No oil showing on measuring stick!
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: Skaneateles, NY
2017 E400 Wagon
No oil showing on measuring stick!
I recently bought a 2004 C320 4Matic wagon and plan on changing the oil myself. I bought a measuring stick (part # 110-589-11-21-00) and when I insert it, there is no oil showing on the stick even though the gauge cluster measurement assures me that the level is OK. What gives? Does anyone else have one of these sticks, if so, how long is it?
Lloyd
Lloyd
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 504
Likes: 0
2006 Lexus GS300, 2007 Lexus GS350
I recently bought a 2004 C320 4Matic wagon and plan on changing the oil myself. I bought a measuring stick (part # 110-589-11-21-00) and when I insert it, there is no oil showing on the stick even though the gauge cluster measurement assures me that the level is OK. What gives? Does anyone else have one of these sticks, if so, how long is it?
Lloyd
Lloyd
Acyually, I'd throw a can of oil in there too.
Super Moderator
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 3,365
Likes: 12
From: Orange County, CA
GMC - Miata - Trek - P-Car
The correct “measuring rod” for the M112.916/53 in your 4Matic is 120 589 07 21 00. Since MB wants ~$100 for it, how about doing it the old-fashioned way?
Unlike a conventional dipstick, their method (and tool) is designed to bottom against the pan and the oil level is then to be read up from there. Any suitable length rod will suffice. An oil level of 124 mm is the design specification. 111 mm would indicate 1-liter low. Conversely, 137 mm is a liter too much. Straight from the service DVD…
Because you have that tube passing through your oil pan, these figures are specific to the 4Matic only. MB was generous enough to sell me the measurements for the entire W203 line, for those who may be curious.
Unlike a conventional dipstick, their method (and tool) is designed to bottom against the pan and the oil level is then to be read up from there. Any suitable length rod will suffice. An oil level of 124 mm is the design specification. 111 mm would indicate 1-liter low. Conversely, 137 mm is a liter too much. Straight from the service DVD…
Because you have that tube passing through your oil pan, these figures are specific to the 4Matic only. MB was generous enough to sell me the measurements for the entire W203 line, for those who may be curious.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,848
Likes: 15
From: Orange County
2005 C Wagon (No snickering please!)
Hello Lloyd, from Syracuse, the place where air conditioning was invented. I bet you didn't need much of that today!
Splinter is right on target. His measurements are correct for your engine. They sold you the wrong stick. If you want to change your own oil, please get the right tools, the right oil, and the right filter.
You will need a tool to remove the oil filter cap, a vacuum pump, such as a MityVac for about $60., 8 or nine quarts of Mobil 1 0W-40, and a fleece oil filter, made by Mann, about $15.
The oil must say Mercedes Sheet 229.5 on the bottle. Put all other oils, even other grades of Mobil 1 back. I don't know why Mercedes translates the filter to English "Fleece", because we call it polyester, but it is made by Mann and should have four O rings in the box. There are paper filters that fit, but don't use them. Don't rely on what the computer at the auto parts store tells you, it is probably wrong.
Resist the temptation to change the oil early. It is good for 1 year or 13,000 miles. Resist the notion that you'll get more old dirty out if you crawl under the car, remove the paneling and unscrewing the inspection plug. It will leak if you don't replace the sealing ring.
Do warm the engine before you extract, do notice the position of the filter on the plastic carrier and replace all four O rings, and do use a torque wrench on the filter cap.
The filter is also available from your Chrysler dealer, same as Crossfire, and the Dodge dealer same as Sprinter van. It is white media wrapped by string.
Have fun with your wagon, it is the best of the C class.
Splinter is right on target. His measurements are correct for your engine. They sold you the wrong stick. If you want to change your own oil, please get the right tools, the right oil, and the right filter.
You will need a tool to remove the oil filter cap, a vacuum pump, such as a MityVac for about $60., 8 or nine quarts of Mobil 1 0W-40, and a fleece oil filter, made by Mann, about $15.
The oil must say Mercedes Sheet 229.5 on the bottle. Put all other oils, even other grades of Mobil 1 back. I don't know why Mercedes translates the filter to English "Fleece", because we call it polyester, but it is made by Mann and should have four O rings in the box. There are paper filters that fit, but don't use them. Don't rely on what the computer at the auto parts store tells you, it is probably wrong.
Resist the temptation to change the oil early. It is good for 1 year or 13,000 miles. Resist the notion that you'll get more old dirty out if you crawl under the car, remove the paneling and unscrewing the inspection plug. It will leak if you don't replace the sealing ring.
Do warm the engine before you extract, do notice the position of the filter on the plastic carrier and replace all four O rings, and do use a torque wrench on the filter cap.
The filter is also available from your Chrysler dealer, same as Crossfire, and the Dodge dealer same as Sprinter van. It is white media wrapped by string.
Have fun with your wagon, it is the best of the C class.
