R1100GS Oil Light

[beaky bike]

The oil light on my 1994 R1100GS stays on for up to 30 seconds after starting. It is not an oil light problem as the engine certainly 'rattles' until the pressure (or circulation) comes right and then everything quietens down. After that all is good. I have flushed and changed the oil with no success. Blockage, oil pump, something more sinister? Can anyone help please?

 

[dancata]

Realx, these switches sometimes go bad. Just replace yours with a new one and it's done.

The good thing is that you can get the same one from an auto parts store, cheaper than the BMW alternative

Dan.

 

[MattW]

As Dan says - oil pressure switches are a known issue with older oilheads.

Same with the rattle - you'll probably find that you've got the old style cam chain tensioner which can rattle like a ba*tard for a few seconds after startup (mine did). Replacement with the new style will fix this.

 

[beaky bike]

Hi Dan and Matt. Thanks for the info.
If I go to get a non BMW sensor is there a pressure range that I need to look for (or is this on the existing sensor body)?

Also when I order the parts to replace the cam tensioners should I do both sides with the new parts listed in the link?

Cheers

Mike

 

[Pekkavee]

The sensor has a thread M12 x 1.5 mm.
Some Fiat and BMW cars use the same.

Pekka

 

[Timolgra]

Also when I order the parts to replace the cam tensioners should I do both sides with the new parts listed in the link?

Cheers

Mike

Most people just change the Left Hand side to sort it out

 

[dancata]

Hi Dan and Matt. Thanks for the info.
If I go to get a non BMW sensor is there a pressure range that I need to look for (or is this on the existing sensor body)?

Also when I order the parts to replace the cam tensioners should I do both sides with the new parts listed in the link?

Cheers

Mike

As I remember, the pressure is stamped onto the switch

And if the oem is like 1 bar (e.g.) and you only find like 1.4 bar (e.g.) that one works too because it will light up the bulb in the dash at a higher pressure in case of failure. If the one you find has a lower pressure, then that would be bad.

The thread you can just compare with the one you find in the store

Dan.

 

[warmshed]

According to the BMW repair manual, Oil pressure warning light comes on below 0.3bar (4.2 psi)


A correct new switch from Motobins is only £13 so it would be good to get a correct replacement, the 1100 and 1150 are different I believe