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BMW 5-Series Sedans

12737 messages,  Last post on Feb 16, 2013 at 11:05 PM

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What is this discussion about? BMW 5 Series, Sedan

Messages Page 1268 of 1275

#12663 of 12737 Faulty Oil Pressure Indicator by blue530i

Feb 03, 2010 (3:25 pm)

I have had my 2003 530i in for service regarding a random flashing oil pressure indicator light. On two occassions a message was flashed to the message center on the instrument panel; STOP: Low Oil Pressure: Add Oil Immediately (or to that effect). BMW service has replaced a sending sensor and a receiving sensor, but the problem persists. I have spent $500 plus so far ... I am not sure that the dealer service advisor wants to fix this problem or knows what to do. The service advisor has assured me there is no 'real' oil pressure problem, but my concern is how would they know. Does anyone in this forum have any advice or suggestions? I want to sell the vehicle, but how do I do that with this kind or indicator.

#12664 of 12737 Re: Faulty Oil Pressure Indicator [blue530i] by shipo

Feb 03, 2010 (6:12 pm)

Replying to: blue530i (Feb 03, 2010 3:25 pm)
It is hard to tell from reading your message what is really going on with your car. FWIW, there are TWO oil related messages that your car can generated, 1) Low Oil Level, and 2) Low Oil Pressure. If you have a low level message, add oil, if you have a low pressure message, adding oil will not help at all (unless of course you're getting the low level message as well).

#12665 of 12737 Re: Faulty Oil Pressure Indicator [shipo] by blue530i

Feb 04, 2010 (7:13 am)

Replying to: shipo (Feb 03, 2010 6:12 pm)
I think that is the problem, the computer is generating two different messages. one to add oil (oil is at the appropriate level) and the other is low oil pressure. BMW service has replaced two sensors (sending and receiving), but the problem persists. Assuming that was done correctly, any other ideas that would create an error message of that nature?

#12666 of 12737 Re: Faulty Oil Pressure Indicator [blue530i] by james27

Feb 04, 2010 (3:02 pm)

Replying to: blue530i (Feb 04, 2010 7:13 am)
Well, the oil pump could just be bad, and not the sensor. Or, if you are really driving hard, all the oil is pooling outside of the oil pickup and starving it on a really high-g turn. Or, the line to the sensor is plugged with crud (shouldn't happen, but you never know). The OBD connector probably can provide the oil pressure reading, which may be a good place to start, or for test purposes, install a calibrated meter to verify what the pressure really is.

#12667 of 12737 front brakes cost by twisty1

Feb 07, 2010 (12:39 pm)

Can someone offer advice? My car is at the dealer and was informed that I need to change my front brakes and front left caliper (causing vibration at any speed). Total cost is around $1500! I have an 2003 E39 with 102K miles. I know this is an expensive service, but is this usually this high? Can I only change the left caliper instead of both as dealer is recommending?

#12668 of 12737 Re: front brakes cost [twisty1] by ponytrekker

Feb 07, 2010 (2:01 pm)

Replying to: twisty1 (Feb 07, 2010 12:39 pm)
That's why they say BMW stands for "Bring my wallet"

#12669 of 12737 Re: front brakes cost [twisty1] by andys120

Feb 07, 2010 (2:24 pm)

Replying to: twisty1 (Feb 07, 2010 12:39 pm)
Can someone offer advice?
 
Do not go to the dealer for service! There are good independent BMW repair shops all over America that will do good work on your car for a fraction of dealer rates.
 
Go to www.bimrs.org to find one near you.
There's no way I could afford to run an old E39 paying dealer repair costs. They're sturdy cars but repairs aren't cheap.

#12670 of 12737 Re: front brakes cost [andys120] by twisty1

Feb 07, 2010 (3:43 pm)

Replying to: andys120 (Feb 07, 2010 2:24 pm)
Thanks andys120!

#12671 of 12737 Re: front brakes cost [twisty1] by shipo

Feb 07, 2010 (8:54 pm)

Replying to: twisty1 (Feb 07, 2010 12:39 pm)
A few points:
 
 - Why are they recommending the caliper? The only reason I can think of is if it is leaking or if you've failed to have the brake fluid flushed every 24 months and rust had formed on the inner side of the piston.
 
 - Servicing the brakes (i.e. new pads, rotors and sensors) on the E39 is one of the easiest brake jobs on the planet to perform.
 
 - New pads, rotors and sensors shouldn't run more than $150 per axle for premium quality parts, and depending upon where you buy them, I've seen that price down near $100.
 
 - As has already been mentioned, lose the dealer and find yourself a good independent, errr, that is if you aren't inclined to do the job yourself (see my second point).
 
Keep us posted.
 
Best regards,
Shipo

#12672 of 12737 Re: Faulty Oil Pressure Indicator [james27] by blue530i

Feb 08, 2010 (9:08 am)

Replying to: james27 (Feb 04, 2010 3:02 pm)
the dealer says he will make it good, but still no answers as to what the real problem is... the car is not driven hard, but the indicator light tends to come on when the car is braked to a stop... I suppose the g-force of the stop could pull any 'pooled' oil away from the pump and or sensors. But I would think that would be a conditioni in all cars. I think all sensors are new at this point, but the condition persists. We'l see what the developments are with Wednesday's appt. Dealer has been great, but we are both losing our patience! Thanks of the ideas, I'll pass them on.

Messages Page 1268 of 1275

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