How low is the "low oil level"?

Basswacker · 11-23-2017, 08:47 PM

I just got done changing my oil in my N26. Only 4 quarts came out of the engine so I'll assume 4.5 quarts were in it. I haven't added any oil since the last oil change and I measured it 2 days ago per BMW instructions and it still was at the max level. So how low on oil does the engine have to be for it to alert you?

Also, what size is the tool for taking off the oil filter cover?

Billfitz · 11-23-2017, 09:30 PM

Four quarts is low, the stated capacity for the N20/26 is 5.5 liters/5.8 quarts. Assuming you changed the oil filter there should have been little to no oil left in the engine when you drained it, as the oil filter housing drains when the filter is pulled, and almost nothing remains in the filter cartridge. Supposedly the warning light should go on when it's 1 liter down. It's also supposed to tell you on the instrument panel how much oil to add.

Basswacker · 11-23-2017, 09:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Billfitz

Four quarts is low, the stated capacity for the N20/26 is 5.5 liters/5.8 quarts. Assuming you changed the oil filter there should have been little to no oil left in the engine when you drained it, as the oil filter housing drains when the filter is pulled, and almost nothing remains in the filter cartridge. Supposedly the warning light should go on when it's 1 liter down. It's also supposed to tell you on the instrument panel how much oil to add.

Something ain't right. if I had 4qts in it I should of had a warning. I did change the filter. I added 5 quarts went for a quick ride to warm everything up then measured it and it was at the max line

Billfitz · 11-24-2017, 10:48 AM

Your oil level sensor might not be working.

Basswacker · 11-24-2017, 11:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Billfitz

Your oil level sensor might not be working.

Is there a way to test that with a multimeter or something? I've also noticed my brake pad sensors don't work but there is no alarm for that

Billfitz · 11-24-2017, 05:09 PM

Maybe with a scanner like the Foxwell NT510. It's pretty much a necessity if you're going to do your own work. I'm still under warranty, so I haven't got one yet, but I'll have one in my tool collection the day my warranty is up.
The pad sensors don't actually sense anything until they hit the rotors, then they're supposed to trigger a warning. They need to be replaced along with the pads, and then brakes have to be re-set, another function that the Foxwell will do.

11-23-2017, 08:47 PM	#1
Basswacker Private 30 Rep 59 Posts Drives: 2013 328i M-Sport package Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Carver MA iTrader: (0)	I just got done changing my oil in my N26. Only 4 quarts came out of the engine so I'll assume 4.5 quarts were in it. I haven't added any oil since the last oil change and I measured it 2 days ago per BMW instructions and it still was at the max level. So how low on oil does the engine have to be for it to alert you? Also, what size is the tool for taking off the oil filter cover? __________________ 2013 328i M-Sport Estoril blue W/335 M-Performance exhaust Carver, Mass
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11-23-2017, 09:30 PM	#2
Billfitz Lieutenant General 8216 Rep 16,054 Posts Drives: '15 328iX GT Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: New Hampshire iTrader: (0)	Four quarts is low, the stated capacity for the N20/26 is 5.5 liters/5.8 quarts. Assuming you changed the oil filter there should have been little to no oil left in the engine when you drained it, as the oil filter housing drains when the filter is pulled, and almost nothing remains in the filter cartridge. Supposedly the warning light should go on when it's 1 liter down. It's also supposed to tell you on the instrument panel how much oil to add.
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11-24-2017, 10:48 AM	#4
Billfitz Lieutenant General 8216 Rep 16,054 Posts Drives: '15 328iX GT Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: New Hampshire iTrader: (0)	Your oil level sensor might not be working.
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11-24-2017, 05:09 PM	#6
Billfitz Lieutenant General 8216 Rep 16,054 Posts Drives: '15 328iX GT Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: New Hampshire iTrader: (0)	Maybe with a scanner like the Foxwell NT510. It's pretty much a necessity if you're going to do your own work. I'm still under warranty, so I haven't got one yet, but I'll have one in my tool collection the day my warranty is up. The pad sensors don't actually sense anything until they hit the rotors, then they're supposed to trigger a warning. They need to be replaced along with the pads, and then brakes have to be re-set, another function that the Foxwell will do.
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