Oil Pressure light

[1989535i]

Hello to everyone on BimmerNut. I am new so here goes. One 1989 E34 535i with M30 motor and one 1995 E34 525i touring wagon. The 1989 has just recently started to have the oil pressure idiot light stay on for about 15 seconds before it goes out on a cold morning start. After warm up and restart the light goes out quite quickly, prox 1-2 seconds.
Check valve, oil switch etc. Any help would GREATLY appreciated as the car is older than some mechanics who have suggested new engine, oil pump rebuild etc.
Sincerely,
Dave Hoffmann.
Favorite BMW: 1974 R 90/6

[shogun]

Check the banjo bolts http://www.nmia.com/~dgnrg/banjo.htm
Or the check valve in the oil container is gone = no engine oil in the oil container and it takes time to pump the oil from the oil pump to the oil container/pressure valve. Take the cover off after it sits overnight & if it is still full, it's not a checkvalve issue.

this is the new oil filter housing http://www.exx.se/objects/bimmerforums/m30b35_oilfilterhouse.jpg

DIY repair http://www.bmwe34.net/E34main/Trouble/OilCanister.htm

[632 Regal]

The oil filter holds the check valve closed when installed. Open the top and the filter will let the oil drain back into the engine.

I installed a chinese filter and it was a bad design and crushed itself on instal allowing the oil to drain back when not running. I had the same issue as you until I got a real replacement filter (Mann) and the problem went away. Idiot light is non existent now. Let us know what you find out.