E46 red oil light at idle Oil pan is clean, oil pickup tube too. BMW's minimum specified oil pressure for the M54 engine, at idle and at operating temperature, is 0. I have replaced the engine in my friends car, E46 with M56 that is very similar to the M54 engine. Oil Pressure varies as the engine speed changes, basically the pressure is about 10 pounds per 1000 RPM. 4-0. As soon as I started moving and got the revs above idle it went out. I have checked oil pressure with a gauge connected to the temperature switch on the housing. Jun 6, 2024 · Tony, I have the same problem. Jan 3, 2012 · E46 Zone ; E46 assistance ; Technical help (E46) Flickering Red Oil Pressure Light At Hot Idle. Holds steady ~700 rpm on idle. I believe oil pressure at idle is usually pretty low anyways, like around 10psi? So it doesn't take much loss of pressure for the light to come on. TLDR version: M54B30, 64k, owned since new, red oil pressure light is solid at idle, replaced oil pressure sensor, only drive it in the summer and store it in a heated garage in the winter so if I start it to move it, it will be 60' in there already at the coldest. Found that there is a crack in the valve cover which prevents the oil cap from locking properly, squirting out oil. I have VDO gauges, and the light comes on at idle when oil temp (measured in the oil pan) reaches 220 degrees. 0 bar at elevated RPM. As the engine warmed, idle pressure dropped to 1 bar and at 2500 RPM 4 bar. Our professionals are here to help make sure you find the answers you need to your questions and our community is here to help other brainstorm Oct 16, 2020 · It only comes on when the car is warmed up. Now I'm at the point that I replaced the oil pump (the old one didn't seem worn but since I'm here. Not trying to be a dick, but sometimes if you’re at a loss, it’s best to ask someone who’s got the years under their belt. Do not buy a new sensor. I believe the light turns on because the idle is May 30, 2020 · E46 Fanatics Forum is an independent BMW enthusiast website owned and operated by VerticalScope, Inc. I tried jump starting it, nothing. Maybe a bad fuse possibly? Or relay? Please let me know if you have any other suggestions. You should check your oil at regular intervals. The car: BMW E46, 320i (M54), year: 2003 Miles: ~15. I cleaned the MAF, replaced the oil psi sensor, and installed a new K&N air filter last week. i have a huge problem with bmw 520i e60 2003 year. The revs drop to below 500 RPM and the car shakes like it's going to stall. I know that because my oil pressure light (red), started flickering when the car idles at its worse. The red light appears only when engine is hot. I already replaced the pressure sensor. 25 psi). Leaks on the drivers side of the block are oil filter housing gasket and usually the high pressure vanos line, even if the vanos line isn't leaking yet it will and i needs to come off by the intake solenoid to do the housing gasket. Aug 16, 2018 · Oil temp sensor port is very close to (and often confused with) the oil pressure port. Aug 15, 2009 · Inconsistent Idle/Oil Pressure Light Jump to Latest 3. Devanwon Discussion Mar 12, 2014 · As I was coming to a red light I braked slightly harder than usual but not too hard at all. I don't know what that has to do with the price of tea in China, but there it is. I have always used Mobil 1 changing the oil and filter regularly and oil level is full. The oil was changed about 2000 miles ago and is still at the right level on the dipstick. Jul 5, 2020 · Once the oil temp gets to 212F the red oil light starts to flicker, around 213F-214F the red light starts to stay on, from 214+ the red light, alarm and message stay on. , 111 Peter Street, Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada Jun 25, 2012 · The oil pump, if it is working will send oil throughout the system. oil pressure light come on at idle rpm only when engine is hot,new oil Roger 18 yrs. When the car is warm, At idle and through the revs, the light does not come on at all. I'm using BMW spec oil. If anyone can explain what we see here, please do so. I'm getting the red oil pressure light. Aug 29, 2010 · My e46 has started stalling. I replaced oil pressure sensor with a new Hella one and still shows red oil pressure light when idle or it flickers on sudden acceleration. A few days afterward, my car began sputtering and flashing the oil light. I noticed in the trunk that the previous owner had a bottle of very low quality 5w-30 and that oil was pretty black. The oil level sensor is located on the bottom of the oil pan, drain oil first. They had taken a set and were letting warm/thinner oil pass by and creating the red light at low rpm for me. Flickering red oil light at idle. sjetton Jun 3, 2017 · I think red oil light is due to low oil pressure. I have noticed recently that my red oil light has been flickering at idle. At Bimmerforums, you will find technical how-to information maintenance specifics audio advice wheel and tire