Oil Level Issue

[louielouie]

I've only owned my '18 F80 for about a year and had the oil changed by my mechanic once prior to this.

I've started more DIY maintenance at home and noticed my oil reading was at the 1/2 mark but while doing my 1st maintenance, it nearly filled the 8 liter pan. It also read at the same 1/2 mark after I filled it with 6.5 liters and drove for 20 min. I couldn't find posts with this but I assume I have a bad oil sensor?

I'd assume this is likely but would I have to wait till the next oil change to service it?

[Schemxr]

i would drain the oil and change the sensor right away. if the sensor if faulty, it can provide misreading and if you are actually low on oil, you’ll just assume it’s a faulty sensor. better early than late in this type of situation

[JAI///M3]

I would initially suspect a bad oil sensor as well. However another member here seems to have had a similar issue caused by something in the software…?

https://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=2047588

[louielouie]

Originally Posted by Schemxr

i would drain the oil and change the sensor right away. if the sensor if faulty, it can provide misreading and if you are actually low on oil, you’ll just assume it’s a faulty sensor. better early than late in this type of situation

Fair enough. I might look into the software issue first then get this taken care of. Worst case scenario though as my car hasn't burned any oil historically and there's no leaks as everythings always dry. Knock on wood.

[louielouie]

UPDATE:

Changed out the sensor and it fixed the issue. Car was dry underneath.

Hot tip: The sensor cable is a PITA to remove. Leave the unit mounted to the oil pan to use that as leverage to pull the connection off. Also, move the plug back and forth while it's plugged in still to wiggle any small debris that's lodged in there to help get the thing off.