Oil lamp shows up when idling!
 

Just got my otherwise very nice '03 Mini Cooper, which has run about 94k and looks great with newly bought 18" OZ Racing rims.

Only problem is that the oil lamp shows up when the engine is idle, and then goes away on higher revs. A typical red light problem!

Today I tried an oil change (filter also) with Real OEMs (http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...95&hg=11&fg=30), also changing the filter housing.

The new housing had a spring loaded valve, with a 'plastic thing' around it, but it wouldn't fit naturally with the filter.

Other sources suggest these parts should be discarded (as they were in the old housing that had a non original filter in it also).

I've checked that filter is mounted in the correct direction, but should I also try to fit the spring loaded valve underneath the filter - and then reinstall the housing?

Any suggestions on how to solve this problem appreciated, I've tried to find them elsewhere - but not getting THAT definite answer.

PS. The engine runs just fine, old oil was just plain black when I did the change today. I sincerely hope this is a quite cheap fix...!

Best regards,
Ståle Frydenlund, Drammen, NORWAY

Have you checked ACTUAL oil pressure. I had a similar trouble and the oil pressure switch was bad

Yes, I brought the car to a mechanic before buying the car. The oil pressure sensor/switch was then replaced by a manometer for the oil pressure measurement.

It showed very low oil pressure at idle, but normal at higher revs. Maybe this should have scared me off from buying the car, but as the engine runs just fine I thought "what the heck" - and in the end I got a really good price (by pointing out the obvious faults).

Now I'm left wondering what could cause the problem. Guess it's time for a full engine diagnosis...

It could be a failing oil pump or restrictions from sludge ect preventing oil from getting in the pump

That may be. If the oil pump is faulty, the whole operation will be an expensive one. I guess an engine diagnose is the best choice right now.