Thanks for the info.
SO you think it is something i need to change? The highest oil Temp ive seen is 200'F, but the normal range is 100-125'F. No Dash lights are on to say there is a problem.
Ive just changed the ABS module, coolant sensor, timing belt, fuel filter, air filter, and the DVs. My funds are starting to run low, is this something that needs to be changed immediately, or can it wait a few weeks? Am i taking a risk by waiting?

 

doubt it...your temps aren't even high. mine have been fluctuating like that forever and they go up to 325.

 

so i've been paying more attention to the oil temp recently and not getting the big fluctuations so much as before. but, the oil temp is basically really hot all the time, 325 showing on the gauge.

Question - what would cause such a high temp?

I think my O2 sensors are about shot again too, haven't had the best luck with the cheapy ebay universals...oh well. If the car defaults to not using the sensors for mixture management would that cause higher or lower engine temps?

 

I don't think 325 is accurate. If your engine was consistently that hot, you would be overheating the engine. You would be smelling hot metal often. Something has to be causing your inaccurate readings. Bad ground, bad cluster?

 

If I would be in that predicament, I would definitely replace the switch for peace of mind.
The price for one that fits my C4 is, based on various pressure range, between $ 3.14 -$ 5.50 (ArizAutohaus) and $ 5.99 at AutoZone.

 

i always assumed/hoped that it was inaccurate...figured the coolant temp would fluctuate too if it was that hot, but it stays rock solid at exactly midrange when the car is up to temp.

I think i'll replace the oil level sensor at the bottom of the pan when i do my next oil change and see if that does anyting.

 

For your reference, my 2.8 oil temp usually sits between 200 and 225. If I am really pushing with full load, it sometimes goes up to a bit shy of 250. With that said, I don't think your oil temp is really at 325 considering that the coolant temp is right where it is supposed to be. So as you originally thought, I suspect gauge or sender issue.

 

That oil temp seems really low. Does your water temperature gauge fluctuate?