E30 Zone

Hi all E30 nuts, i am sure someone else must of had these symptoms, here goes - i have had problems with the oil light staying on for to long on start up (4 seconds ish). This was with genuine BMW filters. I spoke to Fritz Bitz about this and they thought i was using to thin oil (Millers 10/40 semi) so tried mineral 15/40 which made no difference.
To cut a long story short i found it was down to the filters, it seems that oil is draining out of the filter while standing and it takes a few seconds to re-fill on start up, depending what angle the car is parked makes a big difference.
I have tried BMW, Bosch and Mann filters all these are prone to this problem the only one that is not is Fram which is not the best quality.
Has anyone found a good quality filter that does not have the drain back problem, i will try Mahle or Hengstf next, any thoughts ?. This is the 3rd 325 i've had with this problem so its not the car. All thoughts welcome, Thanks in advance - Rob

Never heard of this, more likely draining back through the oil pump or oil pressure relief valve, or again not heard of similar problems but do you have the BMW thermostat controlled oil cooler fitted?

Mine now has exactly the same symptom.

I change the oil every 5k miles and used to use Halfords own brand filters - which they discontinued last summer.

The same thing started to happen with me as soon as I starting using Mann filters from GSF.

Once I have used up my remaining filter I too shall be looking for an alternative.

e301988325i wrote:Never heard of this, more likely draining back through the oil pump or oil pressure relief valve, or again not heard of similar problems but do you have the BMW thermostat controlled oil cooler fitted?

Thanks for the replys, it's interesting that you have not had a problem with yours, what make of filters do you use ?.
I always used to used Genuine BMW filters with no problems,( i would by a batch at a time) but then the problem started when i changed the oil and filter - same oil and new BMW filter.
I rang my local BMW dealer and after speaking to the workshop
supervisor, he said that he had also had the same problem in the past, i wouldn't of thought he see's many E30's these days.
I don't think it's the car because as soon as i changed to Fram the problem stoped and my pevious E30's had the same problems.With the car facing up hill, therefore tipping the filter back/more upright even with a problem filter the oil light goes straight out

Mann and Fram filters for me.

Oil draining is a problem with some filters on some engines, but I've never come acros it on a BMW engine.
If the problem can be cured (on a M20B25 ) just by the slight change in the angle of the filter by parking it facing uphill, then slackening the bolt holding the oil cooler take off block to the engine, and rotating the rear of the filter down slightly, should equally afford a cure.

Iv always used BMW filters in cars and its never bought me any issues...

i use euro filters, not had this problem?

the correct oil is 10w40 for this engine

Never had an issue with 'AC Delco PF60' oil filters.