Oil Level Question
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 126
Likes: 1
C320, SLK230, T1N Sprinter
Oil Level Question
2003 C320 Wagon
On my most recent oil change, I drained the oil via the pan bolt, then replaced 8.5qts 0W-40 Mobil One as always. (One 5qt M-1 Euro container plus all but 1.5 qts of a second 5qt container using the lines in the jug).
About 10 miles later, I got the "red screen" warning to drain oil, which I have never gotten before (I re-read my owner's manual and I didn't even see it mentioned).
I did some research, and sucked out 8oz via the dipstick tube, and it then said "Oil Level OK" when cold.
I drove it 10mi and the "overfilled-drain oil" came on again. I let it sit an hour while I was in a store, and checked it when I came out, and it said "Oil Level OK" and the drive home didn't set the warning again (yet).
How much OVERfull does it take to set off the warning?
I understand that right "at the full line" the oil expands a bit and might trip the sensor, but I drained it well when I changed it, so I doubt much was left in the pan. The engine was not very warm when I drained it this time, but the ambient temp here was 95 degrees (oil was very thin), and I waited a few minutes until the drips stopped.
I know the proper level is 171mm from the bottom of the oil pan, but I don't have a MB dipstick. I tried a piece of bailing wire as a dip-stick substitute, but it's hard to measure because the tube wipes oil onto the wire on the way out.
Given it happened AFTER the oil change, I don't think the sensor suddenly went bad (too much coincidence), so for now I am assuming the oil level is screwed up, and that the sensor didn't decide to go bad at the SAME time.
On my most recent oil change, I drained the oil via the pan bolt, then replaced 8.5qts 0W-40 Mobil One as always. (One 5qt M-1 Euro container plus all but 1.5 qts of a second 5qt container using the lines in the jug).
About 10 miles later, I got the "red screen" warning to drain oil, which I have never gotten before (I re-read my owner's manual and I didn't even see it mentioned).
I did some research, and sucked out 8oz via the dipstick tube, and it then said "Oil Level OK" when cold.
I drove it 10mi and the "overfilled-drain oil" came on again. I let it sit an hour while I was in a store, and checked it when I came out, and it said "Oil Level OK" and the drive home didn't set the warning again (yet).
How much OVERfull does it take to set off the warning?
I understand that right "at the full line" the oil expands a bit and might trip the sensor, but I drained it well when I changed it, so I doubt much was left in the pan. The engine was not very warm when I drained it this time, but the ambient temp here was 95 degrees (oil was very thin), and I waited a few minutes until the drips stopped.
I know the proper level is 171mm from the bottom of the oil pan, but I don't have a MB dipstick. I tried a piece of bailing wire as a dip-stick substitute, but it's hard to measure because the tube wipes oil onto the wire on the way out.
Given it happened AFTER the oil change, I don't think the sensor suddenly went bad (too much coincidence), so for now I am assuming the oil level is screwed up, and that the sensor didn't decide to go bad at the SAME time.
Super Moderator
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,295
Likes: 22
From: VA
THE C350
For some reason I thought the c320 only took 7.5-8quarts of oil what does the manual say?
I would do a manual measuring either buy the MB dipstick or figure out a way to measure it properly.
Have you done the oil changes on this car before?
I would do a manual measuring either buy the MB dipstick or figure out a way to measure it properly.
Have you done the oil changes on this car before?
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 126
Likes: 1
C320, SLK230, T1N Sprinter
This thread says 8.25-8.5qts if the oil was drained at the pan, and 7.5 qts if sucked out of the oil dipstick tube:
Click on: https://mbworld.org/forums/c32-amg-c...us-quarts.html
Yes, I have done my previous oil changes using same Mobil 1 0W-40 Euro and same filters (I bought a dozen when I bought the car).
I should now have 8.25 added quarts (8.5 qts - 8 oz).
Maybe if I get it again I'll drain another 8oz.
But to be honest- I didn't look at the manual this time. I just verified online to confirm my memory I used 8.5 qts last time.
Strange because I am sure I added 8.5 qts previously w/o the warning light.
Click on: https://mbworld.org/forums/c32-amg-c...us-quarts.html
Yes, I have done my previous oil changes using same Mobil 1 0W-40 Euro and same filters (I bought a dozen when I bought the car).
I should now have 8.25 added quarts (8.5 qts - 8 oz).
Maybe if I get it again I'll drain another 8oz.
But to be honest- I didn't look at the manual this time. I just verified online to confirm my memory I used 8.5 qts last time.
Strange because I am sure I added 8.5 qts previously w/o the warning light.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 126
Likes: 1
C320, SLK230, T1N Sprinter
I drove the car again today and after 10 miles the "drain oil" warning came on again.
I let it sit for about an hour while I attended to a chore, and checked the oil electronically when I got back to the vehicle and the engine and cooled. It said "engine oil level OK," and the light did not come on again on the way home.
I suppose it is possible I did not drain every drop of oil out of the engine, so what was left in it plus what I added created and overfill condition. I don't see how very much could've been left in however because I let it drain in till it was down to an intermittent drip out of the pan.
I will try sucking out another 8 ounces leaving 8.0 quarts added and try again. That is still a very safe level.
I let it sit for about an hour while I attended to a chore, and checked the oil electronically when I got back to the vehicle and the engine and cooled. It said "engine oil level OK," and the light did not come on again on the way home.
I suppose it is possible I did not drain every drop of oil out of the engine, so what was left in it plus what I added created and overfill condition. I don't see how very much could've been left in however because I let it drain in till it was down to an intermittent drip out of the pan.
I will try sucking out another 8 ounces leaving 8.0 quarts added and try again. That is still a very safe level.
