2001 BMW 320 problem starting

Tiny
GURPY
  • MEMBER
  • 2001 BMW 320
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 160,000 MILES
Hello I have a 2001 320I that has about 160ks on it. Recently it started to give me problems. When I turn the ignition on sometime it starts and sometime it doesn't. The battery is good everything else including the charging system is good. I took it to bmw dealer and they said it could be oil pressure sensor but they were not sure if that will fix the problem. Also quoted me hundreds of dollars for the repair. I noticed that when I turn the ignition on the dash has no lights that come on. If I keep turning the key 20-30 or more it fires up with the lights in the dash panel comming on first. The dealer said that the oil pressure sensor can shut down the vehicle and prevent it from starting. Please help
Tuesday, August 26th, 2008 AT 12:10 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
DOCHAGERTY
  • MECHANIC
  • 9,603 POSTS
The oil pressure sensor has NOTHING TO DO WITH STARTING! It may be several things such as a bad cam sensor or a failing cyclone separator. I cant tell from here, you need to get the car scanned and repost.
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Tuesday, August 26th, 2008 AT 9:20 PM
Tiny
GURPY
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
I did have the car scanned and the only code that came up was the oil pressure sensor. Also now that you mentioned that it could be the cam sensor I noticed few times in the past when I started the car the engine was shaking like it was not firing on all the cylinders, after I would turn it off again the car would stop shaking. Where is the cam sensor located and what does the cyclone separator do?
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Wednesday, September 3rd, 2008 AT 3:33 PM
Tiny
DOCHAGERTY
  • MECHANIC
  • 9,603 POSTS
Checking the bulletins I found that it could keep the car from starting due to the shared nature of the circuit design. Replace the oil level sensor and let us know what happens.
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Wednesday, September 3rd, 2008 AT 10:38 PM
Tiny
GURPY
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Where is the oil pressure sensor located and is there how to guide that can help I would like to try changing it my self
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Thursday, September 4th, 2008 AT 4:59 PM
Tiny
DOCHAGERTY
  • MECHANIC
  • 9,603 POSTS
It is at the bottom of the oil pan, three screws and it is out.
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Saturday, September 6th, 2008 AT 7:38 AM

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