"Reduce oil level" message
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
2003 CLK 320
"Reduce oil level" message
Hey all,
So yesterday I did the first oil change on my new to me '03 CLK 320.
I've had the car about 5 months and 10K miles.. Love the car for the most part. I am NOT liking the automatic oil level indicator. I'd really like to check the oil level myself.. Guess I gotta get one of those dipsticks.. Sold separately!
Anyway, I drained the oil from the oil pan drain bolt with the front end of the car raised on jackstands, so I know I got all the oil out. I changed the filter and added 8.5 quarts (Stated capacity in the manual) of oil. Today I had the car check it's oil level and was surprised to get the "Reduce oil level" message. I can't imagine I over serviced the car by more than a half quart.. How important is it that I go back and drain out half a quart or so?
Thanks!
So yesterday I did the first oil change on my new to me '03 CLK 320.
I've had the car about 5 months and 10K miles.. Love the car for the most part. I am NOT liking the automatic oil level indicator. I'd really like to check the oil level myself.. Guess I gotta get one of those dipsticks.. Sold separately!
Anyway, I drained the oil from the oil pan drain bolt with the front end of the car raised on jackstands, so I know I got all the oil out. I changed the filter and added 8.5 quarts (Stated capacity in the manual) of oil. Today I had the car check it's oil level and was surprised to get the "Reduce oil level" message. I can't imagine I over serviced the car by more than a half quart.. How important is it that I go back and drain out half a quart or so?
Thanks!
Last edited by airtraffic; May 9, 2014 at 07:11 PM.
Member
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 237
Likes: 0
you can get into dyno mode by following this:
then you can see how much oil is in the car.
not sure about the 320, but my 55 had 2 drain plugs and the mechanic i had changing my oil didn't know to drain both so it was over filled when he added the oil back.
then you can see how much oil is in the car.
not sure about the 320, but my 55 had 2 drain plugs and the mechanic i had changing my oil didn't know to drain both so it was over filled when he added the oil back.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
2003 CLK 320
Thanks, but being an '03 320, my car does not have the Dyno mode.
However, today I asked the car to measure it's oil level and it says all is well.. I go the "Oil level OK" message. Oil taken on the same surface, so the car was at the same level it was during yesterday's measurement.. Go figure.
However, today I asked the car to measure it's oil level and it says all is well.. I go the "Oil level OK" message. Oil taken on the same surface, so the car was at the same level it was during yesterday's measurement.. Go figure.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,200
Likes: 10
2004 CLK320
I go to an indie to change my oil. He would put the car on a hoist and drains the oil from the bottom. He would measure how much oil come out and put in the same amount. Usually it's 7.1-7.3 liters (in Canada, Mobile One comes in liter format). He would give me the leftover of the last bottle of motor oil. I seldem have to top up afterwards.
Too much oil can cause serious damage to your car. Monitor your oil level closely.
Too much oil can cause serious damage to your car. Monitor your oil level closely.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,250
Likes: 21
From: Los Angeles, CA
Supercharged CLK500,ML500,S580
Mercedes had a TSB (I don't know the number) stating that 8.5 Qts is too much oil and that all that extra oil exasperated the leaking valve covers and Rear Main Seals. The recommended amount was 7.5 Qts. I measure the amount of oil I remove every change and it comes out to a little under 7.5 Qts; I have no issues with excessive oil and leaky valve covers.
MBworld Guru
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 10,782
Likes: 1,011
NO LONGER ACTIVE
I have an 8.8 liter (9.3 quart) Mityvac I use to change oil. On both the CLK550 and C240, it fills the whole thing, with just under a quart of air left (required to maintain a vacuum). I put in 8.5 quarts and a new filter, and I'm good, never any over/under fill warnings.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,227
Likes: 61
From: Atlanta Metro
2008 clk550 - Navigator - Frontier
I have an 8.8 liter (9.3 quart) Mityvac I use to change oil. On both the CLK550 and C240, it fills the whole thing, with just under a quart of air left (required to maintain a vacuum). I put in 8.5 quarts and a new filter, and I'm good, never any over/under fill warnings.
