I have a 2005 C230 kompressor sedan with a major major oil leak. My indy mechanic says that it looks as if it is coming from the "oil pressure sensor unit" located by the starter. Can someone please confirm that is the correct location of the pressure sensor? And could this be the cause of a major oil leak? I have oil basically just pouring out of the bottom of my car coming from the rear of the engine on the driver side.

Does anyone know how to access this area? My mechanic wants to go in from the top, pull out the engine to get to the starter to be able to get to the pressure thing. But wouldnt it be easier to go from bottom?

Anyone with a second opinion to shed some light on this for me would be much appreciated. Im a young 28 year old female who knows NOTHING about cars, so want to make sure i'm not getting fed a bunch of BS.

THANK YOU!

It's likely the oil level sensor that has failed.

how would i get to the oil level sensor to be able to remove it

Also, whats the difference between the oil pressure switch and the oil level sensor unit?

here's a picture of the oil sending unit and location hopefully this helps you. I've never repaired or replaced one but it seems from this picture that its located on the bottom side of the oil pan and may be relatively easy to access. [ Close Window ]Oil Sensor (Oil Level, Temperature And Quality) (View 1)

Remove the base plate under the engine & replace the sensor.

Yes, it's at the bottom of oil pan,... easiest to get from underneath the car,...

If you DIY,... get car up on ramp, remove bottom panel, drain oil, get OEM part from MB dealership, unbolt and unplug old one, bolt in and plug in new one, replace engine oil, replace panel, ... relatively simple,... just a bit messy.

If you get indy to do it,... get a different Mercedes Indy,...

Is the oil leaking off the underbody tray, or do you(he) have those off and can see the oil coming out? Oil can wick around pretty well so sometimes it can be hard to tell, but if you can see it pouring out that's a different story. I usually try to clean everything up real good (up on ramps, degreaser and spray it down good) to locate oil leaks. If you can clean it up real good then drive it around for a bit and come back to look at it, things should be pretty evident.

Just a thought - you might want to check the transmission connector to see if that's not where the leak is. Only a thought because that's a relatively common source for a leak. But that connector is over on the passenger side and back at the tranny... Also might check your oil level and your tranny fluid level (you'll need the dipstick tool for checking the tranny level) to confirm if it's oil or tranny fluid.

If it is indeed the oil sensor, you should be able to readily replace it by taking off the underbody tray(s) as Glyn and Sunny suggest. Don't know why he'd want to take out the starter and go at it from above. Did he really say he wants to pull the engine? Sounds like he could be trying to take you for a ride... I'd highly recommend a second opinion.

I missed the part about you knowing nothing about cars - do you know anybody nearby that might be able to help check things out?

Ok so my mechanic is a TOTAL idiot!

1. The main oil cap at the very top of the engine had a seal when I removed the cap that was NOT sealing the cap at all! I went to buy a new o-ring seal for the cap and replaced the entire cap instead and it feels like a much tigheter nicer "SEALED" fit.

2. The oil seems to be coming from the upper driver side of the enigine block. Oil can be seen running down the side of the engine on the drivers side.

3. I have had the campaign performed for the camshaft silenoids, and figured theres NO WAY that could be the source of the problem! But on the front of the motor, both silenoids are COVERED in SUPER THICK and CAKED on dried oil! It's super growse! Has anyone heard of or know if it is possible for problems to occur AFTER the campaign has been performed?!?!? IT SURE WOULD BE NICE IF I COULD JUST TAKE THE CAR TO THE STEALERSHIP FOR COST FREE REPAIRS!!!

Let me know if you have any input or advice! I appreciate everyones response! I am going to start up the car here shortly after its all put back together and run it for a little bit to see if MAYBE JUST MAYBE all I needed was a new seal on the oil cap!

Ill keep everyone updated!

How did things work out? I have a 2005 C230 Kompressor Sedan that just started leaking oil today suddenly. I noticed drips of dark oil on my driveway this evening and backed my car out of the garage and found fresh oil drips there. Seems to be coming from the drivers side of the engine. I just had my 60,000 mile "Service B" done in December, and the engine was powerwashed then so it's pretty much spotless as far as you can tell from opening the hood. Getting under it I see oil splattered on the axel and other parts of the drivers side of the engine, and I can see where it's dripping down onto the garage floor.

This sudden leak has me worried it's going to be spendy to fix. I've attached a photo.. is this similar to what you saw?

Many thanks.

A througher inspection is required ,maybe on a hoist.

Think positively, it maybe just a hose or gasket !!

I'd take it to someone who has a better rep and get it checked out...I dunno