combinations and model specific details not found anywhere else. Jun 6, 2011 · My car is a 2003 325i with 33,000 miles. Idle speed should be rock solid at 700 EPM. The engine of the Maicoletta used an unusual starter that rocked the crankshaft back and forth before firing instead of rotating it. If you can use the gas pedal to get the engine speed to 700-ish and the oil light goes out, then the oil pressure is okay and your idle speed is Dec 9, 2020 · Dark Mode; Light Mode; Menu Log in Jan 24, 2015 · Then drove The car for 3 days until the red oil light started to flicker at idle only E46 Fanatics Forum is an independent BMW enthusiast website owned and Jan 14, 2010 · while driving my car kinda jerks and a few seconds later the engine dies. I have also done O2pilot mod and after some time this issue showed up. Dec 13, 2024 · It increases up to 4 bar at 3500 rpm, and then a pressure relief valve (inside the oil pump) releases the overpressure in the oil pan. Mar 24, 2023 · Fix the low idle rpm and then the red oil light will be gone. Only happened occasionally when the car was warm and about 6000 miles on the oil. The red oil light then began to flicker when the car was warmed up and coming to a 6 days ago · Often the red oil light is just a side effect of low idle RPM. With everything installed idle speed is constant 800 rpm. it also dies randomly when idle. Then stalled after sitting at a red light down the road a mile or so. Fwiw, Rotella T6 designed for diesel engines is a thicker 40 weight oil than other 40 weights like Castrol, Mobil, etc. So you are pretty much left with running heavy oil and hopefully the issue is mitigated. Nov 4, 2024 · E46 General M54 (B22) - red oil light flickering or stays on when idle on hot engine Mar 16, 2010 · Your oil level reached the minimum and the yellow oil light -did it's job- came on to remind you to add oil. Last week I started to get the flickering red oil light at idle when the car was hot and I was sitting in city traffic. Depending on the oil thickness, it may also cause oil pressure sensor and/or oil temperature sensor to leak (it messes up the rubber Apr 12, 2014 · Cleaning the idle control valve and the throttle body and replacing the o-ring on the Disa since it was off has corrected my issue. Oct 18, 2009 · The RED oil light means the oil pressure is low, the YELLOW oil light means that the oil level is low. sometimes it comes on, sometimes it flickers. After waiting for about an hour, he told me that the car appears to be reading 0 oil pressure at idle, and that it could be a variety of different things--oil pump, wiring harness, instrument cluster, etc--but they would Low oil pressure light at idle and the car in limp mode are issues that require some more experience and knowledge than you seem to have. Aug 7, 2017 · E46 General. The car: BMW E46, 320i (M54), year: 2003. Jump to Latest Follow 1K views 6 replies 3 participants last post by jfoj Aug 7, 2017. Light immediately goes out when idle speed increases. , the heavier the oil is when Jan 12, 2021 · TOP 3 REASONS WHY RED OIL LIGHT IS ON BMWIf you have BMW and you have red oil light we will explain the top 3 reasons that cause the red oil light to be on o Feb 23, 2015 · This afternoon, I started my 2001 330i sedan and saw the RED oil-can light on the dash. Jump to Latest 191 views 4 replies Sep 1, 2011 · Hey I encountered the same red oil light issue for the first time today, existed the highway after 1 hour driving in traffic. As a part of routine maintenance I replaced the transmission gear oil and it hasn't done it since. Advertisement Coins. Oil light at high speed. The oil level sensor is a two stage system. 1 bar (minimum oil pressure according to BMW is 0. Today I connected an oil pressure gauge. E46 General. Don't "rev" the engine, just give enough throttle to get the idle speed to come up. It triggers the yellow oil lightnot the red. I hooked up live scanner and noticed when the AC kicks on/off itll drop by 75-100RPM. The oil level is at max. This is my first BMW and i don't want to end up hating the car. 000km) Oil: 0w30 Castrol Edge. You MUST confirm that the pressure is okay or you will do serious damage to the engine. The "new' engine has 128k miles and runs well, compression is good on all cylinders. Over the last few days I am experiencing the red oil light flicker so many here have discussed. It has never done this before. D. Jul 12, 2016 · -Very rough idle, RPMs pulsing up and down like crazy-Stalls most of the time when shifted in gear-Red Oil Light when the car is switched ON, engine off-When car is started, red oil light becomes a yellow oil light-Yellow oil light goes away when I rev the engine Here's what I've done to the car to try and fix the problems: Jun 29, 2015 · Like I said, I already changed the oil pressure sensor because my friend asked me too. Mar 5, 2011 · At start up the yellow light would stay on for approx. , 111 Peter Street, Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada