MB-BOB

I checked my oil this morning using the secret sauce dyno mode, but forgot to turn it off before getting into traffic. No problems in not doing so, plus I was intrigued to watch the oil level vary with driving conditions... all 17 miles to work.

When cold my 3.2L FSS says I have 8.0 quarts, but instantly drops to 7.2 when the motor is started (you would expect that). There seemed to be less oil in the sump during warm-up, and when at idling at a stop light (5.9-6.2 qts). but more in the sump when cruising at city speeds (35-50 mph, 6.8-7.0 qts). I also noticed the levels increase dramatically when driving up a gentle grade, and fall when driving down... apparently the sensor is in the rear part of the sump.

Interesting entertainment while driving to work. I wouldn't recommend it for daily use, though.

dakarMcoupe

how do you check the oil level with the engine on?

I'd like to check it.


thank you

x15jq

My c230 k had a 4.7 at the lowest while cruizin

I have a question. The computer says just oil level OK. Is this acceptable. I have 4000 miles havent changed oil, but it definately smells like **** and it is down half way from the top from what the dip stick shows what gives???

Outland

I can't wait to try that on the way in tommorrow

dakarMcoupe

okay I found the dyno mode procedure and checked my oil level.

it as 7.2quarts. the manual says the capacity is 8.5quarts.

I put in .6 quarts (that's all I had) and it's up to 7.8quarts.

Is 8.0 quarts full or is 8.5 quarts full?

It's a 2001 C320.

levelr123g

how do you do this?

MB-BOB

This must be done on level ground with the motor absolutely COLD 2-hours or more. (ie, all the oil drained into the sump) Checking at the end of a refueling stop will NOT be accurate... The motor retains a lot of oil when warm or recently running)

1. To start, the key must be removed from the ignition.
2. Insert the key and turn to position 1.
3. Press the "Page Down" steering wheel button (lower Right button on the left side) to select any MFD display other than a trip odometer. (Don't do this and you will reset your trip odo).
4. Immediately press and HOLD the trip odometer reset button (left edge of instrument display) until the instrument cluster beeps. There is no visual message, only an audio beep. Turn down the audio system and be patient, this takes around 40 seconds. (Your trip odometer page may return in the MFD, but it will NOT reset to zero if you properly did step 3, so don't worry) After the beep...
5. Press the "Page Down" steering wheel button again.
6. The MFD will show the page x15jq has posted above, except the oil level values will be "dashes".
7. Turn key to position 2 and wait while system measures the oil.

You should turn the key off and remove it to reset the system before driving. But as I've noted, you can actually turn the key to position 3 (start) instead, and drive with the screen up.

MB-BOB

I've had the same question. 8.0 Quarts is FULL...

When we learned of this procedure several months ago, I checked my C320, which at the time was only 2-months old and still had its factory fill of oil. The reading was 8.0 Quarts, exactly. Again, let the car cool off OVERNIGHT on level ground before starting this test.

Even though the manual says 8.5, it won't hold more than 8.0 without giving you a Fault page saying "Oil Level too HIGH... Lower Oil Level." I learned this the hard way. After my "A" service, the level read 7.4 Qts. So I insisted the dealer top-off to 8.0. A few days later, I started getting the "Too High" fault codes, so I remeasured it when cold one morning and it said 8.2 Qts. I siphoned off some of the oil (through the dipstick tube) and it now reads 8.0... no more fault codes.

If your motor was remotely warm when you measured your oil and added the .6 quarts, I'll bet you will soon see the RED fault code in your MFD.

dakarMcoupe

well it had been sitting for about 2.5 hours in the garage.

I'll check again tonight.

So here are some of my observations.

When I acclerated from about 30-60 (after engine was warmed up) the oil level went from about 6 to 7.1. This was nearly full throttle. Then once I reached 60 I let off the gas and the level went down to 5.0.

levelr123g

hmmm, my car does not do this.

zpeed

What are the other 4 lines mean? Just wonder

MarkL

Do you mean you can't engage "dyno" mode? I think they made a change on the '03s which prevents you from getting in that mode the same way. I think someone might have told of a different method??

levelr123g

i have an 02 built in feb of 02. no it will not show up on the mfd.

MB-BOB

nov, are you following my instructions exactly? You have to hold the reset button for what seems like forever. Break any part in the chain and you have to start over, to include taking the keys out of the ignition.

dakarMcoupe

checked the oil level this morning. it was readin 7.7quarts. I think I'll leave it at that until it goes down to 7.5 and then fill it up to 8 quarts.

thanks for the info.

levelr123g

yea i have an 02 and retried it this morning but it doesnt work, oh well.

Pit-Pony

My 2001 did the Dyno mode but the 2005 does not.

Anyone know the new trick?

..jack

lars

So, why would there be more oil in the sump when the revs are higher and it's presumably being pumped out of the sump faster? Anyone know?