Panic! Low Oil Pressure Warning. 540i

[meditek]

Yesterday, I gave the engine compartment a good clean with engine cleaner and then water etc.

Today, I was pottering along to the shops and 'Bong' on comes the 'STOP - low oil pressure' warning. I stopped and checked the oil - ok full. Switched on and this time the 'oil can' just glowed a dull red - no warning. Tried higher revs - no change. Got home and stopped. After a minute or so 'Bong'!

I'm pretty sure I upset something with the cleaning and this is a duff sensor (why no proper pressure gauge?). I've never heard of sudden partial loss of oil pressure. I got sprayed with oil peeping in the filler cap so there's plenty about.

Question is do I risk driving it to the garage or spend out on getting it transported there at huge expense?
Thanks

BMW E39 540i 1997 83K

[Hownowevilcow]

I agree that it sounds like you blew the sensor loose with the water pressure.
However; if you think the tow charge is a huge expense, you ain't seen nothing if the engine goes oil starved.
I'd play around a bit in the garage and see if you can locate the sensor- May be a wiggle of a wire fixes your problem. If no, I think I'd tow- No questions asked- it's cheap insurance.

[nukeduster]

Go buy yourself AAA, and have them tow it... AAA is like 50/year and offer free towing up to 5 miles(or 100 miles if you get their platinum membership).. and its like a couple dollars every mile thereafter.

saved my ass more then once when I forgot my wallet and had to have my car towed.