Nov 12, 2015 · E46 Forums. I've read it could be sensor, or pressure? Jun 15, 2009 · My symptoms were a flickering red oil pressure light at idle - would only occur after the vehicle had warmed up and had been driven ~ 20 mins. Cold engine, oil pressure 4 bar at idle and revving. It only comes Aug 20, 2013 · It started to stall but then caught itself and rev'd back up, never done that before. I replaced the one on the oil filter housing and the red light has never come back on. So a red oil light started flickering. Sep 9, 2022 · The oil light starts to flicker (red) once the car has been driven for a short while (~10min). Aug 23, 2022 · You are shutting down and the Oil Pressure Light comes on, you might be observing an issue with the ignition switch. Below that, it stays out. It can change year to year, for example a 99 e46 has quite a few differences from a 2005, region can change them as well. Jun 12, 2016 · Hey all. As long as I let off the gas a bit, it settles down. It'll drop my idle to around 500 then slowly fluctuate until full stall. I think a red light indicates low pressure so if your sure the level is good, change the pressure sensor first. 2-4. No biggie, just top off. Scanner picks up no codes. One on the oil filter housing and one on the back of the head. 0% Oct 21, 2017 · So before my knock happened it would start misfiring after idling for a little while sometimed went away on its own sometiens had to shut off and turn on again. Cold pressure is 4 bar, hot pressure is 1-1. Since the car has 157,000 miles on the original alternator, I decided to replace the alternator but it still have the same problem. Mar 13, 2011 · Red light or yellow light, yellow light is oil level sensor which is very common. Sep 11, 2007 · I decided to take it to BMW, and at first the adviser said a blinking red light is not as bad as a constant red oil light. But i noticed small oil drips under the engine. If the red light comes on at engine idle, then the oil pressure is low. 038mm so within BMW specs). 5 bar (~7. First post here. Jan 23, 2024 · One time at a red light, my car decided to stall randomly, RPM dropped to 200, and then magically went back to the normal 550-600 range like nothing happened. I just rebuilt the Vanos, installed a catch can and a new OEM Disa valve. Our professionals are here to help make sure you find the answers you need to your questions and our community is here to help other brainstorm Dec 13, 2015 · I have been chasing the red oil light at idle with warm engine and I'm sharing my experience. Oil pressure is good, measured manually (above 0,8 bar at idle when warm, never below 0,8 bar during 30 minutes). Nothing changed Oil level is perfect. Jan 5, 2017 · Sometimes when sitting idle and in drive, the oil pressure light will blink red in random intervals, and never for more than about half a second. oil light was flashing red. 5 bar. Oct 4, 2014 · A yellow and a red oil light are entirely different things until the oil level drops so far that the oil pump sucks air, which affects the red light, but the yellow light will be on for a very long time before this happens, or there is a catastrophic failure in the components that contain the oil on the inside of the engine. I've monitored it while watching the oil pressure reading from my scanner but it isn't fluctuating or anything. Jun 8, 2009 · At low idle the red oil light comes on and the rattle is back. Feb 25, 2012 · The red light would come on in my 01 325. The oil pressure light performs two functions. I now have 5W-30 oil (LiquiMoly) back in the engine and it has no more red light. Here are some facts light goes away if I slightly raise RPMs doesn't happen when Jun 23, 2016 · So an issue i noted after i replaced my cracked expansion tank, When the car is cold ( first start after parked evening ), the oil light comes on. Miles: ~15. I drove the car approx 100 miles and it runs better than ever but on the way home today the red oil pressure light came on at idle. So at every red light or every time I depress the clutch, the oil pressure hits 0. When braking I would receive a red oil light ([emoji29]) I thought that was my ccv system which did end up having a broken hose on the oil return line and my hose that connects to May 13, 2012 · - Red oil light - Reg battery light - service engine soon light - DSC light I checked my oil level, I added 1 full quart. And the light first came on while i was on idle, I was not driving, moving. When it dropped, my oil light would literally flicker once. What is yours at fully hot? Low idle speed can be caused by typical engine running issues like vacuum leaks, so read the trouble codes and look at the four fuel trims and MAF value with your OBD tool. Goes off when driving. Bought a '03 330IC with 98k miles. Feb 11, 2015 · The light on at idle is not a big deal if the light goes out when the engine speed comes up 200 rpm, or so. What do i do next ? The oil level was maybe 2 quarts low. It doesn't have anything to do with the red oil light though. 