Okay I did some testing on the electronic measurment system of the MB C230, '02. I figured since I own a Topsider it would be no problem draining off extra oil. First, I used the dipstick and saw that the level was not up to the full lefel; however, the computer stated that the oil level was okay. I therefore, added an extra quart of oil. The computer level still measured okay, buth the dipstick was up to the max level. What is the deal? To me, having an extra quart of oil in the engine is a big deal. How much tolerance does the computer have in measuring the oil. In my experience, the dipstick is still the most accuracte means of measuring the oil. I would like to hear other people's experience on this matter. After all, a quart is a big deal. If it is stating okay while an extra quart can be added, how low does it have to be before it states that it is low.

Regards,
John Cappuccilli

I hope that you did this test with hot oil (warm engine) on a level area.

I think the C 230 K engine has more than a 1 L difference between the top and bottom mark on the dipstick, meaning that the engine can be slightly over 1L short and still be within specifications. You should be able to tell us this; how much space was left between the actual oil level and the minimum level on the dipstick?

Chances are if you had left it, the message to add one L would have popped up fairly soon (I think it tells the driver to add oil in 1L increments).

Mine went from "Level OK" to "Add 1.5 qts in a short amount of time.

I hope I didn't hurt anything running it that low.

Benz - Just give us a damn dipstick!!!

I followed the instructions in the manual and computer said I was 1 qt. low. I checked the dipstick and it was half way between full and add. I took it to the dealer for clarification and they added a half quart. Based on the dipstick I would not have added any oil. I hate cars that think for you. I just go by the dipstick now. IMHO it's better to run a 1/2 qt low than 1/2 qt too much.

If you have a coupe, you have a dipstick. The V-6 engines don't have a dipstick.

Since this car holds something like 8 qts of oil, you probably have quite a big range that is considered safe.

Yeah, I actually do use the dipstick now.
Thanks, Lynn.

You can get a more detailed reading of the oil level from the computer by setting the dynamometer test mode on the instrument display. Mine gives me a readout of 5.4 liters...

Mark

The day I picked up my car, I had to return to the dealer because it had too much oil, resulting in multiple warnings from the display. After draining off some oil everything was fine!

At about 4K miles when I checked my oil at the dashboard it said add 1 quart. When I checked the dipstick, it was down about an eighth of an inch only. The dealer replaced the oil level sensor and fixed the problem.