E-Class (W211) 2003-2009

Check Oil without dipstick

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old Nov 20, 2004 | 07:01 AM
  #1  
Fastbuck's Avatar
Thread Starter
Super Member
 
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 586
Likes: 2
From: Scotland, UK
2019 Mercedes Benz S500L AMG Premium Plus
Check Oil without dipstick

Sorry if this detail has been posted previously, but I could not find it.

After playing around with my W203 I found out how to get a more accurate oil level on my W211 too. This is on a Jan 2004 E320 CDI.

1. Insert key to position 1. (Must be taken out and reinserted if you have been driving).
2. Select standard display in MFD ie Temp/digi speed
3. Press the reset button at left side of cluster 3 times in quick succesion.
4. You will now see current battery voltage ie UB 13.9
5. Press up arrow on steering wheel. This takes you to some stats inc SW version. Note engine oil level at bottom. You will need to start engine for this to register. Contrary to the normal way to check oil, you will get a more accurate reading by this method with a COLD engine.
6. If you press the up arrow again you get the VIN number
7. Press it again you get some dyno setting (WTF that?)
8. Press it again it takes you into a service menu. WATCH WHAT YOU ARE DOING IN HERE AS YOU MAY CANCEL A REQUIRED SERVICE ITEM IN ERROR.

YOU CAN DRIVE THE CAR IN THIS MODE AND WATCH THE SUMP OIL LEVEL FLUCTUATE. HOWEVER, BE WARY AS I UNDERSTAND THAT IN THIS MODE THINGS LIKE BAS, ESP ETC ARE DISABLED!!!!

To get back to normal just take the key out again.


Have fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Reply
Old Nov 20, 2004 | 09:27 AM
  #2  
BudC's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,794
Likes: 3
From: Valley of the Sun, Arizona
2011 E550, 2013 GLK
I found this out too but you pointed out one thing I didn't know, that you had to start the engine to get the oil level.

Thanks for the Info.
Reply
Old Nov 20, 2004 | 09:41 AM
  #3  
ATS's Avatar
ATS
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,492
Likes: 0
From: Canada
2004 E500 / 2001 C240
This has been posted before.. I was in there and tried to find a way in there for 6 months. Finally someone here posted how to do it..

With the DYNO you can also completly disable traction control.
Reply
Old Nov 20, 2004 | 09:42 AM
  #4  
ATS's Avatar
ATS
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,492
Likes: 0
From: Canada
2004 E500 / 2001 C240
Originally Posted by BudC
I found this out too but you pointed out one thing I didn't know, that you had to start the engine to get the oil level.

Thanks for the Info.
You do not need to start the engine, just turn to position 2.
Reply
Old Nov 20, 2004 | 10:25 AM
  #5  
BudC's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,794
Likes: 3
From: Valley of the Sun, Arizona
2011 E550, 2013 GLK
Originally Posted by atssystems.com
You do not need to start the engine, just turn to position 2.
Thanks, that makes more sense.
Reply
Old Nov 20, 2004 | 12:21 PM
  #6  
Barry45RPM's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 5,017
Likes: 16
From: Ft. Lauderdale Area, USA
2015 ML 350
Dyno Setting

I remember reading somewhere that when you are IN the dyno setting, the ABS, and "traction control" stability systems, and a couple of other things that allow the car's computer to intervene and influence handling are turned off. It is designed so that when on a dyno, the car can not influence power measurement in any way.

Last edited by Barry45RPM; Nov 20, 2004 at 03:06 PM.
Reply
Old Nov 20, 2004 | 12:55 PM
  #7  
HELL ONA HARLEY's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,439
Likes: 1
From: THE NAPA VALLEY, CA
Build date 2-04 E500
Originally Posted by Barry45RPM
I remember reading somewhere that when you are IN the dyno setting, the ABS, and "traction control" and a couple of other things that allow the car's computer to intervene and influence handling are turned off. It is designed so that when on a dyno, the car can not influence power measurement in any way.

Heres the details......... https://mbworld.org/forums/showthrea...&highlight=ESP
Reply
Old Feb 11, 2005 | 10:55 PM
  #8  
RJC's Avatar
RJC
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 6,061
Likes: 326
From: 2000 ft over the FL coast in a B-17
Various
I just checked my oil using the standard method and the display said "reduce engine oil!" but then I used the method above and it registered 8.0 quarts, the car was at normal op temp when I turned it off and I let it sit for about 10mins before checking. 8.0 is exactly how much oil the 500 is supposed to have, is the above test only to be used when cold? Should I bring the car to the dealer and have them reduce the oil or is the first display inaccurate at times? Thanks
Reply
MB World Stories

The Best of Mercedes & AMG

story-0

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

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Feb 12, 2005 | 11:04 AM
  #9  
cdiken's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 551
Likes: 2
From: Virginia
2005 Carlsson CD32 E320 CDI Inline-6
8.0 on the high-side...

You should take it to the dealer, could be overfilled, or....sensor out of range.

if you're overfilled its not by much, full fill is 7.0-7.5 qts.(I THINK NOT 100% positive). Verify this independantly.

The real issues is...since there is no dipstick, that sensor needs to work properly. It could be off, spitting out false high readings, thus IF your engine ever becomes critically low, LOW OIL PRESSURE could be your only warning before your engine implodes.

KB
Reply
Old Feb 12, 2005 | 11:49 AM
  #10  
BudC's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,794
Likes: 3
From: Valley of the Sun, Arizona
2011 E550, 2013 GLK
Originally Posted by RJC
I just checked my oil using the standard method and the display said "reduce engine oil!" but then I used the method above and it registered 8.0 quarts, the car was at normal op temp when I turned it off and I let it sit for about 10mins before checking. 8.0 is exactly how much oil the 500 is supposed to have, is the above test only to be used when cold? Should I bring the car to the dealer and have them reduce the oil or is the first display inaccurate at times? Thanks
Are you sure it didn't say 8.0l? I'm in the US and mine displays the level in liters. The capacity of the V8 is 7.5 liters and the capacity of the V6 is 8.0 liters. If the V8 showed 8.0 liters that's too much. Did you recently have the oil changed or add oil?
Reply
Old Feb 12, 2005 | 12:52 PM
  #11  
RJC's Avatar
RJC
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 6,061
Likes: 326
From: 2000 ft over the FL coast in a B-17
Various
Smile

Update.

I checked this morning in both modes advanced and normal, normal displayed oil level ok and advanced showed 7.8 quarts, according to my owners manual 8.0 quarts is the capacity for the V8 500.
Reply
Old Feb 12, 2005 | 01:05 PM
  #12  
BudC's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,794
Likes: 3
From: Valley of the Sun, Arizona
2011 E550, 2013 GLK
Originally Posted by RJC
Update.

I checked this morning in both modes advanced and normal, normal displayed oil level ok and advanced showed 7.8 quarts, according to my owners manual 8.0 quarts is the capacity for the V8 500.
Did your car indicate 7.8Q (for quarts) or just 7.8? The reason I ask is that mine shows the value in liters such as 7.8l and I have a US car.
Reply
Old Feb 12, 2005 | 01:13 PM
  #13  
RJC's Avatar
RJC
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 6,061
Likes: 326
From: 2000 ft over the FL coast in a B-17
Various
Quarts
Reply
Old Feb 12, 2005 | 01:31 PM
  #14  
BudC's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,794
Likes: 3
From: Valley of the Sun, Arizona
2011 E550, 2013 GLK
Originally Posted by RJC
Quarts
So it says 7.8Q? I wonder why mine shows 7.5l. Now I'm really confused.
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 08:07 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