E-Class (W211) 2003-2009

oil level check not working? how long am i supposed to wait?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old Aug 18, 2011 | 12:16 PM
  #1  
e500rmz's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
03 e500
oil level check not working? how long am i supposed to wait?

i changed my own oil the other day, put in 8 quarts of 5w-40 in my 03 e500, and afterwards used the steering wheel controls to try to check the oil level.

it said it was checking now, and to observe wait time, but nothing ever happened. when i went to a different setting and came back, it said it was still checking oil level... but i never got a result.

i have used the feature once before, several weeks ago, and after a minute it said oil level was 'ok', so i know it worked in the past.

what should i do/try?

also is it possible to buy a traditional dipstick anywhere (dealer or otherwise)? i'm guessing the dipstick tube behind the engine is where it would go if it had one...
Reply
Old Aug 18, 2011 | 12:52 PM
  #2  
Brandoro's Avatar
Newbie
 
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Central Saskatchewan
2005 E320 cdi
Assuming you ran the engine after the oil change long enough to fill everything and check for leaks but not long enough to bring the engine up to operating temperature then you will need to wait at least 30 minutes before it will give you a reading. If at operating temperature it should give you a reading in about 5 minutes after shutdown.
This should be detailed in your owners manual.
Reply
Old Aug 18, 2011 | 04:01 PM
  #3  
e500rmz's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
03 e500
great thank you. it just worked right now. didn't realize that i had to be at full operating temperature to check oil level (it doesn't have to be hot to check on any other car)

checked now with engine warm and was patient, and it came up as OK two minutes later.

thanks for the advice.


i'm still wondering if it is possible to get a dipstick for our cars. any thoughts?
Reply
Old Aug 18, 2011 | 11:06 PM
  #4  
Brandoro's Avatar
Newbie
 
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Central Saskatchewan
2005 E320 cdi
Originally Posted by e500rmz
great thank you. it just worked right now. didn't realize that i had to be at full operating temperature to check oil level (it doesn't have to be hot to check on any other car)

checked now with engine warm and was patient, and it came up as OK two minutes later.

thanks for the advice.


i'm still wondering if it is possible to get a dipstick for our cars. any thoughts?
Not what I said. If the engine has been run but not warmed up you need to wait 30 minutes to get a reading.
For a cold reading check it in the morning before starting it for the first time that day. It will come up in a few seconds.
If the engine has been run and fully warmed up then shut off you will get a reading in about five minutes.
Can't tell you anything about a possible dipstick.
Reply

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 06:32 PM.

story-0
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-1
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-2
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE
story-4
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

Slideshow: The 190E Evolution II shows how a homologation necessity became a six-figure collector icon.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:53:47


VIEW MORE
story-5
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes is turning one of its core nameplates electric, and the details show just how serious this shift is.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:58:06


VIEW MORE
story-6
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

Slideshow: Faster charging, longer range, and a controversial steer-by-wire system define the latest evolution of Mercedes-Benz EQS.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-15 10:35:34


VIEW MORE
story-7
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

Slideshow: These overlooked Mercedes-Benz models never got the spotlight, but they quietly delivered more than most remember.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-13 19:35:45


VIEW MORE
story-8
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

Slideshow: A well-used 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300D with more than one million miles is now looking for a new owner, and it still appears ready for more.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-10 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

Slideshow: From bulletproof sedans to surprisingly tough SUVs, these Mercedes models proved that the three-pointed star can go the distance.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-08 09:55:49


VIEW MORE