Author Topic: So I'm doing some "spirited" driving and... (Read 4503 times)

GrippyDrifty · « **on:** April 07, 2006, 04:10:05 AM »

after about 30 min, my oil service light goes on, in addtion to a little yellow square light. I just changed my oil/filter 2000 miles ago. How does the engine "know" when an oil change is needed? I'm guessing that the few revs to 7grand caused some sludge to loosen up and set off the light:confused: I don't mind changing my oil again, but I am just a little confused as to why it went off in 2000 miles. My oil still looks pretty clean on the dip-stick too.

Gunni · « **Reply #1 on:** April 07, 2006, 04:51:32 AM »

This has nothing to do with your oil,
it only says oil service at specific intervals,
did you reset the light on your last oil change

Febi Guibo · « **Reply #2 on:** April 07, 2006, 08:20:52 AM »

the car knows!! it knows!!
it watches you when you sleep!!!

we have the later style connector:
resetting the service indicator lights

e9nine · « **Reply #3 on:** April 07, 2006, 08:41:21 AM »

Yeah, everything is kosher. Worry not

It's the low oil pressure light which you don't want to see illuminate, typically it's too late when that comes on

m42 fan · « **Reply #4 on:** April 07, 2006, 09:54:17 AM »

As has been said above, the light is controlled by a computer, which basically "guesses" for lack of a better term, how much life is left in your oil. If you don't reset the light when you change your oil, the computer still thinks your running the old stuff.

The yellow light just means that service is due. It'll go out when you reset the indicator. If you ignore it long enough, the red light will come on. That just means that you ignored the yellow light.

BTW, next time it'll say that your car is due for inspection, as the inspection light comes on during every other oil change.
hth
Brian

bmwman91 · « **Reply #5 on:** April 07, 2006, 11:21:59 AM »

Quote from: e9nine

It's the low oil pressure light which you don't want to see illuminate, typically it's too late when that comes on

Oh Lord, you have no idea how much I NEVER see it turn on ever again. Last time I saw that light, it was telling me my oil pump had sucked in a little chunk of steel, and shattered itself AND its housing in the timing case.

And I would say problem solved for the oil light issue!

GrippyDrifty · « **Reply #6 on:** April 07, 2006, 12:26:16 PM »

Sweet. You guys are great! It's all so clear now:rolleyes: . I'll go ahead and do the reset procedure in abit and hopefully it goes away. Regarding the oil pressure light, only one has come on on me before. But luckily,the car just needed 2 quarts!! <---While driving my mom's car years ago--mom's and oil don't mix:p

Quote

the car knows!! it knows!!
it watches you when you sleep!!!

Ha! I think it's all part of a conspiracy/retribution. The light comes on, I go ask how to reset it. And right as I am about to jump the two connectors, she shocks me. You see I have been telling her that I will get her a very nice buff, and clean her up real nice. But all I have done is slap her around like a little whore. Slow in, fast out. Pushing the limits of adhesion as I come out of bends. 7000rpm revs. All work no play makes e30 a bitchy girl...

And yes the above is full of inuendo.

GrippyDrifty · « **Reply #7 on:** April 07, 2006, 02:05:44 PM »

Sweet. oil service light reset (I left the ignition on longer to reset the service light as well)! Thanks a mil.

M42boy · « **Reply #8 on:** April 07, 2006, 04:35:05 PM »

Quote from: GrippyDrifty

after about 30 min, my oil service light goes on, in addtion to a little yellow square light. I just changed my oil/filter 2000 miles ago. How does the engine "know" when an oil change is needed? I'm guessing that the few revs to 7grand caused some sludge to loosen up and set off the light:confused: I don't mind changing my oil again, but I am just a little confused as to why it went off in 2000 miles. My oil still looks pretty clean on the dip-stick too.

Yeah, the service and oil indicator lights just go on periodically (milage triggered I guess) so most common folk will freak out and go to thier local dealers and spend money.

It in NO WAY means you need an oil change. I will post the procedure on how to reset your service indicator lights in the "How To's" section of this forum this weekend. Don't buy the $60 BMW reset tool. It's a waste of money. I can show you how to do it with about $2 of hardware store parts.

GrippyDrifty · « **Reply #9 on:** April 07, 2006, 04:46:51 PM »

^^^^^Thanks bro, but I already reset it. I used a FREE speaker wire I had in my trunk.

D. Clay · « **Reply #10 on:** April 07, 2006, 08:36:03 PM »

I have heard that the lights get screwy as the SI board batteries get low. I also use a $5 continuity checker ( screwdriver with pointed end, light in the handle with an alligator clip. On my 1991 model I ground socket 7, turn the key on and in about 15 seconds the light goes out. It's in the Motor's repair manual.

M42boy · « **Reply #11 on:** April 07, 2006, 09:42:46 PM »

Quote from: GrippyDrifty

^^^^^Thanks bro, but I already reset it. I used a FREE speaker wire I had in my trunk.

No problem. Some people may not know and spend stupid money on the reset tool. I had a shop try to charge me $50 to reset it with thier tool when I first bought the car and didn't know about it. They made up something like that BMW charged them to reset it.... I was basically asking if they could do it for free for me or a few bucks.

I just run an inline fuse on a jumper. I think the inline fuse holder, wire and fuse all cost around or under $2 at the local hardware store.

Eurospec · « **Reply #12 on:** August 04, 2006, 01:08:38 AM »

My light just came on tonight, glad to discover it's nothing serious.

M42boy, I tried searching for your how-to, but couldn't find anything. Mind sharing what's required?

TIA!

dude8383 · « **Reply #13 on:** August 04, 2006, 10:51:07 AM »

Quote from: Eurospec

My light just came on tonight, glad to discover it's nothing serious.

M42boy, I tried searching for your how-to, but couldn't find anything. Mind sharing what's required?

TIA!

yeh, my time is almost up for a "Reset"

Eurospec · « **Reply #14 on:** August 14, 2006, 01:10:43 AM »

What are the specifications on the jumper wire and inline fuse required? Would a home depot carry this stuff?