Re: 1985 325e oil light

[Russ Poffenberger <poffen@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

> Date: Mon, 17 May 1999 09:23:32 -0500
> From: "Fisher, ED" <edwd@domain.elided>
> Subject: 1985 325e oil light
> 
> Group:
> 
> I have a 1985 BMW 325e with an oil light that comes on at the overhead
> console.  It comes on approximately 5 minutes after driving the car.  This
> is not the oil warning light on the dash, but rather the oil light that goes
> through the check system.  The car has 32,000 miles and has always had the
> oil serviced before the required intervals.  I have changed out the battery
> board (old NiCads were corroded) and replaced the oil pressure switch
> ($10.00, easy attempt) with no help.  The oil level is full, and I have no
> reason to believe that the pressure is low (i.e., clogged pick-up screen).
> That leaves me to the oil level switch in the pan, or, the wiring.  One BMW
> service rep said that the wiring can get brittle from the heat, but after
> examining the wiring to my pressure switch, I found it to be in perfect
> condition with even the rubber boot being clean and supple.  Have any of you
> had any experience with this, or can you offer any insight?

The overhead oil light is strictly an oil level sensor. If the dipstick shows
the correct level, then likely that your sending unit is bad. It is mounted
through the top of the oil pan on the driver side near the front of the engine.
You could also check the wiring to the sending unit. The SI board plays no part
in this circuit, so bad batteries does not affect it.

1990 325i-2.9
BMWCCA #138716
1998 Mustang Cobra #531/5174
SCOA #1363


- --
Russ Poffenberger               Engineering Specialist
Schlumberger Technologies ATE   DOMAIN: poffen@domain.elided
1601 Technology Drive
San Jose, Ca. 95110             Voice: (408)437-5254  FAX: (408)437-5246

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