0 coins. As I have posted before, I'm having a rough rpm problem. Usually happens when I come off the freeway after driving for a while (engine warm) as soon as I put the clutch in to downshift, or stop. Our professionals are here to help make sure you find the answers you need to your questions and our community is here to help other brainstorm May 3, 2008 · Was is simply the oil level sensor? My red oil light flickered the other day at a stop light while at idle. Dec 9, 2020 · Hi all, new to the forum. Sep 11, 2010 · The forums tend to point to the OPS (oil pressure sensor) and then the oil pump, however, if the oil pump is faulty the red light would more likely be solid at idle or at least flickering very often, not just on warmed-up braking conditions. As soon as the rpms go up past 700, the red oil light goes away completely. I ONLY have the red oil light flicker at an idle if the outside air temp is in the upper 80's and above. Car would stumble, oil light turn red, then back to yellow. Jan 3, 2012 · After about a week of changing the oil, the red oil pressure light started to flicker on when the car was warmed up, reversing the car up my drive using the 'creep'. Mechanical gauge reads constant 0. I pulled the back seat out, I could hear the fuel pump when I put it in position 2. It's due for an oil change, but does have oil in it when I checked. 10 seconds. Flickering Red Oil Light 28K subscribers in the e46 community. 2bar of pressure at hot idle according to my test kit but im unsure how accurate this is as the oil pressure light doesnt come on at hot idle, only when the RPM just dips below. I replaced a $12. Aug 10, 2010 · It's not really an oil pressure sensor; it's an oil pressure switch that closes and turns on the red warning light at about 0. Nov 16, 2020 · Most likely the low idle RPMs are triggering the red oil pressure light. Did it once more when again slowing down. Jul 21, 2014 · E46 Fanatics Forum is an independent BMW enthusiast website owned and operated by VerticalScope, Inc. Jul 9, 2006 · RED oil light ONLY at idle (flickering between idle and 850 rpm's) after the engine and oil has warmed up. Aug 28, 2009 · Red light comes on momentarily, but stays on longer on the hot days. NO engine service light and no codes on the reader. So you need to find out what's causing the low idle, but you probably already know that lol Apr 16, 2013 · Ok I have a 2003 330i with 117k and recently the red oil pressure light flickers at idle after been driving for a while and goes away. I did recently do an oil change myself, with an OEM filter. Aug 12, 2009 · I already changed the oil pressure switch,but at idle the red oil light flickers, goes away when he revs the engine. After starting up my car, I was experiencing VERY rough idle and my SES light came on. It happens as a flutter. Oil level is fine and it only blinks when idle. Then I removed the 6th rod bearing and I measured it with plastigauge (aroung 0. Driving the car at normal speed seemed fine, it had power and was not 'rough' while on the highway. Get your rpm's read, The idle must be correct as at low idle the oil pump is not turning as it should which causes your "RED" Oil light to blink. RPM doesnt change when the light is on, stays at 750 at idle. Sep 18, 2012 · I have a service engine soon light as well as a blinking red oil light. Read the oil pressure gauge. No leaking oil. Jul 13, 2014 · This car doesn't use a knock sensor to detect misfires - it only uses the knock sensor to retard timing if needed. 5 bar at idle (5 - 7 psi). STFT and LTFT are in the range of 1-8% when idle in Drive. A worn engine can also give low pressure especially when the idle is low. For those wanting to see more of BMW's 4th generation 3 series, the beautiful and… Jul 7, 2020 · What happened to your engine when the red oil light came on? Blew up Votes: 0 0. Here's what I know: - It's 10 degrees F - This light indicates low oil pressure Sep 3, 2012 · I have the same problem on my 2000 bmw 320ci, only difference is that when i start the engine the yellow oil pressure lamp lights up and stays there for about 20 secs. Mine was doing the same thing; red oil light would flicker at hot idle. Is it serious? 18 votes, 19 comments. Dec 16, 2023 · The red oil light is a result of low pressure, low pressure is a result of low idle speed. The oil light should go from red to off if there is oil in the crankcase, but the motor may not be spinning fast enough for the idiot light to function correctly. Even though it's known to cause a flickering warning light, I am going to replace the oil pressure switch soon and post results. As soon as I rev a tiny bit, the light turns off. What I found during my testing was with an outside air temp of 92F and an idle around 750rpm and steady oil pressure between 14-16psi. There is no knocking. 