M54 oil filter housing drain back valve problems?

Post Thu Jun 30, 2011 8:02 pm

Is this common on the later cars with M54 engines? This morning the oil pressure light stayed on for 4 or 5 seconds after startup at idle speed, did similar at midday but only 2 seconds after being left for about 3 hours. Usually goes out as the engine is cranking/starts. Im guessing the filter housing is draining of oil

Post Thu Jun 30, 2011 8:07 pm

Remove the filter and check the 'O' rings on the end of the plastic filter housing, if they are damaged or missing it can cause that fault.

Number 5 in this diagram.
http://bmwfans.info/parts/catalog/E46/C ... il_filter/

Post Thu Jun 30, 2011 8:09 pm

Already done and they look fine, not shrunk, split or hard.

Post Thu Jun 30, 2011 9:24 pm

I replaced a few oil level sensors on 330ci's and 325i e46 coupe's.... Thats an m54 as well.. The oil light used to stay on after start up and turn yellow... After doing the diagnostic check at work through the bmw computer. 99% have come back saying the leve sensor is faulty... Possibly that?

Post Thu Jun 30, 2011 9:26 pm

Level**

Post Thu Jun 30, 2011 9:52 pm

Level sensors do appear to be weak on M54, ours has given up the ghost - checking with the dip stick has consistently proven it to be lying.

Post Thu Jun 30, 2011 9:54 pm

Dan, what colour was the light and what car is the engine in?

Post Thu Jun 30, 2011 11:15 pm

Its the oil pressure light and its in an E30

Post Thu Jun 30, 2011 11:21 pm

An M54 in an E30? Complete M54?

Post Thu Jun 30, 2011 11:24 pm

Calm down dear, I need oil pressure

Post Thu Jun 30, 2011 11:29 pm

I just wanted to know if its some hybrid or a complete M54?

Is there any oil leaks? I have seen the seal between the filter housing and the block leak causing the light to take longer to go out.

If thats ok and all the O-ring seals are present on the filter cap then try a pressure sensor.

Post Thu Jun 30, 2011 11:33 pm

Its not a complete M54, would be pointless

No leaks, there was defo a loss of pressure this morning as it had a bit of rattle. I will fit some new filter cap seals and take it from there. Thanks for the input

Post Fri Jul 01, 2011 9:35 am

M42's used to do this - it's the ballbearing drain back valve in the filter housing. The trick used to be to crank the engine and turn it off the moment it thinks about starting, then start it to avoid the rattle. Or just fix it!

Post Tue Jul 05, 2011 8:28 pm

Well this is shite, took the filter housing cap off another M54 I have on the floor to rob the O rings and it too was empty of oil. So I took the housing off and the drainback valve was cocked over

So I pushed it in and turned it a bit to see this!

The plastic valve has worn a groove into the seat, even turned round a bit the groove is that deep the oil will still drain through it

Cranky M54 anyone......