Oil sensor light never came on

You could sell it as is for a couple grand, but you won't get nearly as much as you could expect from a running driving one. This engine should have an oil level sensor, so it's odd that you never saw any kind of warning, but you should have been able to check the oil level on either the iDrive or driver information center, depending on how your car is equipped. A used engine is also an option if you want to hold onto it, but that will also cost probably $2k or so with installation. Call around to local BMW specialist shops, they will be significantly cheaper than the dealer.

Thanks so much for your answer. Very helpful. Two things come to mind, the first is, I had the car serviced 900 miles ago. At that time, they said there was a oil leak because of a faulty gasket. I paid for this to be repaired. I also told them (many time over the years) that no oil indicator light comes on...at least not until the last minute, when I get a warning to pull over right away because the car is out of oil. I spoke to the intake "mechanic;" I said, surely BMW (mine is an x3 SUV series) has light or a dial or something that tells you oil is low. He said, no, you have to go into the Vehicle Status to see oil levels. Well, I did that: first of. all it takes a good 15-30 minutes to get feedback. Second, there should be another way. What is the point of that little dial on the right of the dashboard that has an a little aladdin lamp at the bottom to indicate oil? He said that's not for oil but for something else. Seriously it sucks being a woman and going into these car shops because all they do is gaslight you. In anycase, I had only travelled 900 miles (mostly to and from my grocery store) since the last day of my service when they allegedly fixed the oil leak and replenished the oil. How does a car run out of oil in 900 miles if there is not still a leak. According to a few male friends of mine this is classic negligence on their part. They are on the hook for this oil issue and to rebuild the engine. The fact that I alerted them half a dozen times over the years that no oil indicator light comes on EVER (I have never seen one) until that critical moment when it says to pull over, indicates the sensor needed to be replaced and they did not do due diligence by taking your concern seriously. Also, I learned from searching yesterday that the oil indicator light malfunction is a known issue on my model. So that being said, do you think I can press them for taking some, if not all, responsibility for this? There was never a light, nor a reason for me to believe that after only 900 miles, & AFTER service for the gasket, that I had an empty oil tank. Would I seriously drive a car with no oil? I have taken care of that car like it's my own baby. I'm simply disgusted that they could say to me...well you let the oil run out. I think I might have to contact a lawyer. Uggggh.

By the way...I live downstate (Savoy) Illinois. It's the only dealer in the area. I'd have to take it to Chicago or Springfield to find another BMW service / sales provider. I want to contact the regional manager but they refused to give me his name or contact information. So, I'm also looking for how to find out who I can "appeal" to. If anyone knows how I can get this info, please let me know.

In this case, the fact that they just discounted your concerns is, well, concerning. I think you may have something against them, but I'm not a lawyer lol. It's certainly possible that there was a malfunction with the oil level sensor, where it worked intermittently or not at all. It sounds like it may have been failing on your car and didn't tell you anything until it was too late. I'm usually one to defend dealers (I know quite a few dealer techs who are honest people) but unfortunately there are a lot of sleezy people working at dealers, who try to take advantage of those who don't know any better. I think this may be one of those situations. As far as fixing your car, check out this website: https://www.bimmershops.com/ This will find BMW specialists in your area. It's not necessarily dealers, but independently owned shops who specialize in repairing BMWs. You may have somebody closer to you than another dealer who can get it taken care of without screwing you over.