12 61 285 Replacing Engine Oil Level Sensor (N46, N51, N52, N52K, N53, N54)

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 6 other vehicles, including the 2013 BMW 128i, 2012 BMW 128i, 2011 BMW 128i, 2010 BMW 128i, and 2009 BMW 128i. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

IMPORTANT: Read and comply with notes on protection against electrostatic damage (ESD protection) . See 61 35... NOTES ON ESD PROTECTION (ELECTRO STATIC DISCHARGE) (CONVERTIBLE) or 61 35... NOTES ON ESD PROTECTION (ELECTRO STATIC DISCHARGE) (COUPE) .

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Switch off ignition
E70/E81/E87/E82/E88/E90/E91/E92/E93 only: Remove underbody protection . See 51 47 490 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING FRONT UNDERBODY PROTECTION .
Drain off engine oil

Unlock plug (1) and remove.

Unscrew nuts.

Tightening torque, see 12 61 2AZ in OIL PRESSURE/OIL TEMPERATURE GAUGE .

Remove oil level sensor (2).

Installation:

Clean sealing face on oil sump.

Replace seal on oil level sensor.

An excessively low torque value will result in oil leaks.

An excessively high torque value will result in damage to the oil level sensor.

Top up engine oil.

Only if the holder for earth strap is installed!

Absolutely reinstall the holder (1) with the earth strap (2)!

Tighten earth strap (2) with screws (3) between the holder and cable clip on the gearbox.

Tightening torque 12 52 1AZ.

If the holder with earth strap is not reinstalled, it can lead to an operating failure of the oil level sensor!

Installation note: Top up engine oil. Screw on oil filter cover tightly.

Fig 1: Identifying Oil Level Sensor Earth Strap, Holder And Screws

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.