Hello,
I am a proud new owner of a 1988 560 SEL. I am having a problem with a major oil leak. I am a little familiar with cars, but not really MB. I thought the leak was from the oil filter gasket, so I was going to wait until Saturday to change the oil, filter, and this gasket. It was leaking a little bit from this area so I decided to wait. Today, I took the car on a 70 mile trip when the oil light came on. I added 2 quarts of oil after checking the stick. When I stopped, I torqued down on the bolt that holds the cover to the oil filter. About 50 miles after the first 70, the light came on again. It was dry again indeed according to the stick. I added 2 more quarts of oil. it is leaking a drop about ever 5-10 seconds now instead of the 1 per minute before I torqued. Now, I suspect the leak may be from the device directly under the oil filter metal housing. What is this device, and how much will this cost me if it is indeed the case. Any help would be appreciated. I plan on changing the oil Saturday morning, but for now, I wont use the car. PLEASE HELP!!

Regards,
Jake

The retaining bolt may be too tight. When you change the oil check the condition of the canister top o ring (or if it even has one). Also make sure there is a washer between the bold head and the top of the canister. When you change the oil make sure to cover the new o ring in fresh oil and use a new washer for the canister top and bolt, both will be supplied with the filter cartridge kit. Is the oil pressure good?

If it's not the filter housing it's most likely the oil pressure sending unit that's below the oil filter housing. Easy fix. I think the part is about $73.