Looking for some help. On my way to work today my oil light came on (05 R53) and the oil pressure gauge on the car (chrono pack) read zero. Now I have heard that the chrono oil pressure gauge is a calculated reading based on other sensors and not actually connected to a pressure sensor, however, I am also aware that the oil light is connected to an oil pressure switch.
As soon as the light came on, I pulled over to check my oil to see if it was low. It was a little low but still within the acceptable reading on the dipstick. Closed the hood and turned on the car, no more oil light. Thought ok just a fluke and got back on the highway. Oil light off, and pressure gauge in chrono reading as normal and fluctuating under acceleration back onto the highway as it should. 30 seconds later, oil light comes on and pressure gauge drops to zero. Got off at the next exit and found a gas station and bought a quart of oil (5W30 full synthetic same as I normally use) and filled up the oil to the top of the dipstick area and turned on the car. Still oil light and no pressure on gauge. Feeling confident that there was oil and being late for work, I got back on the highway and suddenly the light goes off and the pressure gauge starts reading again (flickered once then went off and stayed off. After a minute, or so, it went on again and pressure gauge dropped to zero again. Drove the remaining 5 mins to work and there it sits. It seems to be a sensor issue of some sort due to its behaviour. Anybody else experience this and have any suggestions on where to start? Is the car safe to drive?

 

Oil pressure senders are a failure we've been seeing more of as of late, it's located on the filter housing and is rather easy to replace.

When was your last oil change, and did you use a MINI brand filter? If not, replace the filter..

 

I wouldn't drive it until your sure the warning isn't real. The light only comes on for very low oil pressure. Since both signals agree I see no reason to doubt them.

Check the oil filter. Do you know about the issue of early and late oil filters (some come with a plastic cage and some don't - you need the correct one - I think a 2005 should have the plastic cage built into the filter. )

 

I had this
It was the wiring between the pressure switch and the rest of the car
Check the wiring to the switch

 

This car has a chrono pack that is also showing low pressure - two different signals. I still fear it is really oil starved.

 

I had this problem. With some research I figured it was either the oil pressure sender or the switch. Each one are pretty cheap to replace. I tried the sender and I was good to go.

 

I've got the same problem. I know it's the wiring because the light behaves the same with the sensor unplugged.

Where was the wiring pinched in your car? I'd like to look in the same spot.