Oil pressure reading low. Pump?
 

Hello,

I have a 1991 W124 300TE with the 103 engine. At idle, the oil pressure gauge drops to almost zero. Oil level is correct. When the engine revs, the pressure goes to the top.

I also have a 1988 W124 300E with the 103 engine, and the gauge in it shows just under 1 at idle.

Do I have a failing oil pump in the 300TE?

Any thoughts appreciated.

Gebhard

I replaced a bad sensor on a 92 300 e with the same symptoms. Low pressure when the engine is at operating temperature and idling. Pull off the oil cap with the engine running and look at the oil flow when cold and warm. If the pressure really is low you will see a noticible difference in the amount of oil flowing. John

Very unlikely that it's an oil pump problem - almost certainly a bad oil pressure switch / sending unit. It's located at the base of the oil filter housing, about a $35 part and not hard to put in. For me that would be the first step - it's easier to replace than it is to test.

the oil pressure sender cost:
VDO 70$ plus(fastlane)
Hamburgtech $30(mercedes autohauz)

Where/when did you get your 35$ sender from?
Is the $35 price 10 years ago?

I have the same problem,the car worked for 6 months now,
last week passed emission test with one-tenth of limits.Must not have been anything lethal to the engine!
So I have time for some research on senders and found the above prices.Oe Vdo would definitely be more than $35.

No comprende - $30 is less than $35.

But is the Hamburgtech sender anygood??

As far as I know - it seems to be the more prevelent unit. I would think they were an OE supplier - rare that they wouldn't be. Whatever you buy it's going to outlast the life of the car anyway. But as always if paying the higher price makes one feel more comfortable, one should pay the higher price.