need help -- <!> coming on inconsistently

[BarOne]

I ride an 05 RT with 10K. Has used very little oil in its lifetime -- maybe 1 quart. Here is the situation -- please help me diagnose the possibilities.

 

My oil level appears fine (in site glass within limits) when checked as per instructions. I'll be out for a ride and the dreaded comes on. Engine temp. is fine according to the meter. Anxiety appears. I stop to check the oil but before I get off the bike, the beloved OIL followed by the check mark is displayed. Relief appears. I actually check the oil and it is fine. I drive on a few more miles and the goes away (sometimes). Then it comes back on. I stop and this time the OIL followed by the check mark does not come on but the bigger and scarier comes on instead. Anxiety reappears. I check the oil and the level is fine. This has been going on for a few weeks.

 

The situation is frustrating and unnerving. The readings are inconsistent. I can't relax -- not knowing if I should check the oil every few miles or ride on waiting for the engine to seize up. As long as I can see the oil in the site glass, I feel somewhat safe but not confident. You know what I mean, I'm sure.

 

Beside the possibility that the device reading the oil level is faulty, what other explanations might there be? What might I do on my own to check this out before hauling my baby to the dealer?

 

Your insight is appreciated.

 

 

 

[bmwscoot]

Are you still covered under the 3 year warranty?

 

I think your thought that the oil level sensor is faulty is a pretty good one.

I thought there was a new oil level sensor that came out to replace faulty ones installed especially on the earlier R12RT.

We used to hear of this quite a bit earlier, but I haven't read many complaints recently about this problem on the newer R12RT.

 

Talk w/ the dealer even if you are out of warranty. BMW may still cover you if you have a faulty sensor.

Fingers crossed here.

 

 

[bmwscoot]

Here's ONE thread of many with overly sensitive '05 oil level sensors:

 

oil level link

 

The bulletin number for the level sensor is also listed in this thread.

[gordiet]

I had mine changed on my 05 1200RT. All they change is the float. It is not a sensor. It' just alittle float on an arm. The new one was a different material. No more low oil icon! Took the tec about 15 minutes to change.

[stubblejumper]

My 2007 r1200st keeps giving a "oil level ------" indication when I stop with the engine running,then it gives a "OK "indication.It has done this since new,but has never given a low oil indication.

[TomfromMD]

The "-----" is BMW's general indication for "can't get a meaningful reading". For example, my BMW 128i shows ---- for instantaneous mpg when the car is stopped. On the bike, it means the system is unable to calculate the current oil level - IIRC, the manual explains why.

 

To BarNone, all R1200RT's built before Feb., 2006, had the problematic oil sensor - have the float changed and the software re-flashed before your warranty runs out and the oil sensor will work as it should. Also, once this is done, you will only get the oil level readout when the motor is running and the bike is not moving.

 

Tom

[BarOne]

Thanks to all of you -- I'll get right on this.

 

BarNone