2646 Views 8 Replies 7 Participants Last post by bmw probz, Jul 12, 2012 Jump to Latest S. Once I accelerated from a stop, the indicator light would go away. Aug 7, 2017 · Flickering red oil light at idle Jump to Latest Follow 3K views 1 reply 2 participants last post by JPQ Aug 8, 2017 Mar 8, 2010 · Please post if you figure out what is causing your low idle speed. Jump to Latest 1K views Jun 13, 2022 · A friends 330i had the red oil light coming on at idle when really hot (after driving on highway). 2003 325i I've searched all over the forums and performed all the necessary steps recommended but no one seems to have an answer to this. Content on E46 Fanatics Forum is generated by its users. 0000 (~240. I see your idle speed is at 550, this is low and the oil pressure will be low as a result. Oct 17, 2009 · If you are daring enough, you could try replacing the oil pump, but that means tearing into the engine and is not guaranteed to give the result you need. Took the car to a BMW Oct 15, 2020 · Hello ladies and gentlemen. Sep 24, 2014 · If the yellow light comes on then the Oil Level Sending Unit is dying. Feb 20, 2024 · Check the actual oil pressure by mounting a pressure gauge in place of oil switch. Jump to Latest Jun 25, 2018 · I hope there are some oil nerds on this forum. , 111 Peter Street, Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada E46 General. ) I would go ahead on the sensor but want to make sure that the pressure is actually fine first. I've read the the sensor is a common problem but what worries me is that this only happens on warm idle, under which condition the oil would actually be at its least viscosity and low rpm = pump pumping it slowly enough to actually dip below trip level. Key On, Engine Off, the Oil light will be on -- there are 2 oil lights, one is red the other is yellow -- then after Engine On, the lights go out. and also done a oil change with 0-40 synthetic. 50 oil pressure switch (factory BMW) in 15 - 20 minutes and the problem is gone. All other indicators are fine, temp is in dead centre, no odd sounds or burning oil smell. It’s a good idea to check your car’s oil level every 3-5 months or after driving over 5000 miles. any other suggestions. The oil pressure regulation sensor and oil level sensor have been replaced. as soon as the idle drops back down again, the light flickers rapidly again. The light doesn't appear when cold, and I noticed that the idle is a bit higher when the engine is cold as well (~750rpm). 1K views 9 replies 6 participants last post by rhuie1 Aug 24, 2009 Jun 20, 2010 · Bimmerforums is the preferred online BMW Forum and community for BMW owners. But Running the engine on low oil pressure ruins everything inside the engine in the long run. Jun 7, 2023 · I'm chasing a red oil pressure light flickering at idle on my rebuilt engine (M54B30 with new M54 piston rings). Jul 14, 2021 · Hello, I have a 2000 bmw 316 that has the red oil light come on at idle. It also only happens when the engine has been running a while and the oil has warmed up. Jun 12, 2016 · The sensor in the pan is the level sensor. I noticed my RED oil light come on for about 1/2 a second then turned off. Eventually turning off when i gave it gas. . Oil light came on only when stopped at a red light. Feb 16, 2022 · Car began stumbling and dying. For a good month or so, no issues. If your scanner or app displays live data, report the short term and long term fuel trims and MAF value in grams/second at hot idle. It wont show up after cold start and when revs have dropped to normal ~700rpm. Here are the gauges. Unfortunately this did Sep 3, 2024 · I recently had the red oil light flickering and staying on at idle on my E46 M54B22 with 200K miles. It's weird that oil May 7, 2012 · Now having problems with engine idle fluctuates which is between 600 - 1700 rpm. Here's what I did: 1) Oil/Filter change with BMW 5W/30 oil - problem persisted Jun 21, 2017 · I have read somewhere that the oil pressure at idle on our engines is a bit marginal. After all these changes, nothing has changed, still the red oil Jun 4, 2010 · so that red oil light is coming on at the top whenever i come to stop, and then goes off as soon as i accelerate. 02. it flashed up so quick it took me a while to work out if it was the oil light or battery light. 5 bar at idle, 4. I fixed it by replacing the two smallest o-rings on the oil cap. Light goes off upon throttle input. 