S3 Oil Pressure Warning, Critical Engine Noise Alert

I dealt with a similar oil pressure issue on my 2021 S4. Having some experience with engine diagnostics, those symptoms instantly made me concerned about potential oil pump failure. The symptoms matched exactly what you describe, oil pressure warning light, engine noise, and low readings on the oil pressure gauge. After getting it checked, the mechanic confirmed my suspicions of a faulty oil pump which was causing inconsistent oil pressure throughout the engine. The repair involved replacing the entire oil pump assembly, which came to 755 Euro including parts and labor. While expensive, it was crucial to prevent potential engine damage. Low oil pressure can seriously damage engine bearings if not addressed quickly. Before you proceed with repairs, could you provide: Current mileage, Service history details, Type of oil being used, When the last oil change was performed, Whether the noise changes with engine RPM This information would help determine if your issue matches what I experienced. If you notice the noise getting worse, I strongly recommend not driving the car to prevent potential engine damage. Oil pump failure can quickly lead to catastrophic engine problems if not addressed promptly.

My car has only 8748 KM and was last serviced at the dealership according to schedule. The oil pressure warning started occurring right after that service. The noise does change with RPM, getting louder at higher engine speeds. Im using the manufacturer recommended synthetic oil. The strange part is that the low oil pressure warning seems intermittent, which makes me think it could be related to a clogged oil filter restricting proper flow, or perhaps an oil pressure sensor malfunction. Given how new the car is and the timing after the service, I wonder if something wasnt properly installed during maintenance. Before spending on a new oil pump, I think checking the oil filter and pressure sensor would make sense given the cars age and mileage. Has anyone had experience with oil leakage or sensor issues right after a service?

Thanks for those details. Given we have the same model range, this really helps narrow things down. The intermittent nature of your oil pressure warning matches what I initially thought was just a sensor issue on my S4, but turned out to be more complex. The timing after service is telling. In my case, the oil pressure sensor was actually functioning correctly, warning us of a real pressure problem. A small piece of debris from the oil filter had partially blocked the oil pickup tube, causing fluctuating oil pressure readings and those RPM-dependent noises youre describing. Since your car is so new with only 8748 KM, I strongly doubt its an oil pump failure like mine was. The symptoms point more toward either: Incorrectly installed oil filter during service, Debris restricting oil flow, Oil pressure sensor wiring issues from the recent service A quick diagnostic check would cost around 100 Euro and could save you from an unnecessary oil pump replacement. The oil pressure gauge readings combined with the mechanical noise suggests its not just a sensor malfunction, but likely a restriction in the oil flow system. Given these symptoms appeared right after service, take it back to the dealer. Under warranty, they should investigate whether the service work contributed to these issues.

I appreciate everyones insights on my oil pressure situation. After reading through the responses, Im convinced I should get the car back to the dealer right away. The connection between the service timing and these issues seems too coincidental to ignore. The RPM-dependent noise combined with fluctuating oil pressure gauge readings does suggest a flow restriction rather than a complete oil pump failure. Since someone else had a similar experience with debris causing oil flow problems, I want them to check the oil filter installation and pickup tube first. Going to contact the dealer tomorrow and request a thorough inspection of the oil system components, particularly focusing on areas that were accessed during the recent service. With such low mileage, this really shouldnt be happening, so Im hoping its just a simple fix like a poorly seated filter or oil pressure sensor connection rather than something more serious. Will update once I know more about the root cause. For now, keeping engine RPMs low and monitoring the oil pressure gauge closely during my drive to the dealer.