The oil pan level sensor, generally, when failing will show a yellow light on the dash (although mine failed with no light, so will replace at next oil change). An internet search on "BMW error code P0197" pulls up a test ... detach the oil temperature sensor and if code P0198 is thrown, replace the sensor. Haven't needed to do this, so just passing it along.

 

Thanks, everyone for the great feedback and parts info... I may try to detach it see if I get the P0198. Or heck, at $35 each I might as well just replace the temp sensor and then do the level sensor at the next oil change.

Cheers, all

 

Mine failed without light but the code was there too.

By the way, I ended up getting a hella replacement, new in box for like $35 on ebay. I haven't installed yet, just another part waiting until I change the oil.

The guy I got mine from at the time had 3 of them new in box, so maybe he has the other two left.

 

I dont think they fail commonly, the oil temp sensor anyways. Oil level sensors that fail will typically show the yellow oil light. Since you have a code for your temp sensor and not your level sensor, i would pull the connection and clean it all up with some contact cleaner and see if that fixes it. If not looks like its a 35 dollar part.

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-coolant-oil-temperature-sensor-13621433076

 

The oil temp sensor is number 13 in this pic.

 

ya i posted the P/N

 

Best price on that BMW temperature sensor is TheBMWMiniPartStore for $30.11, so net a $30-$35 part. You can find non-BMW sensors for $10-$15.

 

Oil temp sensor is located in the oil pan. In german we call it TÖNS, Thermischer ÖlstandsSensor.

Its a combination of oil temp and oil quantity sensor.

12 61 7 508 003

Are you thinking about another BMW model? According to the BMW e46 engine parts diagram, the oil pan level sensor is called "Ölniveausensor" in German, and the oil temperature sensor next to the OFH is called "Temperatursensor Wasser/Öl".

 

Well, my oiltempsensor was defective and i replaced the TÖNS, now my oiltemp is back... But change whatever you want You don´t need to listen to me :thumbup: What do i know about BMW´s :tsk:

 

Dumb question. Does the e46 330 have an oil temperature sensor? If so, can I use it to monitor the oil temperature? If so, how? Thanks

 

INPA displays the engine oil temperature. See this screen shot. Second from the bottom on the right side.
http://forum.e46fanatics.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=438067&d=1329780379

 

Yes, the 330i has an oil temperature sensor that the engine computer uses, same as discussed above. You may be able to see the temp thru the hidden OBC functions on the dash (search for how to access it).

 

The oil temp sensor is right on the OFH. If I remember correctly, I paid about 30 for it from an online BMW dealer.

 

Appears from RealOEM that both the European and North American non M E46 have the oil temperature sensor located in the oil filter housing near the oil pressure switch. The part number happens to be the same as the coolant temperature sensor as well.

This oil temperature sensor is VERY different than the oil level sensor (which happens to be a thermal sensor, but to my knowledge is not used in any way for oil temperature that is located in the oil pan). So at the end of the day the oil temperature sensor mounted in the oil filter housing is used to monitor the engine oil temperature.

See RealOEM - http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showparts?id=ET35-EUR-04-2002-E46-BMW-325i&diagId=11_2201

 

^ This. Photo below of the oil temp sensor (#13621433076) in the oil filter housing. Thermal oil level sensor (#12617508003) is in the pan.

 

Hi all - here's an update. I just did oil change and replaced BOTH the oil temp sensor (on oil filter housing) and oil level sensor (bottom of oil pan. Reset the Check Engine Light and still got the code P0197 -Engine Oil Temperature Sensor Circuit Low Input.

Is it the wire itself?!?! Is that even replaceable? Any other ideas?

I'm constantly checking engine temp and oil levels and everything looks ok. I'm guessing it's something the car can live with, but want to avoid missing out on a real check engine light situation because the light is always on... Make sense? And it would hurt value if I sell the car.

Thanks!

 

I wonder if the oil temp data (changes in resistance actually) are actually getting to the ECU. I'd check the wiring closely.

 

Loose connector, loose female terminals inside the connector, broken wire inside the wiring harness.

 

Oil pressure sensor

I just want to share how my P0198 got fixed.

I dont agree with this big tall picture in this thread. According to my very limited youtube base knowledge, Oil pressure Sensor (short/fat) is the Temperature Sensor. Or at least I thought it was oil temperature sensor.

Anyhow, I changed the oil pressure sensor of this picture calling it temperature sensor and my code is gone. I've driven for couple of days and it did not come back. It was a short/fat sensor that needed 24mm wrench

Just an FYI, I have changed oil sender unit or oil level sensor unit before above but that did not fix it

 

Having read this thread I found this article online that may add to the picture a little...
https://www.yourmechanic.com/articl.../p0197-obd-ii-trouble-code-engine-oil-temperature-eot-sensor-low-by-robert-kulp