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richardkoch98

BMW X5 Warning Lights: Oil Pressure or Something Worse?

Hey everyone! My 2003 BMW X5 (gas engine) started acting up. The speedometer warning and oil pressure warning lights just came on. I suspect dirty engine oil might be the culprit. Has anyone dealt with similar warning lights on their X5? What did your mechanic find and how was it fixed? Looking forward to hearing your experiences. Thanks

4 comment(s)

wolfganglehmann49

Hey there! I have some experience working on BMWs. I had a similar issue with my 2005 BMW X3 (also had the 530i back then). The same warning lights popped up, and it turned out I had gone way past the recommended oil change interval. Took it to my trusted mechanic who found the oil was really dirty and thick. Basic service with oil change, new filter, and system check cost me 165 Euro. The lights disappeared right after, and the engine ran much smoother. Quick question though, when was your last oil change? Also, does the engine make any unusual noises? This info would help me understand if you're dealing with the same problem I had. Better to get it checked soon, these warnings shouldn't be ignored on BMWs.

wolfganglehmann49

Hey there! I have some experience working on BMWs. I had a similar issue with my 2005 BMW X3 (also had the 530i back then). The same warning lights popped up, and it turned out I had gone way past the recommended oil change interval. Took it to my trusted mechanic who found the oil was really dirty and thick. Basic service with oil change, new filter, and system check cost me 165 Euro. The lights disappeared right after, and the engine ran much smoother. Quick question though, when was your last oil change? Also, does the engine make any unusual noises? This info would help me understand if you're dealing with the same problem I had. Better to get it checked soon, these warnings shouldn't be ignored on BMWs.

richardkoch98 (Author)

Thanks for sharing your experience! My last oil change was at 17271 KM, done just a couple months ago during regular service. The engine does run a bit rough when idle, and I notice a slight ticking sound that wasn't there before. It's good to know you had a similar issue that was resolved with maintenance. I'm starting to think I might need a mechanic to take a look, even though the service wasn't too long ago. Maybe there's something else going on besides just dirty oil. Will probably get it checked next week to be on the safe side.

richardkoch98 (Author)

Thanks for sharing your experience! My last oil change was at 17271 KM, done just a couple months ago during regular service. The engine does run a bit rough when idle, and I notice a slight ticking sound that wasn't there before. It's good to know you had a similar issue that was resolved with maintenance. I'm starting to think I might need a mechanic to take a look, even though the service wasn't too long ago. Maybe there's something else going on besides just dirty oil. Will probably get it checked next week to be on the safe side.

wolfganglehmann49

Hey again! Interesting that you're having these issues so soon after an oil change. You know what? This actually reminds me even more of another problem I had with my X3 a few years back. The ticking sound you mentioned rang a bell, turned out my issue wasn't just dirty oil that time. Even though I had a recent oil change, the oil pressure sensor was failing, giving false readings and triggering those warning lights. The ticking sound was actually related to this problem too. Cost me about 230 Euro to fix, but it was worth it. Since you've had a recent service, I'd definitely get the oil pressure sensor checked out. Could also be a worn oil pump, these BMWs can be tricky like that. The rough idle you mentioned wasn't something I experienced with just dirty oil either. Tell you what, when you take it to the mechanic, ask them specifically about the oil pressure sensor and pump. Those warning lights coming on so soon after service is definitely suspicious. Keep me posted on what they find!

wolfganglehmann49

Hey again! Interesting that you're having these issues so soon after an oil change. You know what? This actually reminds me even more of another problem I had with my X3 a few years back. The ticking sound you mentioned rang a bell, turned out my issue wasn't just dirty oil that time. Even though I had a recent oil change, the oil pressure sensor was failing, giving false readings and triggering those warning lights. The ticking sound was actually related to this problem too. Cost me about 230 Euro to fix, but it was worth it. Since you've had a recent service, I'd definitely get the oil pressure sensor checked out. Could also be a worn oil pump, these BMWs can be tricky like that. The rough idle you mentioned wasn't something I experienced with just dirty oil either. Tell you what, when you take it to the mechanic, ask them specifically about the oil pressure sensor and pump. Those warning lights coming on so soon after service is definitely suspicious. Keep me posted on what they find!

richardkoch98 (Author)

Thanks so much for that detailed follow-up! You've actually made me feel a lot better about the situation. I was worried it might be something major, but checking the oil pressure sensor sounds like a reasonable place to start. The fact that you had such a similar experience with the ticking sound and warning lights on your X3 is super helpful, at least I know I'm not dealing with something completely unusual. I've already called my mechanic and booked it in for next Tuesday. Mentioned both the sensor and pump like you suggested, and they agreed these would be the first things to check. Fingers crossed it's just the sensor! Really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience, it's helped me understand what I might be dealing with. I'll definitely update this thread once I know what's actually causing the problem.

richardkoch98 (Author)

Thanks so much for that detailed follow-up! You've actually made me feel a lot better about the situation. I was worried it might be something major, but checking the oil pressure sensor sounds like a reasonable place to start. The fact that you had such a similar experience with the ticking sound and warning lights on your X3 is super helpful, at least I know I'm not dealing with something completely unusual. I've already called my mechanic and booked it in for next Tuesday. Mentioned both the sensor and pump like you suggested, and they agreed these would be the first things to check. Fingers crossed it's just the sensor! Really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience, it's helped me understand what I might be dealing with. I'll definitely update this thread once I know what's actually causing the problem.

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