Oil light comes on at startup 01 330CI

[E46droptop]

I just did an oil change & my oil light comes on each time I start the car & stays on for about 2 or 3 minutes. Any thoughts?

 

[Kirby]

Assuming that you are not really low on oil (you did check it again, right?) there is a somewhat common problem with the oil level sensor failing. See this web page, part #14 in the diagram:

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=BN53&mospid=47713&btnr=11_2187&hg=11&fg=10

 

[E46droptop]

Thanks for the fast reply. I thought that was probably it since I've replaced alot of sensors since I've owned the car. Is it a pain to access & replace? Do I have to do a full draindown of the oil?
Dave.

 

[yogi799]

I just did an oil change & my oil light comes on each time I start the car & stays on for about 2 or 3 minutes. Any thoughts?

Yep... same problem here as of recent on my 99 328i. At first I freaked out and poured more oil in even though the level seemed right. Then I read in bunch of places that it's a common issue. So I'm ignoring it for now...

Oh, mine stays on for only 10-15 seconds, so perhaps it's 'less broken' than yours!

 

[Kirby]

I have not done this work before, but I don't think it is too difficult. I doubt you can get to it from the top, so it's probably an undercar job. I would drain the oil.