E36 M43B18 Oil Pressure Warning

[mustang_john]

Hi guys,

Hope someone can give me some ideas as I recently lost my job and can't afford to throw money it this.......

My trusty old workhorse threw up the red oil pressure warning light yesterday.

She's covered 207K miles, does not use any oil, never smokes, rattles or rumbles. The dipstick shows about a millimetre below full.

Her last oil change was about 2k ago, filled with quality 5W/40 and a Unipart filter with new O-rings.

The warning came on after a longish journey, first one we done for some time. The light only comes on at idle when the engine is warm. Goes off by about 900rpm.

The temp gauge is slap bang in the middle and never moves, and there's plenty of coolant in the radiator.

I am gonna try a new oil sender switch as that's cheap and easy to get to, ish!

So basically any advice or thoughts from you would be most appreciated as I am dreading the prospect of having to get a fresh motor, as I have neither the funds nor the tools or ability these days to swap an engine.

Cheers and thanks in advance .

John on behalf of "Betty the Beemer"

[Guest DazH]

Hey John,

Oil pressure switch is ya first place to start looking fella

Daz

[Guest Mister Dabsy]

^^ Total agreement... If that doesn't sort it then oil pump and/or strainer is next point of call.

[mustang_john]

Thanks for the above guys, gonna pick one up tomorrow, everything crossed as I will be stuffed without her!!!

[mustang_john]

Update, fitted a new Febi oil pressure switch yesterday, then took her for a blast up the motorway.

Once back at idle the light stayed off, so touch wood and fingers crossed, she's back to her old self again.

Merry Christmas :)

John.

[Guest Mister Dabsy]

Happy days again John ;)

[mustang_john]

Hope so buddy, coz I'm totally stuffed if it's not!