Oil light switch - BMW Forum

rkinyua · 12-10-2008, 10:11 AM

2001 325i - 144,000 miles
A few months ago I took my car for a regular oil change. The following day I noticed the oil light switch flicker when the car was idling. I took it back and they checked thru for any leaks and everything was alright but the oil light switch did not stop flickering when the car was idling. That was at about 130,000 and approx 6 months ago. # weeks ago I took it to a different shop and they changed the oil and filter and for a few days the light went away. It is now back again though not as bad as it was previously. Anyone had an issue like this? I fear it might be the oil pump giving way slowly.........

marti5 · 12-10-2008, 10:22 AM

Oil level sensor on its way out, mine did the same for approx 2 years, put new one on now and all is fine.

rkinyua · 12-10-2008, 10:31 AM

Thanks Marti5, do you know if this is a DIY?

marti5 · 12-10-2008, 10:44 AM

Yes it is a DIY just get the sensor from BM not an aftermarket. Its normally around the bottom half of the engine, Im not quite sure where it is on yours as I have a 7 and there all a little different.

marti5 · 12-10-2008, 10:50 AM

Found it:

RealOEM.COM BMW E46 325i LUBRICATION SYSTEM-OIL FILTER

part #12

rkinyua · 12-10-2008, 11:05 AM

Also the reason I have a fear of the oil pump is because whenever it is idling the engine has a different sound like the oil is struggling to get to the cylinder head. I will most certainly get the switch first and rule it out before I try the pump and add unnecessary expenses. Thanks again Marti5

marti5 · 12-10-2008, 11:27 AM

Could be also it needs an engine flush, but if it was the pump it would struggle more at high revs than low and your light would be on full or flashing constant as the pressure would be low, could be wrong, but try the switch 1st and next time you change the oil get them to do an engine flush, I do my own you just add it to the engine with the old oil in then drain, costs approx $10 a bottle, makes a big difference.