LMSenus,
Back to that comical thread:
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=349741
It took us a long time to diagnose the problem for "dambro24". The interesting part about that thread is that I thought it was a defective Oil
Pressure Sensor, and since it was a $5.00 part (aren't you pleasantly surprised there is such thing that costs only $5.00 in a bimmer....
), I told "dambro24" to replace it.
In the process of removing the Oil Filter Plastic Cap (that needs to be removed to get access to the Oil
Pressure Sensor), "dambro24" discovered that his Oil Filter Plastic Cap is missing a part, maybe from the many times the oil is changed, the previous mechanics accidentally broke something off.
Then "dambro24" never bothered returning to post a follow-up. I had to send him a PM to tell him please post a F/U so all of us can learn from it and voila.....see post #64. It was a valuable lesson for everyone to see how a small little part can wreak havoc.
Since engine oil is the lifeblood of the car (no engine oil pressure is like having a heart attack, the car engine will seize in 1-2 minutes = $5-6K repair!), if I were you, I'd do the following for peace of my mind:
I use EACTuning dot com for many of my cars, so here you go.
1. Change the Oil Filter Plastic Cap. Use only BMW part:
Part# : 11421744000 = $25.00
http://eactuning.com/parts/product_details/11421744000
2. Go and buy 7 qts of good synthetic oil (I use Valvoline Syntec). At 4K miles, you are due for an oil change anyway.
3. Get a new Oil Filter. You can use either brand from here:
PN 11427512300 = $5.90; I use "Mann" for all my bimmers, Volvo.
http://eactuning.com/parts/product_details/11427512300
4. And lastly get a new Oil Pressure Sensor (aka Oil Switch).
This is basically a switch: On-Off type, which means when oil pressure falls below a pre-set value, let's say 3-4 psi rather than 7 psi at idle:
Then this Oil Switch will trigger a warning light on the Instrument Cluster, which may even shut your car down to protect the engine.
PN 12617568480; Get TRW-MERA (OEM) $6.50
http://eactuning.com/ssf/part_number_search/12617568480
The Oil Switch fits right behind the Oil Filter Housing:
Then go for the oil change, at the same time, swap the new Oil Filter Plastic Cover and then install a new Oil Switch (changing the Oil Switch is a 5-min job).
All in all, this next oil change only costs you an
additional $30 (Oil Filter Plastic Cover and Oil Switch) and you will have eliminated these 2 items as a culprit should the warning light came back later (I doubt it).
Good Luck and this is the joy of owning a bimmer!