Yellow oil light and sludge...

[1sttimeBMWowner]

Here's the deal...

Just bought a 2000 528i about two weeks ago from a reputable dealer in Dallas, TX. Had the vehicle thoroughly checked out, only has 33K miles. Here's the problem: About a week ago, the oil light started lighting up when the car is turned off and stays lit for about 30 seconds - yellow light. Doesn't come on when the car is running. Called the dealer and they told me that the oil level might be low. It isn't. While checking the oil, I opened the fill cap and discovered sludge build in the fill hole. I could actually scrape it with my finger nail. Here's my question: 1) Has anyone else had a similar experience with the oil "dummy" light and if so, what's up? And 2) Is oil build up normal running synthetic which my car has been supposedly been running on? The dealer assured me that service is not due for another 10K miles per the green maintainance indicator. Please help.

[323imankiks]

as for question 2 i don't believe synthetic oil should sludge up like that i have 64k on my 3 series and does not have any sludge build up if it does it is very very minimum. i change oil once a year and have no problems seriesly. Maybe your oil sender switch could be faulty just a thought

[kemo_06]

Originally Posted by 1sttimeBMWowner

Here's the deal...

Just bought a 2000 528i about two weeks ago from a reputable dealer in Dallas, TX. Had the vehicle thoroughly checked out, only has 33K miles. Here's the problem: About a week ago, the oil light started lighting up when the car is turned off and stays lit for about 30 seconds - yellow light. Doesn't come on when the car is running. Called the dealer and they told me that the oil level might be low. It isn't. While checking the oil, I opened the fill cap and discovered sludge build in the fill hole. I could actually scrape it with my finger nail. Here's my question: 1) Has anyone else had a similar experience with the oil "dummy" light and if so, what's up? And 2) Is oil build up normal running synthetic which my car has been supposedly been running on? The dealer assured me that service is not due for another 10K miles per the green maintainance indicator. Please help.

I'v the same problem with my 525i 2002 after i change the oil withe mobil-1 it's apper after 10k km and now the light gows on wail i drive and no budy now wat hapen?

[jeffreyb4me]

I may have some bad news for you, The block threads on M54 engines are pulling out. There's a BMW bulletin on this matter warning dealer tech's to, before removing the cylinder head for a headgasket replacement, e.i. coolant in the oil [ which causes this production of sludge ], to FIRST TIGHTEN THE HEAD BOLTS to make sure the block threads still exist.......if not, replace the engine as there's no repair for these pulled threads in the Alusil blocks. Also note that continued operation with coolant contaminated oil WILL lead to complete bearing failure in the engine.

I hope this IS NOT the cause in your engines but be forwarned....jeff b.