oil light

[Steptoe]

i agree, but from my understanding, the most important factors in an oil system is pressure and flow. In order to meet these two, there must be a sufficient level for the pump to function regardless of what the sight glass shows!

I perceive the sight glass to be a physical check incase the computer is showing either low level or low pressure. The level gauge lines are set to provide the pump with enough oil during all running conditions! i.e. round the world, on off road etc.

However, in the manual it does say that if level is low from the sight glass, top up at the next fuel stop. But says if the pressure light comes on, stop immediately!

For the OP, i think it says in the manual if there is oil in the sight glass, checked in the way the manual says, and the oil pressure light is on, seek BMW advice.

If the oil light is on due to low pressure you'll hear the engine noise before you've stopped and called the dealer.

 

[Roymondo]

It's not an oil level warning light.

The light is a warning for low oil pressure. Which is a different thing altogether

It could be the low oil pressure warning (if the oil can symbol is accompanied by the red triangle "general warning" lamp), but if it's just the oil can (with a line of dots underneath it) and no red warning triangle, then it's low oil level. You only get the latter if the bike has the on-board computer option.

 

[Wapping]

Make it stop

Like the bike itself.... Unstoppable

 

[Bendy toy]

Mine threw up the oil light although the sight glass was full and the oil level light had not come on. The engine wasn't clattering so I reckoned the pressure switch or wiring was faulty. I didn't have a suitable socket to change the switch so cleaned up the wire connectors and the light has never come back (light is on when connection is broken). I also made sure the level switch float was sliding correctly (it was). Neither light come on in over 5000 miles.

PS Why do we have to suffer a poxy level window when a long flexible dipstick (just like every car engine has) is more reliable and easier to use? Grovelling on a greasy forecourt floor with a torch is not a fun way to check the oil level.