I have a 1988 740 GLE with over 400,000 miles. It has a slight oil leak at the back of the block where the rotor mounts. It leaks maybe a quart a month or less depending on driving distance otherwise it doesn't burn any. This week I was on my way to an interview when the light came on. This usually indicates that it is a quart and a half low and since I didn't want to get oil on my interview clothes I just ignored it, knowing that I didn't have far to go. Yesterday, it was pouring rain and so I didn't put oil in the either but only drove maybe a total of 5 miles however the light came on and stayed. Today I drove to the store (less than 2 miles) and put oil in but when I started the car the light stayed on. I let it idle a bit hoping the light would go out but it didn't. I checked the oil level and it was still not registering so I put 2 more quarts in to fill it. The light is still on. I don't think there is any more engine noise than usual but I wonder if I've cause damage or by letting it get so low have I clogged something that's keeping the sensor from working. Any ideas?
Thanks!