Oil Pressure too low, stop engine warning

First it said oil was low i added oil.The next day the car begins to idle funny shakes/vibrates.Now its telling me oil pressure is low stop engine possible damage to engine.I noticed something leaking from the bottom of car near the front driver side wheel.Due to the weather here in nyc ive been unable to get it to a mechanic i just wanna know if anyone know whats going on.It also makes a tapping sound while idling..Please help..

If something is leaking, stick your hand under there and see what it is. If it is oil, considering the messages you have had, I would not start the engine or drive it until it can be flat-bedded to a good mechanic.

O ok but do you have a idea of what could it be?I believe its oil leaking though...

oil presser switch.. I hope thats all. its not to expensive part
http://realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?...39&hg=12&fg=05
good luck bro

I once got the same low oil pressure message. I had a bad oil pressure switch but make sure you look for an oil leak.

so wait the switch can make the engine sound like that?

Yup - once it lets all the oil out. Ive had them let go on other cars and its amazing how fast the oil can come out of there under pressure. Hope you didnt do any permanent damage but it sounds like you might have... Sorry

I hope I didn't

Sent from my PC36100 using BimmerApp

Ok I just ordered the pin do I need more than one?

Sent from my PC36100 using BimmerApp

i had this a week ago when i did my oil chnage . check your filter.

I got same oil pressure warning. I checked the oil level - looks good. The Oil and oil filter was replaced at the dealer recently so I don't think I have the Oil filter issue. I think that I should replace the sensor (as suggested earlier). Please advice how the change the sensor - I can't find it in my car (2004- 745 il).
Thanks
Wojtek

I recently purchased an 03 745Li and after a few days I kept getting the "oil pressure too low, stop immediately & contact BMW roadside" message on the screen and the "low oil pressure" warning under the speed-o. It would only happen once the engine was warm and mostly at low RPMs. Then if you would step on the throttle a bit, the message would go away. sometimes it would go on and off more frequently than others. Some days not at all. I took it to BMW and of course they claim to be unable to duplicate the message after driving it 10 miles and letting it idle for 15 minutes. They charged me the $130 diagnostic fee and told me i'd have to pay another $130 to wash down the engine and find a leak. After they changed the oil, the message didn't come back for a couple of days. Then the moment i dreaded, ding, oil pressure too low.

After reading many suggestions, I went to an auto parts store and bought an oil pressure switch, swapped em and haven't gotten the light back since. I noticed that not many threads weren't detailed enough on how to change the switch or share it's location. By all means, this is NOT a DIY, but simply what I did to change the part. I took the engine cover and passenger side valve cover, cover off. remove the airbox. 2 phillips screws towards the front of the car on the airbox are all you have to take out to get the box out. It is a VERY tight fit but with some wiggling and elbow grease, she'll come out. The switch is located under the valve cover and towards the front of the engine. It looks very similar, if not identical to the coolant temp sensor located at the front of the motor, towards the middle. remove the silver clip holding the plug onto the switch (be careful, you need this clip, otherwise, the plug will not stay on). I used a 15/16in deep socket to get the old sensor out. you may need to remove a hose that is in your way, you'll know once you get to the sensor. it clips on and off very easily. take the sensor out, replace with a new one and put everything back together. keep your fingers crossed that this will solve your specific low oil pressure issue. i hope this helps anyone having the same issue. Sorry for not taking pix, when I replace my halo ring bulbs and have to remove the airbox, I will try and take pictures