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Thread: Engine Oil Press. Again.

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Aug 2005
    Location
    Montreal
    Posts
    40

    Default Engine Oil Press. Again.

    So here's the deal.
    I would start fine, run fine.
    run it for 10 minutes or so, the oil light would start flickering.
    And then it would grow constantly to a near full light.

    Engine oil level normal, recent oil change.

    HELP! The bell/light is driving me insane.
    Loving my Problem Child.

    M30 Manual / LSD / Prod. Date: 09-1989 / Basketweaves / Black Leather w/ rear headrests / Alpine Weiss III / 365k kms

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Mar 2006
    Location
    East Brunswick, New Jersey
    Posts
    879

    Default

    Hook up an oil pressure gage to get the pressure reading. Don't drive or idle the car unnecessarily until you get the problem resolved. Low oil pressure is very, very serious. The damage may have been done it is persistent.
    '01 540it, 6/01
    '03 325i 5 speed, 9/02
    '10 535ix. 9/09
    '10 mini 6 speed
    '15 mini countryman 6 speed

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Dec 2003
    Location
    Eastern Tennessee USi
    Posts
    14,843

    Default

    these things have banjo bolts? What oil are you running?
    95 E34 530I V2.37
    ===========
    Those who make peaceful revolution impossible will make violent revolution inevitable.

    John F. Kennedy

  4. #4
    Join Date
    May 2006
    Location
    Perth Western Australia
    Posts
    438

    Default

    Just did my valve clearances last week....... Lo and behold the rear banjo was 2 turns loose...... glad I found it! But there was NO low oil pressure issue in mine with the bolt loose!

    Pull the oil pressure sender out and fit a gauge to see what's going on....... DO NOT DRIVE IT!!!
    BMW parts professional

    Previous rides:
    BMW
    E12 M535i (go the dogleg!)
    E28 M535i (MMM M88!)
    E34 535i M

    MAZDA:
    RX7 S-IV T04 (440 hp ATW)
    RX7 S-I 13b bridge port
    RX4 13b peripheral port

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Apr 2006
    Location
    Chicago, Il. U.S.A.
    Posts
    4,243

    Default

    Probably excessive bearing clearance or a worn oil pump. Heavier oil as a band-aid until it can be corrected.
    "The gas pedal wouldn't go to the floor if it weren't meant to be there"

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Aug 2005
    Location
    Montreal
    Posts
    40

    Default

    Oh
    I forgot to mention; the oil light would only come on idle only.
    Loving my Problem Child.

    M30 Manual / LSD / Prod. Date: 09-1989 / Basketweaves / Black Leather w/ rear headrests / Alpine Weiss III / 365k kms

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Dec 2003
    Location
    Eastern Tennessee USi
    Posts
    14,843

    Default

    did you read any of the replies you got?
    Quote Originally Posted by White535Mtl
    Oh
    I forgot to mention; the oil light would only come on idle only.
    95 E34 530I V2.37
    ===========
    Those who make peaceful revolution impossible will make violent revolution inevitable.

    John F. Kennedy

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Aug 2005
    Location
    Montreal
    Posts
    40

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by 632 Regal
    these things have banjo bolts? What oil are you running?
    5w30
    My mech told me it could be because I run too thin of an oil in these temps.
    Somehow fishy advice.
    Loving my Problem Child.

    M30 Manual / LSD / Prod. Date: 09-1989 / Basketweaves / Black Leather w/ rear headrests / Alpine Weiss III / 365k kms

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Dec 2003
    Location
    Eastern Tennessee USi
    Posts
    14,843

    Default

    i tend to agree, try M1 0w=40, should take care of the problem.
    Quote Originally Posted by White535Mtl
    5w30
    My mech told me it could be because I run too thin of an oil in these temps.
    Somehow fishy advice.
    95 E34 530I V2.37
    ===========
    Those who make peaceful revolution impossible will make violent revolution inevitable.

    John F. Kennedy

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Nov 2006
    Location
    Germany
    Posts
    475

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by White535Mtl
    5w30
    My mech told me it could be because I run too thin of an oil in these temps.
    Somehow fishy advice.
    Look in your owner's manual and you will find a rather nice guide to selecting oil viscosity for expected temps. I don't know where you are but if the weather is hot enough, a 5W30 oil is too thin. It all depends on the temps...

    I take it you or your mechanic didn't check the actual oil pressure with a known-good gauge? I don't get wondering if the oil pressure switch that activates the warning light is worth a darn when the alternative is wiped bearings and an empty wallet due to crappy oil pressure.

    Come on, how much would it cost to unscrew the switch, screw in an oil pressure gauge and warm up the car to see what the real pressure is?

    Brian

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