Clueless Ron

I have a 2014 MB E350 4-Matic. HOW DO I FIND THE OIL DIPSTICK? I never saw this message before... during the last 8 years... but now I am reading "Check your oil level the next time you fill up with gas." Is there an actual physical dipstick on the 2014 model, or was it eliminated by that time and perhaps now I have to check the oil level using the onboard computer? THANKS VERY MUCH TO ANYONE WHO CAN HELP ME! ... Clueless Ron

W205C43PFL

If I recalled correctly, it is located near the back top right.

W205C43PFL

If you still can't find it, post your thread here as well, the owners there might be able to help you out: https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w212-109/

MJ50

moved to W212 forum...

W205C43PFL

That always works, then OP doesn't have to go through the hassle of reposting. Thanks.

DFWdude

Clueless, have you even bothered to look?

Open the hood and look on the driver's side at the rear of the engine. The pull handle is a brightly colored plastic hoop (yellow on mine). You simply can't miss it.

kajtek1

One thing I learned about MB is that you never can take anything for granted.
Not only several engine models don't have dipstick, but very often with more and more components on top of the engine, it is hard to recognize parts.
Took my 1 hr seeking transmission dipstick on my Sprinter. When I was looking for it at firewall, it was extended to the front of the engine and hidden under DPF fill neck.
Still OP if you did not need it for 8 years, why bother now? Just pour a bottle of oil and forget about it.
BEWARE that modern MB engines often don't have oil pressure gauges, so low oil alarm might be the only thing before disaster.

DFWdude

Finding one's oil dipstick is not Mercedes-Benz class 101... It's automobile ownership class 101.

kajtek1

Then, there is good reason why 99% of US mechanics will not touch MB.

CaliBenzDriver

Thing is filling up oil on the road is not standard procedure.
You've got to figure why it got abnormally low!

Driving on smoke is a recipe for disaster... don't take my word, keep us posted

kajtek1

Actually it is. With latest MB technology we are getting spoiled with engine who can do between oil changes without addition, but I am old enough and drove cheaper brands to remember checking oil level every morning, where adding wasn't that rare.
My 1972 Detroit had 1 gal reservoir plumbed on top of the engine, so you could add oil with easy valve opening while fueling.
US cult is to fill oil to Max when changing, so 1l of burned oil will drop it 1/2 way between the marks, but if it was filled to 1/2 between the marks, after few thousands miles the light might pop.

CaliBenzDriver

I thought modern Diesel were not supposed to polute with Euro IV engines.
Do you know if burning 1 or more Qt of Diesel engine oil is factored in clean air regulations?

The cats of gasoline engines are subject to getting contaminated by oil particulates... so it's all right to think twice when adding a Qt between early oil change.

With that said what are your go to MB oil ?

kajtek1

I don't know how much norms changed over the years, but years ago, fellow W210 owner had to keep adding oil to his engine and having warranty - made a claim. The dealer made him recording all the addition and if I remember it right, 1l /1000 miles was still acceptable.
MB doesn't manufacture oils.

W205C43PFL

I wonder if it has to do with if break-in was performed properly or if break-in was skipped or the owner did the break-in but wasn't done properly that contributed to excessive oil consumption between oil changes?

kajtek1

Long story short. After years of struggling with adding oil, other job found small leak in hard to see area.
Meaning it wasn't engine burning it.
Still MB norms at the time would allow 1l burned oil /1000 miles.

DFWdude

After just one post, I wonder if Clueless Ron ever found his dipstick?

CaliBenzDriver

... he's still trying to locate the hood release 🙂

slovcan

You know, I learned decades ago that most of the world is geared to the lowest common denominator. Whether that is the slowest learner in school or - moreso these days - folks with physical challenges or whatever analogy applies. Ron may legitimately have been looking for help or reassurance here, but only got to the first post. I knew nothing about MB when I got here and am receiving invaluable advice and education. Thank you all for helping me out.

Ron, you got a couple of proper answers here. Maybe start over with an introduction and other folks will start over, as well. Lots of folks have been the butt of the joke at some point in their lives. Most bounce back, but we all remember how it felt.

Cheers,
Glenn

Edit: I just had a quick look at his profile. 73 years old, yes, his only post, hasn't been back, so maybe he got his answer on another forum or found it himself.

DFWdude

At my 71 years as I write this, I've found the dipstick on 30-40+ separate and individual internal combustion engines, ranging from more than 2-dozen automobiles and trucks of all sizes, to agricultural tractors, garden tractors, lawn mowers, air compressors, etc., etc., etc...... 90% of them before the invention of the internet, and social media like these forums. Owner's manual not required, either.

I certainly hope he found the dipstick by himself. Sorry to harp on this, but as I noted earlier in this thread, I consider finding a dipstick to be as basic as finding a gas cap, a tire stem, a gear shift lever, or even a keyed ignition switch.

I've asked each of my two adult daughters if they know where the dipstick is in their cars. They responded "yes" instantly.

Just to be sure everyone understands...

I realize the OP's question was to determine if his MB's electronics had replaced a dipstick. But IMO, the question, "HOW DO I FIND THE OIL DIPSTICK?" is easily solved -- first and easiest -- by looking under the hood. My simple point was (and is) that it takes less time to raise the hood and look for the dipstick... than it does to think of a user name and password to register at this website, wait for admin acceptance via email, and then login, navigate to this forum, and type a first post as a question... and wait for an answer.

slovcan

Dude, I get all that. I am a more mechanical person than most. But that wasn't my point. I always try to help no matter what I think of the question. If I was CluelessRon, I would feel bad that folks in my new forum preferred to call out the question rather than the answer. A simple answer is nice and not hard to do. It's how I was raised. No matter, he's gone, I expect.

You're not a Lebowski from Florida, are you? 😊

Cheers,
Glenn

W205C43PFL

I see.

LT Texan

It took me quite a while to consider looking at the back of the engine along the firewall for the dipstick. And there it is, lime green and laughing at you for taking so long.

W205C43PFL

Were some model years supplied with a red tip instead?

DFWdude

Oh please, let's not get too complicated. For some, just finding the dipstick is a big achievement.

W205C43PFL

https://redbook.pxcrush.net/redbookc...ze=1795%2C1195 (top right, red dipstick well I guess that is more pink than red not a W212 but I am wondering if a W212 had this dipstick during its life cycle)
I was hoping the big red (or pink) dipstick top will make it obviously that it is dangerous! do not touch... oh wait...