000km) Oil: 0w30 Castrol Edge I took the Oil Pressure Sensor out and attached an *oil Jan 24, 2023 · My E46 330ci at idle has had the red oil light flickering. Sometimes at idle, sometimes during slow acceleration and under 2k RPM. Bought the correct unit (rebuild) from Napa and installed the unit still no luck. Im curious if you have this issue fixed. Aug 9, 2024 · It is never a hard stall while actually driving. Red light comes on at idle after long driving periods in hot weather. The M54 oil pressure should be 0. I've done a pressure reading with a mechanical gauge and I confirm to have low oil pressure when hot at idle (around 0,5bar, 7psi). I’ve changed everything related to the oil pressure: oil pump, rod bearings, oil pressure switch, tried thicker oil, new oil filter housing. Add LL01 spec oil, keep topping it off, replaced few sensors and fixed my idle issue and now I never see that oil can lamp. Read the trouble codes using an OBD adapter and app such as OBD Fusion and report back. Mar 14, 2024 · From my search’s I think this is because I’m having low oil while idle the engine, because the return valve problem, but I don’t know if I’m right, waiting Oct 22, 2020 · check your fan, as others have said - within temp range on the highway but not at idle is a sign that your coolant is flowing but when parked the radiator cant do its job properly without requisite airflow - requisite airflow is available driving around on the highway but not when you get to a red-light at the off-ramp in the summer. Engine bearings visually checked - ok. Dec 22, 2022 · Slow stop start town driving on way back home,no red oil pressure light,traffic lights stationary @500 rpm, no red flickering light As I type this I am stationary at home in D foot on Brake car idle 500 just touch over put into Park nothing doing that’s been just over 5 -10 mins in total Aug 18, 2015 · It's the oil pressure light (red. Since when A/C is on the engine revs up a little bit (like +100 rpm), this might be enough to increase the pressure so that the red light doesn't flicker anymore. (226k) | '98 E36/5 Apr 7, 2020 · I’m under the assumption that the red oil light was strictly for oil pressure. 2001 325ci convertible, manual trans. Would exhibit symptoms common to a bad cam position sensor. If the idle drops too low so does the oil pressure and the light will come on. Can i rebuild the oil pump ? Jun 18, 2019 · E46 General. Here is my current course of action. But the idle speed is still low and with the cooler fall weather I turned off the a/c and the rpms went down to 500rpm and the red oil light flashed a little again before I gave it gas. Drove home for lunch, stalled again after sitting at a light. I turned off the engine let it sit for a while, then i started the engine, the light was gone, then i drove home wich was 5mins away and the light didn’t come back on. Jan 14, 2008 · Red oil light problem I have similar problem w/oil light n it's driving me crazy. Today, i was in some stop and go traffic and i saw that my oil pressure light (red) was flickering at idle. Max oil temperature was 103 degrees Celsius and sometimes when lifting gas pedal rpm would go to 500 rpm, and still no oil pressure light. Oct 15, 2020 · Yellow oil light is a level issue. Mine, I've noticed is a little different. Red Light would go out if I could hold the engine speed at 800 rpm Jan 10, 2021 · Most common cause is a low idle speed causing the oil pressure to dip and the light to come on. Obviously it's working!!!! If your oil sensor should fail, it will come on first thing you start the car, for about 1o seconds- reminding you not to rely on it and that it has to be changed. Today: Stalled on the way to work after sitting at a light for >30 seconds. 123,3XX miles. I changed my pressure switch and the red oil light issue persists. It sounds like it is about the 3rd or 4th hole back in the valve train, it doesn't sound at all like a rod. 08-12-2009, 06:47 PM #2 Jan 17, 2024 · The car is idling at ~700rpm, which cause the red oil pressure light to turn on when the engine is warm and I'm at a stop. Feb 14, 2012 · There are two sensors. '00 e46 M43, '04 e46 M54 touring M-Sport Mar 29, 2015 · I replaced the oil sending unit and no change. E46 330i red oil light at hot idle. If we have low idle (anything < 700 rpm) then the oil pressure could get lower than the minimum required and triggers the low oil pressure light. Idle speed is 800 rpm but without airbox, MAF, and ICV idle speed fluctuates between 800 and 850 rpm. When I restart the car, the oil light comes on and then turns off after about 15 seconds. Before changing the switch, my red oil light would only flicker at idle and when the engine was hot after 20 minutes or so of highway driving. I changed it over to Rotella T6 5w-40 and the red oil light stopped coming on at idle. Just to be clear for the uninitiated, red is not the next stage of yellow, rather a pressure issue. Our professionals are here to help make sure you find the answers you need to your questions and our community is here to help other brainstorm Oct 17, 2016 · E46 General. Oil Level or Pressure will not be reported to the OBD II system. Jul 3, 2020 · Bimmerforums is the preferred online BMW Forum and community for BMW owners. Flickering Red Oil Light Apr 20, 2021 · Most of the time the red light at idle is harmless, assuming you already checked the oil pressure as above. Could this also cause the rough idle? The plan now is to replace the valve cover (€150 for the part alone) and check if that solves the issue! Sep 3, 2024 · Due to a red oil light flickering at idle when engine was hot