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Home >> BMW >> 2009 >> X5 35d >> Repair and Diagnosis >> External Pages >> Different car >> Section 3957 (Functional Description - F10 - Stability Control System, Tire & Wheel System, Lubrication System) >> Lubrication System - Functional Description >> Oil condition sensor (Ver. 1) >> Electronic oil checking

Electronic oil checking

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The oil level is measured for the electronic oil level check. The 2nd capacitor in the upper part of the oil condition sensor registers the oil level with the engine running. The capacitor is at the same level as the oil level in the oil sump. As the oil level changes, the capacitance of the capacitor changes. The electronic evaluation unit creates a digital signal from this. The engine-management system employs this as the basis for calculating the engine's oil level. The electronic oil level check is displayed on the Central Information Display (CID) as well as in the instrument panel. On vehicles without CID, the oil level is only displayed in the instrument panel.

Fig 1: Display - Electronic Oil Screen
G09910040Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Display options in the instrument panel

Item Explanation
1 Oil level OK
2 Oil level at minimum
3 Oil level too high
4 Oil condition sensor has failed
5 Oil level is being determined
Fig 2: Display - Options Central Information Screen
G09910041Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Display options at the Central Information Display

Item Explanation
1 Oil level below minimum (display red)
2 Oil level at minimum (display orange)
3 Oil level OK: 1/4 (display green)
4 Oil level OK: 1/2 (display green)
5 Oil level OK: 3/4 (display green)
6 Oil level OK: Maximum (display green)
7 Oil level above maximum: overfilled (display orange)
8 No measured value present: oil level is being measured
9 Sufficient oil in the engine for short-term engine start (service function on oil change)