While driving recently, I randomly get a malfunction on the dash saying to add 1 qt. of oil. It doesn't happen every time I drive it, but every few times for sure. I notice no signs of my car leaking oil or smell traces of it burning oil. It has been around 6k miles since my last service, so I don't see any reason why it would need oil unless it's leaking/burning or the sensor is bad. When I check the oil level through the steering column, it says "oil level ok". I plan to try and get to the dealer to have it checked out in the next week or so when things slow down, but wondering if any others have had this similar problem and how common it is to have a bad sensor. As always, input is greatly appreciated.

Do you get the warning on prolonged inclines? Try running the dyno mode and see what it says. Make sure your on level ground.

No, just regular freeway driving. Please tell me how to access "dyno mode". My friend was telling me to do this, but couldn't remember how.

There are 2 different versions posted. Make sure you use the correct one.

Are you telling me that you don't know which one is right, or you're just going to let me guess?

i get the same message when i drive on the highway. The funny thing is that its only on one highway when i'm going down or up a steep hill. i had my father check my oil level with a dipstick and it was at max. we suspect that the sensor is dirty or bad because even when the car is hooked up to star diagnose it says the levels are low when in ctuality they are not. If you have a dipstick use that, its the only sure fire way to check if your oil level is off

Oh I know. But 670+ posts and 1 1/2 years of membership ......... :v

I like to think I've added value to this board in my 670+ posts and 1 1/2 years of membership. You, on the other hand, are the :v in disguise.

6000 miles, and it might need some oil?

Well, I guess! What makes you think a modern engine uses no oil at all between changes, when the changes can be up to 15kmiles?

Get a quart of the appropriate synthetic, add half, and see if the warning goes away. My bet is it will.

Please, folks, every engine uses some oil between changes. A quart in 6k miles is nothing. The good news is that the relatively large oil capacity that MB uses in all of their engines means being a bit down is not a crisis - but if the system is calling for more oil, give it some! I'd do it a half qt at a time to avoid overfilling.

My guess is that the conflict between the "static" "oil level OK" display, and the dynamic warning, is that the current level is marginal. Depending on temp, the angle of the car, and a host of other factors, the sensor is probably getting tickled every once in awhile - thus my recommendation to add just a bit at a time and see if it goes away.

That would have been my suggestion as well. I go through at least a quart between changes. It's no biggie, really.

Or, can't you buy a dipstick from the dealership for these newer non-dipstick models and check yourself?

Blake - if you try to get into dyno mode by using one method, and it doesn't work, then it's probably the other one you need to do. :p

This post in this topic shows the dipstick tool.

My most recent oil and filter change, on my '05 C320 Sports Coupe, where the drain plug is removed and replaced, along with a new drain plug gasket, was filled with 8 quarts of oil, as defined in the Owner's Manual.

The vehicle oil level system stated that one quart was required for maximum level. It measured 152 mm with the tool. One quart was added and the level rose to 168 mm, with the tool, to the maximum specification. The vehicle oil level system was satisfied too.

Thanks for the replies. The main reason I'm worried about the malfunction is that it's not consistent and when I check the oil level through the steering wheel, it says it's ok. Otherwise, it would seem reasonable to need to add a quart here and there.

To test that:

Add two quarts.

If you get a "Max Oil Level Exceeded" malfunction, and it's steady, your sensor is operating correctly.

blake, u r gettin' malfunction because ur car is not balanced.
malfunction will go away once u install AMG rear bumper. :v

You're EVIL MJ!