[ChesterCopperpot1]

Originally Posted by 550iFreak

Wow. I feel like I'm learning French here.

[550iFreak]

Lol it is confusing at first, but once you got the hang of it, this is quite a tool. I usually go there time to time to measure my water temps since all you have on board is your oil temp.

But this is irrelevant until you get the oil inactive problem solved, which we are hoping that it is just a simple oil level sensor.

Not the costly dme......and only the dealer is able to provide. I tried numerous shops to write out a fix on the current dme.......no one is willing to touch it.

Unless your car is a 2014 or above.

[ChesterCopperpot1]

Originally Posted by 550iFreak

Lol it is confusing at first, but once you got the hang of it, this is quite a tool. I usually go there time to time to measure my water temps since all you have on board is your oil temp.

But this is irrelevant until you get the oil inactive problem solved, which we are hoping that it is just a simple oil level sensor.

Not the costly dme......and only the dealer is able to provide. I tried numerous shops to write out a fix on the current dme.......no one is willing to touch it.

Unless your car is a 2014 or above.

Well I am diving into this tomorrow. My dad is in town, and he's a mechanic with 35 years experience. That said, he hates working on BMWs. For this very reason. And he hates it even more when he's not getting paid.

[550iFreak]

I highly understand that statement, especially since my father gave me a special gift from his origin of being a mechanic. He has worked on everything from small engines to cars and boats, then ultimately to aircrafts.

But all of which are old technology. Carburetors, points/condenser, couple of fuses and there you have it.

He, too also have a hatred of newer cars with technology that doesn't make sense other than to use as an advantage to monetize from the common people.

I took to another level of working on such which he asks me advice on newer cars which I am forever grateful since he is the one who started my whole knowledge of this field.

My 2011 550i wouldn't make 116k miles today, while making 500hp and not burn a drop of oil and not needing to break the wallet if it wasn't for him.

Sorry of getting carried away lol.

Good luck, please report back with your findings.

[ChesterCopperpot1]

Originally Posted by 550iFreak

I highly understand that statement, especially since my father gave me a special gift from his origin of being a mechanic. He has worked on everything from small engines to cars and boats, then ultimately to aircrafts.

But all of which are old technology. Carburetors, points/condenser, couple of fuses and there you have it.

He, too also have a hatred of newer cars with technology that doesn't make sense other than to use as an advantage to monetize from the common people.

I took to another level of working on such which he asks me advice on newer cars which I am forever grateful since he is the one who started my whole knowledge of this field.

My 2011 550i wouldn't make 116k miles today, while making 500hp and not burn a drop of oil and not needing to break the wallet if it wasn't for him.

Sorry of getting carried away lol.

Good luck, please report back with your findings.

I chose a different line of work: I'm an attorney. I love cars, but I came to BMW from older Japanese cars. I was doing Honda engine swaps at 21 years old. That was easy. This stuff is far more complicated than what I do. I see why BMW techs bill more per hour than I do.

[ChesterCopperpot1]

Btw this is the plug that was left off. I don't know who left it off.

[ChesterCopperpot1]

It is on the backside of the alternator between the alternator and the engine.

[ChesterCopperpot1]

This is the wrong ground bolt, right?

[ChesterCopperpot1]

This is the wrong ground bolt right?

[ChesterCopperpot1]

This bolt was missing from the passenger side bank.

[ChesterCopperpot1]

Changed the oil level sensor.

No such luck.

[550iFreak]

Man....so many screw ups lol
Sorry, I was working all day and this forum doesn't update me on your posts.

So the one picture with that bolt looks to be incorrect. Mines are Allen head ( hexagon head) so there's one screw up. Looks too long hence the loose feel.

The other picture with the missing bolt is DEFINITELY an issue. That is indeed a ground point. You need to put an appropriate bolt there.

The plug that was disconnected to the alternator is definitely part of your issue.

Now....your oil sensor doesn't fix the issue. You got one more chance here before the big deal. Your alternator is possibly shot. I'd change out the alternator AFTER ALL BOLTS ARE SECURED.

Get a used good one. A new alternator from autozone or discount wont work. The bsd wont communicate as I have heard from other places here.

Next time, PM me so I can give you my number so I can respond quicker. Sorry about that.

[550iFreak]

Also to anyone reading here or passing by, take notes.

Apparently that shop didnt do a good job or clueless of leaving a couple bolts missing that caused a potentially expensive repair. You can leave a bolt missing here and there on an old lawnmower but not on a car like this.

I would put that shop on blast........respectfully though.

[ChesterCopperpot1]

Did was 5501 freak said and went into the hidden menu. The voltage held steady at 13.9 under load and at idle.

[550iFreak]

Alternator is not working properly. It is not spiking up to 15.2 or so volts when you coast ( mpg on the blue side).

It is dead. Not charging properly, it is under basic charging.

[ChesterCopperpot1]

Cc: 550iFreak

[ChesterCopperpot1]

Dammit. I posted that before I saw 550iFreak post. Time to go get a used alternator.

[550iFreak]

Ahhh ok lol

[550iFreak]

Yes but please get those bolts situated or you'll damage your newly acquired parts and burning unnecessary money.

[ChesterCopperpot1]

Originally Posted by 550iFreak

Yes but please get those bolts situated or you'll damage your newly acquired parts and burning unnecessary money.

I went to my local BMW today. The tech just gave me the right ground bolts to use. They have been replaced. How many ground points are on the harness?

[550iFreak]

I dont know on top of my head but I believe there's 4 or 5 on the right bank and 3 or 4 on the left. I'll look to verify.

[ChesterCopperpot1]

Here's an OEM alternator out of an X5 with the N63. Will that fit?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Alternator-...C+Turbocharged