I opened the engine and I replaced the oil pump and timing chain. Someone suggested I replace my 5W30 RedLine oil with 10W40 to bring up the oil pressure (I changed oil and filter 500 miles ago), which I'll do this weekend. Slight rev to above 1000rpm, goes off. At 4000rpm I have more or less 4 bar, so it seems fine. I measured my oil pressure and determined that it is fine, but the very low idle speed is causing the oil light to flicker. Oct 14, 2020 · So, in short : Oil pressure light flickers at below 800/900rpm on HOT idle only. 000km) Oil: 0w30 Castrol Edge I took the Oil Pressure Sensor out and attached an *oil pressure gauge and here is the output: Sep 9, 2022 · The oil light starts to flicker (red) once the car has been driven for a short while (~10min). Jan 26, 2019 · Yes it wouldn't happen if I had the airbox and MAF installed, just wanted to show that even with 500 rpm (way lower than idle speed) oil warning light didn't show up. Continuously and very quickly if rpm was around 400 Mar 14, 2022 · Note: You can also read how to fix Oil light flickering when braking. Jul 4, 2009 · Yesterday I changed my oil and overfilled it by about 1 quart. Thanks guys! Mar 27, 2009 · E46 Fanatics Forum is an independent BMW enthusiast website owned and operated by VerticalScope, Inc. If you can bring the idle up and the light goes out, then you have a problem with any or all of the following, the oil pressure sending unit is getting weak, the oil pump is getting weak, the bearings May 26, 2020 · I had a similar problem after the car gets to temp that whenever I***8217;d be at near idle rpm the red oil light would come on and flicker some as I would tap the accelerator. May 10, 2014 · About 6 months ago, I had the oil level sensor replaced (yellow light falsely on for about 30 seconds, beginning about 20 seconds after engine start)and when I picked up the car at the dealer service department and drove a short distance away, I noticed the red light at idle. When I restarted the car no light again either. My engine has 2 oil pressure switches. I took the Oil Pressure Sensor out and attached an *oil pressure gauge and here is the output: Notice: These are the values when the oil has reached 212°F (100°C). 2004, 330CI Convertible. 5g/sec when idle in Drive. In the best case it's just a faulty pressure switch or oil far out of spec. Stalled as I was idle coasting into the garage. '03 325ci with 74k miles. 5 bar before switch is triggered). Finally I decided to take the engine apart to see what could cause the problem. Aug 6, 2009 · So last weekend I changed my belts, ambient temperature sensor, oil level sensor, and air filter. This was not a flicker. Checked the oil level when I arrived at home and my oil level Mar 2, 2010 · During the summer I changed my oil to a 5w40 and this managed to keep the red oil light off. Pressure gauge shows the drop also. then when warm the light will come on at stop or >5 mph. Followers May 28, 2015 · The yellow oil light is for oil level. verify your wiring harness for the sensor (I found poorly repaired wires in my e46 all over the place) and if financially viable, replace the sensors, preferably BMW or an oem like Bosch or Hella, most of these cars are near 20 years old if it’s running original sensors I Dec 31, 2012 · Bimmerforums is the preferred online BMW Forum and community for BMW owners. After thinking about it for a while I decided that if this thing has lost oil pressure then the engine is likely toast so I drove it home (330 and MT swap time). I'm not too sure if I should be concerned. Stalls happen usually at idle. If the RED oil light flickers at idle, then the idle speed is low or the oil pump is failing. Aug 11, 2011 · I had my Oil Filter housing gasket changed out last week by my indy shop due to a leak. Jun 27, 2012 · Red oil light would flicker when coming to a stop and stay on when in idle. oil light red at idle after other repair. As soon as I stopped at a traffic light, the rough idle came back. Might continue running, might not, if running, oil light stays on, other lights stay on. back down to idle, comes back on. Manual pressure test carried out in the oil pressure switch port, i had only 0. Sep 2, 2024 · E46 Forums. The switch is $10-$15. With the MAF unplugged, it idles at about 600-650 rpm, which is a bit too low (I think its supposed to be at like 750). E46 Fanatics Forum is not in any way affiliated with Bayerische Motoren Werks AG VerticalScope Inc. The red oil light is for pressure. 