1998 BMW 323 Engine oil circulation

JAKR891

MEMBER
1998 BMW 323
6 CYL
2WD
MANUAL
106,012 MILES

Hi,
Recently the Oil Warning light has started taking some time to go out when starting. A short time
between starts and it gooes out immediately. Next day (or 2) it takes about 2 secs to go out and a 7 day interval will cause a 4-5 second delay.

In the delay period the engine is a little noisy and conpletely quietens when the light goes out. The engine runs perfectly and quietly otherwise.

I suspect the oil is draining back into the sump (?)

What are possible causes of this please?

Best regards

1 Reply

DOCHAGERTY

MECHANIC
9,601 POSTS

The possible causes could be an anti-drain back fitting between the block and the cylinder head has gotten contaminated or has something holding it open and is allowing oil to drain back out of the head. Personally, I would not see this as a concern as I have had several of these engines do this and they will run like this for a long time, I know it sounds awful, but fixing it could easily be a nightmare. I would live with the noise or use a heavier viscosity oil. You are using 20w-50 aren't you?