Engine - Oil Level Checking Procedure Revised
REF. NO. MBNA 00/57ATO: ALL MERCEDES-BENZ PASSENGER CAR DEALERS
DATE: November 1995
(Supercedes S.I. MBNA 00/57 October 1994)
Revision:
Revised checking/correcting oil level procedure
SUBJECT:
ALL MODELS
ENGINE OIL LEVEL
It has recently come to our attention that some Mercedes-Benz vehicles are being operated with too much engine oil. Additionally, it is important that the oil dipstick remain fully inserted in the oil dipstick tube for a minimum of 3 seconds before rechecking the oil level again. Removing the oil dipstick immediately after insertion, will result in an erroneous indication of the oil quantity within the engine.
Excess engine oil affects the engine's driveability and performance, and may lead to engine damage.
Dealers are reminded to fill the engine with the exact amount of engine oil specified for that engine (e.g. if specified quantity is 8.5 quarts, do not fill with 9.0 quarts or 9.0 liters of engine oil). The MAX mark on the oil dipstick must not be exceeded (upper arrow, Figure 1).
Also, please remind your customers of the proper procedure for checking/correcting the engine oil level. Emphasizing that the engine should be at normal operating temperature (80°C) and that the vehicle is parked on a level surface The engine must not have run for approx. 2 minutes, to allow the engine oil to drain into the oil pan.
Then after removing and wiping off and reinserting the oil dipstick, allow the oil dipstick to remain fully Inserted in the oil dipstick tube for a minimum of 3 seconds before rechecking the oil level again
Ideally, the engine oil level should be around halfway between the MAX and MIN marks on the oil dipstick.
Also, the customer should refrain from frequently "topping off" the engine oil level.
Never add engine oil above the MAX mark on the oil dipstick (upper arrow, Figure 1).
For approved engine oil classifications and correct viscosity grades, refer to the latest edition of the Factory Approved Service Products sheet.