The oil light glows orange/red in the BMW – what does it mean?
BMW driver question
In my car, immediately after starting the engine, the oil light turns orange, and after a while it turns red. What does this mean?
The problem affected a 2005 BMW 320i, but it may also occur in other models.
BMW Oil Service message indicates need for auto service
BM Cars service response
When you start the engine, all the lights, including the oil level and oil pressure light should go out. The oil light glowing yellow indicates a low oil level in the engine. This light may come on, even after the engine is turned off reminding the user to check and refill the oil.
Lighting the oil light in red means low oil pressure in the engine. If, after driving, the light first turns yellow and then red, the engine should be turned off immediately and the oil in the engine should be topped up to the level marked on the dipstick between the minimum – maximum lines.
Continued operation of the engine with such glowing lights can cause serious damage or even seize the engine.
We invite you to schedule a visit to our service center.
BMW 320d E90 | By Thomas doerfer (Own work)[CC BY 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons
Other BMW tips related to the topic at hand
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- Excessive oil consumption in BMW – what is the reason and how to fix it?
Oil level dipstick | By Dvortygirl (Own work)[GFDL or CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons
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