Hi,
My OP always stays pretty much dimed (at 3) when I'm moving forward, particularly with acceleration.

When at a stop, it ranges between 1 and 2.

What cause differences in the OP when at idle? Normally it seems higher at idle before the car's warmed up--is this due to the oil being thicker at that time?

That's exactly what you should expect to see.

Jim

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14 E250 BlueTEC black. 45k miles
95 E320 Cabriolet Emerald green 66k miles
94 E320 Cabriolet Emerald green 152k miles
85 300TD 4 spd man, euro bumpers and lights, 15" Pentas dark blue 274k miles

And yes, it is higher when the oil is cold and thick and the engine parts are not warm and expanded.

Tom W

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

.....did I mention I love my 300E!?

This is by far my favorite car I've ever owned. It puts a smile on my face to drive it, and I love always getting comments from people:

"Cool old Merc man!"

"Nice 300-what year is that?"

"Man, nice Benz dude!"

Love it!!

mine does the exact same. I've had 3 older mercedes and they all read that way. if it did anything else i would be shocked

I'm not sure if it's the same as with the diesels, but Mercedes states that anything over .5 bar (7.5psi) on idle is acceptable. It must rise and stay at 3 bar (45psi) while driving on the highway. Sounds like yours is good and healthy!