smt017

After asking what the sensor measure, i got strange looks :smt120. Looks like you're right with "fancy calculations"

you are welcome

[Trawler]

Isn't it that all cars have to be checked with engine warm :smt017

After asking what the sensor measure, i got strange looks :smt120. Looks like you're right with "fancy calculations"

you are welcome

Maybe you could also organise a lecture on how it works during the 2013 trip. :hahaha:

[giraffe]

It works by applying a voltage to heat the sensor and calculating the time taken to heat it to a set temp , the higher the level the longer it takes to heat thus it calcutates the level . Thats the simple way of explaining it .

[Trawler]

It works by applying a voltage to heat the sensor and calculating the time taken to heat it to a set temp , the higher the level the longer it takes to heat thus it calcutates the level . Thats the simple way of explaining it .

Ok, follow that, but how does it take into account the following:

Cold v's hot day
Gentle v's hard driving
Drop in level once the engine is up to operating temp

[giraffe]

Ok, follow that, but how does it take into account the following:

Cold v's hot day
Gentle v's hard driving
Drop in level once the engine is up to operating temp
Honest answer it doesnt it looks at oil temp , so if its upto or above set temp it will take a reading , if been driven hard around track oil would be hotter and thinner than it would be if its just warmed up gently hence the heating of the sensor will take diffrent amount of time and maywell be the cause of the diffrent level reading .

[Luke]

I might have topped my oil up a bit too much? At idle it's reading 1.1 is that ok or.....?

[Bounce]

I might have topped my oil up a bit too much? At idle it's reading 1.1 is that ok or.....?As 1.1 is the highest reading,you wont now if there is to much in it or not.i would either take the air box off and check the dip stick,or drain a little out.I usually keep mine between 0.7 and 0.9.;)