33K subscribers in the e46 community. Critically low oil is when the yellow light stays on while driving (Yellow light at startup represents a failed level sensor). Dec 3, 2024 · I only had this problem at idle, if instead I rev the engine the pressure went up immediately to 3/4 bar at 4000rpm even with hot engine. Of course it has no brushes to wear on the starter. Low oil is represented by a yellow light after switching the engine off. Misfires are detected by the DME and the crank position sensor; the DME assumes that a fired cylinder will do a certain amount of work in a given time, if the CPS doesn't report that the expected work was done, then the DME records a misfire. The oil level sensor wouldn't affect the red oil pressure light Update 1: Filled up the oil, spilt some. The oil pressure warning switch is located behind the oil filter housing, and can probably be changed without draining the oil. MAF reads 4. The second time it just blinked in the blink of an eye, but I caught it. Now at startup, the light starts as red at the on pos. However, after two days the same problem occurred and again the red oil light is on. ). I took it to my indy shop and we did an oil change and replaced the oil pressure sensor and the temp sensor. Feb 17, 2015 · after changing the oil and filters the red oil light started to come on, each time after driving about 20km and only when I was standing at a traffic light or intersection. experience as BMW Master Technician, Shop Foreman, ASE Master Certified May 14, 2020 · I am getting the dreaded low oil pressure light (red) at idle on occasion. Sep 9, 2022 · Light immediately goes out when idle speed increases. The higher the second number in the oil designation (5W-20, 5W-30) etc. Jul 5, 2008 · The Mechanic may have accidentally put different synthetic oil in the engine (oil with different number means that the oil is either thinner or thicker) which makes the oil pressure sensor send the light at idle. No need to replace the rod bearing, which is a HUGE job and not needed! Last edited by cnn; 06-05-2021 at 11:13 PM . Old And Worn-Out Oil. White smoke came from the engine & rough idle. Oct 5, 2022 · 2003 330i 280k miles, oil light flashing red when I stop at lights after oil gets hot. red oil light flicker. Could it be a vacuum leak? 34K subscribers in the e46 community. My '03 has the exact same problem (550 rpm idle in drive) including the flickering oil light. I have a red oil light that flickers at idle. May 27, 2018 · I've seen that many people have the red oil light flicker at an idle. A red light is not seriously low, rather it's a dynamic issue and the oil pressure measured at the sensor is below threshold. For those wanting to see more of BMW's 4th generation 3 series, the beautiful and timeless E46. It would come on hard for a while and then go off. If your yellow oil light doesn't come on for about 10 seconds when you start the car then it should be working properly. At 500rpm the car does start to run a little rough too. And while I'm driving doesn't matter if I'm on gas or speed etc I have a whistle that goes for about 10 secs then goes May 2, 2016 · Bimmerforums is the preferred online BMW Forum and community for BMW owners. Jump to Latest Follow Sep 9, 2013 · E46 Forums. 000km) Oil: 0w30 Castrol Edge I took the Oil Pressure Sensor out and attached an *oil pressure gauge and here is the output: Notice: Sep 14, 2017 · Example: When I first bought my e46, red lamp would flicker if my RPMS dropped. Apr 3, 2011 · E46. 04 330ci Low idle/Red oil light flickering. Mar 19, 2011 · The red light means the oil pressure is low. I found the specs Nov 4, 2024 · The engine has no oil leaks or leaks in the intake system. Technically, if the oil pressure is not okay, the serious damage has already happened, but you won't know how serious until you open the engine and see what is wrong. The low oil pressure is caused by the low idle. Oct 7, 2020 · The car then "growls" even more, and oil pressure eventually drops to 0 the longer the car runs. Sep 14, 2022 · The oil light starts to flicker (red) once the car has been driven for a short while (~10min). Mar 31, 2021 · I road tested it and oil pressure warning didn't blink even in higher oil temps at idle. You could also check the signal at the pressure sensor. And when trying to stall the engine when its at normal temperature (getting it to about 500-550 rpm) the red oil light comes on. when cold oil pressure is fine n where it needs to be but when it reaches normal operating temp the red oil light comes on at idle or at a stop light, rpm's are at about 650 or so but when it reaches like 850-900 rpm's it goes away also when i'm driving it at any speed other than idle speed red light never comes Mar 3, 2016 · Temp was good, flickering oil light at first then solid red after a minute or two, no strange noises coming from the engine, red oil light goes out over 1,200 RPMs but back on a idle. had an oil change done 4 weeks ago *today was the first day i drove my car for about 12 days (was out of the country, so my car sat in the garage the whole time) What is it? Thanks. While driving, I may get a drop of 500-1000 RPM with the red battery light. I was close to home so when I pulled in the drive I shut it down and checked the oil level which was fine as expected. The car has 90k on it. Red oil and battery light comes on. As soon as I gave it gas it went away. jiolto jnd yevxmh ceae obcx kckunw couu lxc vbmjv kgzue