Oil Level Sensor (and so on) E34 525i 1989

[Penngwyne]

One of last few little jobs to do on the E34

Oil level sensor light is on permanently

Checking resistances on the leads to the sensor seems to indicate it is fupped duck.

On one lead (dynamic switch) switch open means low oil level and I assume Open is the test value?
On the other lead (static switch)switch closed means low oil while a resistance of 1k means OK

Checking at the sensor plug I have 0 ohms resistance to ground on both leads.

NOW

are these things cleanable or repairable? Is there a likely stuck float/s inside? OR do I just have to bite the bullet and replace it?

OR do I just ignore it and keep an eye on the dipstick?

I can get one from wreckers for $75, how much of a pain is it to change? Its the one that goes in from the top of the oil pan.

Oh and by the way how do you disconnect the main harness connector? In the Bentley manual it looks easy but the ring is very hard to move and I don't want to break it.

Car seems to be running OK after all the work and I'm starting to not hold my breath every time it goes driving. Very impressed with the way it handles. Keeping a close eye on the coolant level.

I'm sure there are a couple of more suspension and steering bits to do but they can be delayed until the exchequer recovers.

[Jack Dabsy]

Get that sucker off... Use an adjustable wrench but put a rubber strip in its jaws...

[Penngwyne]

Originally Posted by Dabsy

Get that sucker off... Use an adjustable wrench but put a rubber strip in its jaws...

I will give that a go. It sounds like the thing to do

By the way

Why would a 1989 E34 525i imported from the UK to Australia (as a personal import) not have a cat or o2 sensor or a vapour canister?

Did the UK models not need these things in 1989? The parts list shows RH drive European cars (where could that be) were fitted with a silencer & not a Cat. The Hayes manual says emission controls on CO were tighter after august 1986 and again after January 1992. The VIN decode says the car was equipped with catalyst but it definitely has an original front muffler and not a cat and there is nowhere for an O2 sensor in the system. The wiring is there but nothing is plugged in.

I ask because some policeman may take a dislike and want to know where the cannister is. If it never had one we are OK because it was a personal import & has the compliance plate to prove it. I just want to be sure we are on solid ground.

[Jack Dabsy]

Cats weren't a requirement in the UK until 92> i think...

[Penngwyne]

Good stuff!

That will confuse any police we come across

Have a problem with dull low beam on one side
Turns out someone must have put a high power globe in and cooked the back of the reflector. Jury rigged with some alfoil and at least got a reasonable beam back.

Found out how to change low beams from LHS to RHS

So awkward to aim headlamps when everything is rusty and you have to remove the grill and that bloody screw high up on the inside of the headlamp mount is nearly impossible
.

[Jack Dabsy]

Because it is an import the current laws will not apply (a Bit like classic cars)...
As for your lamps.... Get some after-market angels lol
DAZ

[Jack Dabsy]

Glad to help, friend!!!

[Penngwyne]

Car has gone to Melbourne on a trip (about 450Km)
Haven't had any calls for help so have to assume it's going well

Got peepers on some angel eyes from an E34 535i being parted out but need to find out if the wiring is the same. Were these original equipment?

[Penngwyne]

Bugger
My little daily driver has started blowing smoke.
I'm really not looking forward to this.
Under bonnet space is tight
Maybe I should look for another 525i I know how to play with them.

[brettski]

Maybe you should go for another model to diversify your BMW skills and then become a specialised mechanic in your area.

[Penngwyne]

Ah but one swallow doesn't make a summer
So one 525i won't make me an expert

There is a lot that's more complicated than fixing a head in this car
The air-conditioner/heater is a much bigger mystery and all door locks and stuff are starting to pack up. It is an old car after all and I suspect not well cared for in the past

I have to do some compression tests and try to find out what's gone wrong with the Mitsi. It's only done 117,000 and I would hate to think the rings have packed up. Maybe it's the valve stem seals? Either way it's some work to do.

[brettski]

Too true