How to Change Oil Level Sensor on F10 BMW M5

[M5_Raz]

Hey all,

Thought I'd do a small write-up on this since I haven't seen one. This was a bit annoying to do at this time since I only had 600 miles on my current oil.

Why I did it: I checked my oil level and saw the mark in the middle. I proceeded to add half a quart and did another check. The mark was still dead in the middle. Hmmm. This had me a bit worried as I didn't want to risk losing my engine due to a faulty sensor.

What you will need:
- Oil Level Sensor; part number BMW-12617607910. Bought from fcpeuro due to their warranty.
- New oil; ~9.5qt.
- New oil filter

How I did it:
1. Remove oil from oil pan; I let the car warm up a bit before so it comes out easier and all the gunk is not at the bottom. Loosely place drain plug back on.

2. Remove oil filter housing to let oil out. Loosely put oil filter housing back on.

3. Start removing the bolts for the metal plate protecting the oil pan. I removed all bolts except one, which allowed the plate to move around enoough for the hole to align with the oil level sensor. NOTE: You will have to remove some of the bolts holding the plastic shield as well to get to the two covered bolts.


4. Use 10mm socket to remove the three nuts holding the sensor (a little oil will spill from here too).

5. With the sensor removed, press on the tabs (see arrows) of the connector and pull to unplug it.



6. Connect the new sensor.
7. Put the three nuts back on and tighten.
8. Reinstall all bolts for the metal plate and plastic shield after.
9. Install new oil filter. Install filter housing and tighten.
10. Remove drain plug and drain any additional oil that accumulated. Replace drain plug and tighten.
11. Lower car and add 9qt. of oil.
12. Warm up oil and check level.
13. Add any additional oil as needed to get to max level (~0.5qt.)
14. Done.