Oil level over max *suddenly*

[Tuukka]

So heres the story, did my oil change about 4000km ago, filled it up and it was bang in the middle of the meter.

Visited germany and the car said that the level is below minimum. Added about 0.5 liters and it was perfect. It’s been 2 weeks since adding the oil and I have driven approx. 700km. Now the car is suddenly telling me that the oil level is over max.

In my mind there is no possibility of there being too much oil in the engine, I havent added any since then and the car works just as before.

I’m wondering if the oil level sensor could be defective or if I should let the sensor just do its thing and check back with it after the next oil change.

[pjk380]

I would drive it for a few more days to see if the sensor re-adjusts and take another reading. If it is still giving odd readings, I would replace it. I recommend sticking with the OEM sensor. I purchased the VEMO oil level sensor which is supposed to be OEM replacement. It has given me odd readings from day one. My trusted mechanic says to stick with OEM, especially for electronic sensors/parts.

[Tuukka]

Originally Posted by pjk380

I would drive it for a few more days to see if the sensor re-adjusts and take another reading. If it is still giving odd readings, I would replace it. I recommend sticking with the OEM sensor. I purchased the VEMO oil level sensor which is supposed to be OEM replacement. It has given me odd readings from day one. My trusted mechanic says to stick with OEM, especially for electronic sensors/parts.

Thanks for the help. Any suggestions on where to buy the sensor? Havent found a shop that sells one that fits the m3, all of them are labeled for the n57 and n54 engines. Are the sensors the same?

[pjk380]

All the major parts stores carry the OEM oil level sensor, part# 12 61 7 607 910.. Turner Motorsports, ECS Tuning, URO Tuning, FCP Euro, as well as Amazon. I'll probably go with FCP as they offer lifetime replacement. If the new sensor acts up I can ship it back to FCP and get another one.

[DrFerry]

Originally Posted by Tuukka

So heres the story, did my oil change about 4000km ago, filled it up and it was bang in the middle of the meter.

Visited germany and the car said that the level is below minimum. Added about 0.5 liters and it was perfect. It’s been 2 weeks since adding the oil and I have driven approx. 700km. Now the car is suddenly telling me that the oil level is over max.

In my mind there is no possibility of there being too much oil in the engine, I havent added any since then and the car works just as before.

I’m wondering if the oil level sensor could be defective or if I should let the sensor just do its thing and check back with it after the next oil change.

In my experience (with 15 years of ownership) even when the S65 oil level is only +0.25 liters over full, the sensor will show MAX (over full). So this means the sensor is actually quite 'hyper sensitive', since 0.25/8.0 liters is only +3% over capacity. If you're sure about what you wrote above i.e.

Visited germany and the car said that the level is below minimum. Added about 0.5 liters and it was perfect. It’s been 2 weeks since adding the oil and I have driven approx. 700km. Now the car is suddenly telling me that the oil level is over max.

Then I wouldn't worry too much at all about it. Continue to drive the car and typical S65 oil consumption will correct the oil level back to normal within the next 2000 miles IMO.

[Tuukka]

Thanks for the help guys! Appreciated!