triangle12

I live in STL and flew to Ohio to purchase an 02 C32 amg from a Mazda dealer. They did typical maintenance before selling (changed brake pads, oil, battery,etc.). On my 9 hour drive home, 2 malfunction lights appear. Brake Pad Wear and Engine Oil Level. I'm guessing the dealer didn't change the sensors when changing pads. However, the engine oil light scared me so I pulled over. Line 1 displayed 'ENGINE OIL LEVEL' line 2 displayed 'REDUCE OIL LEVEL'. I shut car off and followed steps to check oil level and once done reading, it displayed Oil Level OK. Roughly 50 miles of resuming trip, light came back on. Did same procedure and car says Oil level OK. Last 3 hours of trip I didn't recheck oil level (figured I'd get same reading) and just drove with malfunction light on. Once got home, decided to recheck oil level and this time it didn't say OK, it says in line 2 'REDUCE OIL LEVEL'.
Did the dealer put too much oil in it?? Or is it a bad sensor?? Or did they use the wrong oil?? Should I drain it and put Mobil1 in it?? The service sheet from dealer shows the use of synthetic blend oil, so I doubt they used Mobil1.
Any help would be appreciated.

Viper98912

It could be either the sensor, or it's too full.

Cheapest thing to do first (especially since you got cheap oil), is drain all the oil and fill it back up with Mobil 1. From there see if it comes back. Probably $50 worth of oil, not bad at all.

triangle12

Thanks! You think there is any need to change filter too since they just replaced it?

Accidental L8 apex

Probably not, but for another $8-15, I would just so I knew who did it and when.

MrMustard

It's possible they didn't fully drain it and over filled.. But it's also very possible that the sensor died. Our w203s are prone to have the oil sensor malfunction with higher miles. The cheapest option is to buy a manual oil sensor dipstick. Look online, they are pretty cheap. Keep in mind you CANNOT leave it in the engine. It's to be used when the car is off. This will tell you if your too low or too full without draining the oil. Or without waiting to ship you could drain all the oil and refill it as mentioned. And no, as long as the oil filter was changed then I wouldn't worry about replacing it. If you do change it out, make sure you buy a fleece filter!!

Dipstick tool
http://www.autohausaz.com/pn/BU-120589072100

Your best option is to drain it anyway, you have "unknown" oil that might not be spec for your car. Safest route and can be done in less than a hour.

triangle12

Thanks, I'll purchase an oil sensor dipstick and replace oil and see what happens. Hate to keep asking questions but I was looking on this forum and noticed Valeo radiator issues. My 02 has 112k miles and has this Valeo radiator. Should I be concerned?? Car seems to run good

MrMustard

You should be concerned. Transmission fluid contamination can cause transmission failure if unattended.

Have the transmission fluid tested.
Here's a good thread. If you do so you will need to refill the Trans oil as it requires a lot to test (1L =0.946 qrt)
https://mbworld.org/forums/c32-amg-c...lace-behr.html

triangle12

Looks like I'll be taking it to the shop. Can't afford to replace a transmission

kbob999

Congrats on the new purchase! When sorted out, these cars are a great daily driver.

You could buy a Behr radiator on line somewhere for less than $200, then DIY the exchange. I did mine for preventative reasons. You don't want a Valeo, period.

It's a lot of junk to pull at the front of the car, but not the worst job I've done. Probably 6 hours work to put it on jack stands, drain fluids, remove everything, and fiddle with the radiator removal and replacement.

The dip stick for the engine oil is one which goes in and bottoms out on the pan. My records show 170-172mm from bottom id correct; 157mm is 1 liter low; 178mm is ½ Liter high

The trans dip stick is one with a plastic diamond shape at the end, which bottoms out at the correct level. My records show that from tip of stop model dipstick: 10-20mm @ 20C; 53-63mm @ 80C

triangle12

Thanks! Not sure yet if I'm going to do the work myself. Anyone have a part number on the correct Behr radiator? Local shop says they can't get the Behr.

kbob999

Here's one on eBay for $171 shipped in 4 days. Search "C32 Behr Radiator".
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Behr-Radiato...JXUzag&vxp=mtr
I believe any W203 radiator will work.

triangle12

Just ordered my radiator. Thank you everyone for all the help!!!