E30 Zone

I have a problem with the oil level warning system on my 330i, in that the amber oil level warning light never comes on (even when I took all the oil out to test it).

Could someone tell me if the amber light should come on then go out again when I start the car? Mine just shows the red light with no sign of amber. And is there a simple way to test the amber light before I start ripping the instrument cluster out to change the bulb?

The oil level sensor is only a few months old (it is a good quality Hella part) and the place I bought it from says they will replace it if it is faulty, but I want to make sure what is at fault prior to sending it back.

Cheers,

Sensor can be damaged if you turn the ignition on with no oil in the sump. This is called 'progress'.

E46 clusters do not have bulbs that are easily changed, they are LEDs soldered onto the circuit board and its highly unlikely one has failed.

Adrian, are you getting a red oil can warning light as that oil pressure and that should only come on with the ignition then go out straight away.

Oil level warning light i yellow/amber and should only come on a few seconds after the engine is started if the level is low or there is a fault with the system.

The level sensor is very common for failing and as Brian has mentioned, it can fail if the ignition is left on with no oil in the sump.

I have replaced many faulty sensors over the years and on one car there was a break in the engine loom which caused the waring light to come on.

There could be a fault with the KOMBI.

Have a look on youtube for E46 instrument cluster test as this tests all the gauges and warning lights on the cluster. Worth doing that to see if the yellow/amber light works.

Yes, I get the red one that comes on then goes out, but no amber. The amber one does work though as I tested it earlier and all is well.



For anyone wanting to do this I found a guide here:

http://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/showt ... uster-Test

Cheers for the advice.

I'm pretty sure the wire from the sensor goes straight to the KOMBI.

Its worth checking the wiring diagram to check there is a live and ground to the sensor and the there is no break on the line between the sensor and KOMBI.