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      05-15-2018, 07:41 PM   #1
KhoeCoon1
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Engine Oil Pressure Too Low.

Hey guys!

So I have a 2013 328i x drive that just recently hit 101,000 miles. I had my routine oil change done and went on about my day. The difference is, this time my "Engine oil pressure too low" and "drivetrain malfunction" sensors went off. I called the place that did my oil change and they said that they only put 6 quartz of oil in. I'm not sure what this could mean, or if its a sensor issue. I want to take it to the shop but wanted to see if anyone here has had this happen, or has any feedback before I do.

Thank you!
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      05-16-2018, 10:10 AM   #2
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the N20 and N26 engines oil capacity is 5.1 qts according to the Bentley's Manual. If they put 6 qts in, your engine is Over-serviced and may well be the cause of the problem. Take it back to them. What does your oil level sensor show?
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      05-17-2018, 09:41 PM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by KhoeCoon1 View Post
Hey guys!

So I have a 2013 328i x drive that just recently hit 101,000 miles. I had my routine oil change done and went on about my day. The difference is, this time my "Engine oil pressure too low" and "drivetrain malfunction" sensors went off. I called the place that did my oil change and they said that they only put 6 quartz of oil in. I'm not sure what this could mean, or if its a sensor issue. I want to take it to the shop but wanted to see if anyone here has had this happen, or has any feedback before I do.

Thank you!
Just as Orion4 said above...check what your sensor is showing. It is capable of showing over the high fill mark if my memory serves me well.

If in fact they did overfill, you want to reduce the oil volume. Get the car back to them and stay there while they drain and measure. I suspect the lights will go off after this is corrected.
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      05-18-2018, 03:57 AM   #4
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Dont drive or operate the engine with a low oil pressure warning. Stop immediately, have it towed.
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      05-21-2018, 12:18 PM   #5
KhoeCoon1
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Thank you everyone!

The sensor isn't reading. It states it is measuring and then at about 30% it just goes away and asked me to start measurement again. I have no idea what the level is.
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      05-22-2018, 11:16 AM   #6
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My sensor occasionally does the same. I have to repeatedly run the check and each time it progresses further until finally completing. Annoying! Bring back the damn Dipstick!!!!
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      05-22-2018, 11:58 AM   #7
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Two separate sensors both giving a warning of oil issues.
For the low pressure warning to have operated the oil level will likely be very low preventing it being picked up from the sump.
Fill with oil before driving.
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      05-23-2018, 02:18 PM   #8
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Low oil pressure could indicate timing chain failure.. I remember reading somewhere that pieces of the chain guide can break off and fall into the oil pan then consequently become lodged in the oil pick up and cause low oil flow.. Would definitely not drive it until you find the cause.. Low oil pressure is not something to be taken lightly!!
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      05-23-2018, 02:26 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by loggin View Post
Low oil pressure could indicate timing chain failure.. I remember reading somewhere that pieces of the chain guide can break off and fall into the oil pan then consequently become lodged in the oil pick up and cause low oil flow.. Would definitely not drive it until you find the cause.. Low oil pressure is not something to be taken lightly!!
Interesting tidbit... makes sense.

OP - keep us posted, many members driving N20 / N26 out of warranty. Some of us (like myself), plan on keeping car for a lot of miles. Nice to hear about potential issues before they arise!
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      05-23-2018, 02:30 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by KhoeCoon1 View Post
Hey guys!

So I have a 2013 328i x drive that just recently hit 101,000 miles. I had my routine oil change done and went on about my day. The difference is, this time my "Engine oil pressure too low" and "drivetrain malfunction" sensors went off. I called the place that did my oil change and they said that they only put 6 quartz of oil in. I'm not sure what this could mean, or if its a sensor issue. I want to take it to the shop but wanted to see if anyone here has had this happen, or has any feedback before I do.

Thank you!
Any updates?
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      05-23-2018, 04:31 PM   #11
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Hey,

No updates yet. This all happened in the middle of me moving to Florida, so I'm still settling in. I'll be taking the car to the shop on base Wednesday. Until then, I'll just be staying at home setting up things and using my husbands car.

Will keep you all posted!
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      05-27-2018, 12:16 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by loggin View Post
Low oil pressure could indicate timing chain failure..
Timing chain failure results in instant engine destruction. You could say the oil pressure is low, because it would be zero.
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      06-28-2018, 01:59 PM   #13
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UPDATE:

as of right now, I got another oil change on base down here and they also checked the levels. the sensors still pop up sometimes. I am in the process of changing my spark plugs (due to the misfire indicator I'm getting) and see what happens then.
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      07-22-2018, 07:05 PM   #14
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I got this same message on Idrive while running on the highway. First time around, i restarted the car and the message went away. Drove it for a week then, the second time around, i decided to tow it. Upon inspection, my timing guide chains were broken and sitting at the bottom of the oil pan. I ended up paying for a replacement timing chain module and new oil pump. Don't underestimate this low engine oil pressure as these cars have known issues with weak guides and chains. This happened right at 99.6K miles.
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      07-23-2018, 06:45 PM   #15
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might want to have your battery checked out. If you are getting misfire and oil sensors issues, sometimes it's all cause the battery is about to die.
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      08-20-2018, 02:10 PM   #16
KhoeCoon1
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Hey all,

I had to trade the BMW in. The dealership wasn't figuring out what the main issue causing the sensors to go off was and kept charging me $100 each diagnostic. I couldn't afford it anymore so I had to give my baby up. Thank you for all your help, I really appreciate it all!

-Khoe
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      08-20-2018, 03:16 PM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by S3RIES28 View Post
I got this same message on Idrive while running on the highway. First time around, i restarted the car and the message went away. Drove it for a week then, the second time around, i decided to tow it. Upon inspection, my timing guide chains were broken and sitting at the bottom of the oil pan. I ended up paying for a replacement timing chain module and new oil pump. Don't underestimate this low engine oil pressure as these cars have known issues with weak guides and chains. This happened right at 99.6K miles.
There should be an extended limited warranty(ELW) on the N20/N26 timing chain for your car. Go to bmw-rp.com, type in your VIN and check. If covered just send in your paid invoice to BMWNA.

The important subtle point is, after ELW was issued, any repair must be done at dealer. The reimbursement part only covers out-of-pocket on repairs done before issuance date of ELW.
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