BMW 1 series, 3 series, Low Oil Pressure Light Error Code

23 Sept

A warning light seen all too commonly for E87 E90 and F30 owners.

Oil light typically orange, indicates low oil level, this is ok but do top up your oil level as soon as you can. The more worrying of these warnings is the red oil light. This one indicates low oil pressure and should act as a big STOP sign. Pull over safely and do not continue to drive, as there is serious risk of causing serious engine damage.

If you’re lucky, a sensor may have gone bad. A garage will be able to read the live data for your engine and confirm if this is the case. Because a lot of these cars have timing chain problems, there is the chance that the oil pickup is blocked with timing guide debris and the oil pressure is indeed low.

We have an article linked here that talks through how to check your timing chain and the risk of low oil pressure even if your timing chain has been previously replaced.

In essence if your car has low oil pressure, the garage should be checking the oil pickup pipe immediately for blockages. If the pickup is blocked then checking the condition of your rod bearings is very much advised as rod bearing failure will cause engine failure if not addressed.

Below are some photos of an N20 engine which suffered this exact fate. The oil pressure light came on but the damage was already done. Upon inspection it was clear that the timing chain was original and has not been replaced, pieces of the plastic guide had broken off and blocked the oil pickup. This is a repair that will cost thousands. Another reason that timing chain replacements should not be overlooked and make sure to check the sump if any missing pieces are found in the old timing chain.