Someone probably changed the oil on your car - maybe the dealer you bought it from - when they didn't know what they were doing. I would now be very worried about what kind of oil they used too.

Don't regret buying the car - yes there are some issues, but overall I'd say this is one of the most reliable cars I've owned. and I've got more than double your mileage on my odometer...

 

Any updates on this?

 

oh yeah sorry about that guys, I brought the car in, they fixed it and the light never came on since. I think they changed the filter, but I'm not sure. Whatever they changed, it's working now. Thanks for the help guys.

 

I had the same issue with the oil light flickering and changed the oil sender switch and it fixed the issue.

$13 fix but was a pita to get to the switch.

 

Wow... i have the same problem exactly. I had my oil changed by my local mechanic and now the oil light comes on at idle but goes off when I accelerate. Thanks for making mention of your problem. I'm going straight to the mechanic to see if he can fix it.

 

I decided to go to the bmw dealer instead of my corner mechanic. I've got leaking power steering fluid on top of my oil light problem. I feel your pain. I just bought this 04 w/ 64k two weeks ago and I think I hear my bank account moaning. :(

 

I just heard from my dealer regarding the oil light thing. He said my mechanic took the little plastic thingy out when he took the old oil filter out w/out realizing it. So... I'm paying for a new filter and the guts that go in the filter housing. OH well. It could be worse and I'd need a new pump or something.

Take away: be sure whoever does change your oil knows what they are doing and the oddities of the mini.

 

It does matter which filter you use.. Some aftermarket filters WILL cause this light to come on at idle and go away while driving.

I've seen this many times... Just save yourself the hassel and either the OEM filter and bring it to your mechanic or get it done by someone that uses them.

 

This hits the nail on the head....Been working at the MINI dealer since the cars came out and have had many aftermarket filters/incorrect installation cause oil lights...If it happens right after an oil change, look for the filter or install to have problems. Usually like the other post, the plastic centering tube and spring are removed and the new oil filter whether it is OEM or not cant seal. Only fix is to get a new oil filter canister cap. Later, IIRC, in '04-'05 and later the canister cap was changed to the "S" style and this problem was taken care of(although there was nothing wrong with the original style if installed correctly, just the new style is a simpler design).

Chad

 

I got some good news for a change. The power steering fluid requires a new hose. No new rack or anything that serious. Whew..

 

I have this problem too. Bought the canister and element today, will get some mobil 1 0w-30 tonight and get it done tomorrow. Thank God for bikes and nice weather when the car breaks.

 

Yeah. When the corner mechanic changed the oil filter, he accidently removed the plastic valve thingy and the light came a flashing.