Checking Engine Oil Pressure

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 BMW 530i, 2002 BMW 530i, and 2001 BMW 530i. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: For engine oil pressure to be checked, oil pressure switch must be removed and special tools must be installed and connected.

To avoid an excess discharge of oil when removing oil pressure switch:

Unscrew oil filter cap; the engine oil flows out of the oil filter housing into the oil sump.

Installation:

Replace sealing ring.

Tightening torque, refer to 11 42 2AZ in ENGINE MECHANICAL - TIGHTENING TORQUES - 530I (E39) .

Remove oil pressure switch.

Installation:

Tightening torque, refer to 12 61 1AZ in ENGINE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - TIGHTENING TORQUE .

Install special tool 11 4 050 with sealing ring (1) in place of oil pressure switch.

Fig 1: Installing Oil Pressure Special Tool

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Checking Engine Oil Pressure With DIS Tester

Attach special tool 13 6 054 with sealing ring (1) and special tool 13 6 051 and connect to DIS Tester.

Checking Engine Oil Pressure With Pressure Gauge

Install special tool 13 3 063 and special tool 13 3 061 (pressure gauge).

Start engine and check engine oil pressure.

Specified value. Refer to 11 41 Oil Pump with Strainer and Drive M54 in ENGINE - TECHNICAL DATA .

Fig 2: Checking Engine Oil Pressure With Pressure Gauge

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.