What Causes BMW's Oil Level Measurement to Automatically Exit?
3 Answers
BMW's oil level measurement automatically exiting is due to a BSD fault. Oil Condition Sensor Malfunction: The sensor is damaged, or there are issues with power supply or grounding. BSD Bus Anomaly: BSD-connected components typically include the alternator, electric coolant pump, and oil condition sensor. Depending on the model, there may also be an intelligent battery sensor. These components connect to the DME via a serial data interface. A problem with one can affect others, so during diagnosis, each component's interface is disconnected one by one to check for short circuits in the wiring and connectors. Internal DME Fault: For example, in F18 models, many cases are caused by ignition coil burnout leading to DME internal chip damage, resulting in the "oil level measurement exit" fault. This fault usually accompanies the error code "CD9304 BSD Bus Communication Fault." If the final diagnosis confirms an internal DME fault, Specific Symptoms of Damage: Electronic oil level measurement cannot be performed, and the oil service cannot be reset. During electronic oil level checks, the oil level display remains gray, and the central information screen shows: "Oil level measurement has exited. The service interval has been adjusted accordingly. Please check during the next oil service."
I used to own a BMW 3 Series, and after driving it for a while, I noticed that the oil measurement function kept automatically shutting down, which really annoyed me. Later, when I chatted with my mechanic buddy, he explained that this is due to a system design flaw in BMWs—when the engine temperature hasn't risen sufficiently, the sensor assumes there's insufficient oil and automatically shuts off to prevent false alarms. In cold winters, if you try to measure the oil right after starting the car, it will likely shut down nine times out of ten; it might be slightly better in hotter summers. However, it could also be a software bug—like in my case, it improved after an update. Additionally, a dirty oil sensor can trigger this issue, so regular cleaning is necessary. If this keeps happening, don't wait until the engine runs low on oil and causes bigger problems—head to the dealership immediately for a check-up. Replacing parts or updating the software should fix it, or else you might end up spending a fortune on engine repairs. In short, letting the engine warm up for a few minutes before checking is a simple workaround.
I've noticed many BMW owners encounter automatic oil level measurement cancellation, which typically stems from several common causes. Software glitches are the prime suspect - bugs during vehicle system updates can abruptly terminate measurements. Another culprit is sensor issues, like oil level sensors coated in grime or aging, sending faulty signals that trigger system shutdowns as engine protection. A critical detail: BMWs require engine temperatures above 60°C for accurate measurement - attempting cold starts leads to misreadings. The solution? Preheat the engine for about five minutes before driving. Persistent issues may require checking fuses or electrical connections; I'd recommend having a professional technician scan the computer codes with diagnostic tools - it's cost-effective and hassle-free.
