New guy here. Recently got my girl an '07 S (R56), now with 70K miles, which we both love. Thanks to this forum, I realize it should qualify for the timing chain refurb and turbo oil line shield recalls (although no evil noise yet). However, it also runs much lower oil pressure than I'm used to for a performance car. I installed a Craven oil pressure gauge for better info. When hot, if you kick it into neutral, the idle with the A/C off will sometimes drop to about 500 rpm, at which point the oil pressure will dip just below 10 psi and the little yellow warning light will ding. Pressure runs about 20-23 at cruising speeds (2000-2300).
I have heard run OEM filters, so I am. The spring thing in the base of the filter housing is still present (though I wouldn't know if working right). I have heard something about a piece in the filter cap that can be lost on some models, but don't know if that applies to this car. I know to watch the oil level, but that's okay. I'll be trying to get the timing chain mod done soon, so I'm wondering if that could be an issue, and might improve pressure. New plugs/wires might get the idle up a bit, but I'm wondering how normal this is, and do I have an oil pump change in my future? If so, are there any higher pressure models I should look at? Thanks.

 

I'm running the Marshall oil pressure gauge. I have app. 83,000 miles on my Mini. My idle is 700-800 rpm when at operating temp. with oil pressure about 20 psi. Also at operating temp and running 2500 to 3,000 rpm I have about 40 - 50 psi oil pressure. I have to admit, your oil pressure does seem low. My first thought is, what oil are you using? I am using Mobil 1 0 - 40 European Blend oil. I change my oil and filter every five thousand miles and use the factory oil filter.

 

If the oil pressure idiot light goes on, you have an issue. If it's a warning associated with the aftermarket gauge, I'd try another gauge.

at almost anything above idle it should be in the 40-60 psi range depending on temp.

 

Install a oil pressure guage it may save your engine. Dealer told me check engine oil light does not come on till 3 quarts low. And from my experience they were right and I burn the motor up with 50k miles on an 07. My new 370z has an oil temp guages.

 

The oil light doesn't come on with any specific number of quarts low. It is not an oil level light, it is an oil pressure light. And it won't come on until the pressure is low enough to cause damage. By the time you see the light, some damage will have been done. If you're lucky, it won't be enough to kill the engine. If you're not lucky...