[borisivan]

Hi,

I have an 08 335xi.

Over the past couple of days, the 'oil level' in my car has been fluctuating wildly, as reported by the idrive interface, as well as the oil can icon on the dash.

I can recall checking it out of curiosity a couple of weeks ago, it was near or at max. Then 2 days ago: WARNING! Your oil level is below he minimum! Please add 1 quart immediately. I was worried enough not to drive it to the dealership (30 min drive, didn't want to do that w/ no oil!), so I took the wife's car to work, and grabbed 2 quarts from the dealership. Then, when I got home, I wanted to check the level again to make sure, and bingo --- it says it's full again ---- but I hadn't added any yet!! Even drove it for a min or two and then asked it to report level again, still says full. Assuming that it *really is* full, then if I would have added a quart, I would have overfilled it and isn't that bad? Now I don't know what to trust.

Brought a quart with me and drove to work today. After driving for a few mins, it still said 'max'. Then, after 30 mins driving, checked it again, now it's at 1/2 or one notch less than that. Bad sensor? Is there any way to check the level with a dipstick instead of relying on what might be a faulty sensor? Either way, I plan on bringing it in, but wanted to ask.

Next, is there any kind of known issue with the countdown to oil change meter? I currently have 25k on the car. The oil was changed ~ 11k. The countdown says: 9,000 miles. That would be 23k miles between oil changes. Can that be right?

[I335]

Wonder if it has anything to do with the cold temperatures outside now. Are you in the northern part of the east coast? Either way, I'd take it to the dealer right away...

[kptaylor]

As to oil change frequency, the computer determines the length of the interval based upon your driving habits, engine temp, etc., etc. My first was at 18K and my second is now supposed to be at 32K...

[Tobias1980]

I would say bad sensor - don't put in more oil - go to your dealer!

BR
/Tobias

[cn555ic]

if the car is on while its parked in a driveway or sloped, the oil will register low...turn the car off and level the car and everything will be fine!!!!

[Tschuss]

I'd take it in. My oil level sensor went south and was replaced under warranty.

-B

[silvrevo]

I had the same thing the other day, and was going to post here.

Good thing I didnt put in a qt. when it said it was low. the next day I was abuot to add a qt. ,, then decided to check it again, drove around for a while,,, and it said full.

BMW,, PUT A DIP STICK IN YOUR CARS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[NatesGr8]

Originally Posted by silvrevo

BMW,, PUT A DIP STICK IN YOUR CARS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

+1 It sucks relying on a sensor that could go bad.

[bulldog_yyc]

Originally Posted by NatesGr8

+1 It sucks relying on a sensor that could go bad.

agreed. The old school dip stick should be there for redundancy...

[ironic]

wow mine did the exact same thing, very strange. i was able to reproduce it by idling on a mild slope. i tihnk i'll add just a little oil and see if that helps since the slope isn't very steep and i idle there with no problems all the time