Author Topic: Oil service, and inspection light on (Read 2700 times)

fiftytakedowns · « **on:** January 10, 2010, 08:19:09 PM »

my oil service light, and inspection light came on while driving on the freeway.
also the led bar is on the Yellow.
I pulled over and put in two quarts of 20-50.

Im not sure the significance of the lights, but I thought I would ask a quick question.

I heard there is an oil light that turns on when your motor is toast, and Im not sure if this is it..

DesktopDave · « **Reply #1 on:** January 10, 2010, 08:55:45 PM »

There is a separate oil pressure light in the dash. The inspection, oil service & bar LEDs in the center are totally useless. I hope your car wasn't two quarts low...mine looks about a 1/2 quart low while running, but when the oil drains back it's right where it should be.

Might also be that your board batteries are dead...replacements are about $15 if you solder them yourself. You have to pull the dash & split the case to get at the SI board. Otherwise you can reset them with a BMW service tool or a short wire in the diagnostic plug.

fiftytakedowns · « **Reply #2 on:** January 11, 2010, 12:08:45 AM »

Dave, thanks for your help, I realy appreciate your effort.
I recently changed my oil. My car has not been leaking any visible oil either, but I decided to throw in the two quarts to just be sure. when I pulled the dipstick it was damp, and not wet... so I was concerned. and confused where the oil went.

I think ill et a new cluster, cause mine is just taost no odo.... damn bouncing gauges

DesktopDave · « **Reply #3 on:** January 11, 2010, 07:00:27 AM »

If you didn't see any oil on the dipstick don't drive the car until you figure it out. I'd let the car cool off & fill it up about 1/2 quart at a time until the level was between the hash marks on the dipstick.

As for the cluster, I might have a good one for you...with two cars being delivered today, I'll let you know.

fiftytakedowns · « **Reply #4 on:** January 11, 2010, 08:39:55 PM »

That sounds good!

monty23psk · « **Reply #5 on:** January 11, 2010, 09:01:23 PM »

First, you have to make sure you are not adding more oil that it needs. This could be bad for engine. Second, this little m42 takes 5.5 quarts. Make sure that is what you added. 3rd, you need to check the oil with car cold. If you check it hot, oil will be everywhere and not in the pan where the dipstick goes.

The SI lights are just a counter to remind you when to change your oil. Oil pressure light is the important to watch.

fiftytakedowns · « **Reply #6 on:** January 12, 2010, 12:13:46 AM »

thanks for the info. I was just trying to be responsible

monty23psk · « **Reply #7 on:** January 12, 2010, 08:14:00 AM »

That is good. But since you added "2" quarts, make sure that it has the right amount of oil. Being responsible with these cars is easy and will make the car out last any of the new cars being made today. I know my car will outlast any car that is made after 2000 with just regular maint.