Has anyone changed an oil level sensor gasket??

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mikey75
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Sun Sep 12, 2010 7:36 pm

In the 2 weeks I've owned my E30 325i I've done quite a few jobs, main thing to fix was the oil leaks. Done the value cover gasket and intake manifold gaskets. Steam cleaned the engine and underneath today then run the engine for a while. Found that oil is pouring out around where the oil level sensor is attached to the sump.
Nothing about how to change this in the haynes manual, is it an easy job?
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Brianmoooore
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Sun Sep 12, 2010 7:42 pm

Gasket is an O ring, and is just above the oil level in the sump on level ground. Remove the airbox, remove the two nuts and the fixing for the cable and lift it out.
Have a container handy to put it in, as it will drip oil for half an hour. When it's empty, it's a good idea to fill a baked bean can with petrol and place the sensor in it. Let it soak for a while then lift it up and drain it. Dunk it in again, and repeat a few times, changing the petrol if it becomes too black.
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mikey75
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Sun Sep 12, 2010 7:48 pm

I'll get down to the dealers this week to get an O ring, thanks for the advice.
e30nerd
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Mon Sep 13, 2010 8:59 pm

Please excuse the thread hijack, but I was going to post in the tech section until I saw this post!

I'm a little confused now!
Brianmoooore wrote: Remove the airbox, remove the two nuts and the fixing for the cable and lift it out.
Which switch/sensor is it that appears from the side of the block under the oil filter and the exhaust manifold? So on the offside of the engine (not under the airbox).

Location (red circle):
Image

Close up:
Image

The switch/sensor seems to be leaking oil from inside it's self, as you can see from the oil running down it.

I've tried to search the part # on RealOEM but could'nt find it (this photo is rotated but shows the part #)

Image

Does the M20B25 lump have an oil level as well as a pressure sensor? I assume it does as the oil level light I assume appears on the over head panel by the interior mirror and the pressure sensor must illuminate the 'oil can' light on the instrument cluster? - or are they both on the same switch/sensor?
BMW_E30vert
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Mon Sep 13, 2010 9:08 pm

thats an oil pressure sensor had the same problem with mine just changed the sensor cost 5 pounds all was fine after
e30nerd
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Mon Sep 13, 2010 9:12 pm

Thanks BMW_E30vert! - Did you do it without draining the oil? I assume you can as it only leaks under pressure (ie with the engine running) so I expect it is above the oil level in the sump?
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