CDI Oil usage
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From: Charlotte NC area
2019 WS222 S450 4-Matic / 2007 W211 E350 4Matic (Sold) / 2008 X164 GL320 CDI
CDI Oil usage
What is the normal oil consumption for a 320 CDI?
I know most diesels require a bit of topping up, and just want to get an idea what people are finding as normal.
I have 100K on mine (just purchased) and added about a 8 oz when the "Check oil at next fuel stop" message came up.
I am about 300 miles from the next old change, but don't know if it was topped up at all in the last 9700 miles. (10K change service interval)
I know most diesels require a bit of topping up, and just want to get an idea what people are finding as normal.
I have 100K on mine (just purchased) and added about a 8 oz when the "Check oil at next fuel stop" message came up.
I am about 300 miles from the next old change, but don't know if it was topped up at all in the last 9700 miles. (10K change service interval)
Thread Starter
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 12,517
Likes: 628
From: Charlotte NC area
2019 WS222 S450 4-Matic / 2007 W211 E350 4Matic (Sold) / 2008 X164 GL320 CDI
Yes, the Quart per 1000 miles is a long standing industry number for getting warranty repairs on an engine.
I was more interested in the typical sue for out GL320's (And cars with similar engines).
How far below normal does the "Check Level" message come up?
How much oil is the fill between "Min" and "Max"?
Mine looked like it was about 3/4 of the way to "Min" before I added the oil, and a little less than 1/2 way after adding.
On rechecking, I added about 12 oz or so.
I was more interested in the typical sue for out GL320's (And cars with similar engines).
How far below normal does the "Check Level" message come up?
How much oil is the fill between "Min" and "Max"?
Mine looked like it was about 3/4 of the way to "Min" before I added the oil, and a little less than 1/2 way after adding.
On rechecking, I added about 12 oz or so.
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Joined: Feb 2009
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From: NW corner of CONUS
2008 GL 320 CDI, 2004 VW V10 Touareg TDI
I put in a L or so at about 10000 mi, usually some time before I pull a sample to send off for a UOA. My oil change intervals (with the uoa) are typically a bit over 20kmi.
My "check oil next fillup" message comes on about when the oil level gets to the lower 'hash' marks (the reduced diameter portion if the dipstick plastic). Adding a full liter brings the oil up almost to the top of the hash marks.
All UOA results have normal for wear elements but the potassium levels have been routinely more than 'normal' indicating I have a very small coolant leak (I've added coolant/water twice in the 88k miles I've driven the car. About a cup of water each time.
There are no brown/muddy colors in the oil indicating coolant contamination. Never have been any.
My "check oil next fillup" message comes on about when the oil level gets to the lower 'hash' marks (the reduced diameter portion if the dipstick plastic). Adding a full liter brings the oil up almost to the top of the hash marks.
All UOA results have normal for wear elements but the potassium levels have been routinely more than 'normal' indicating I have a very small coolant leak (I've added coolant/water twice in the 88k miles I've driven the car. About a cup of water each time.
There are no brown/muddy colors in the oil indicating coolant contamination. Never have been any.
Thread Starter
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 12,517
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From: Charlotte NC area
2019 WS222 S450 4-Matic / 2007 W211 E350 4Matic (Sold) / 2008 X164 GL320 CDI
Sounds like 10k changes are conservative for this engine (Good to hear).
I was having fun on a hilly road when it come on, so that might account for it still being in the normal range.
I was having fun on a hilly road when it come on, so that might account for it still being in the normal range.
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All UOA results have normal for wear elements but the potassium levels have been routinely more than 'normal' indicating I have a very small coolant leak (I've added coolant/water twice in the 88k miles I've driven the car. About a cup of water each time.
There are no brown/muddy colors in the oil indicating coolant contamination. Never have been any.
There are no brown/muddy colors in the oil indicating coolant contamination. Never have been any.
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 711
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From: NW corner of CONUS
2008 GL 320 CDI, 2004 VW V10 Touareg TDI
I'm not at all sure any is getting into the coolant - there could be a tiny seep from the head gasket into a combustion chamber OR a small amount could be getting out of any of the myriad of connections from metal to rubber in the coolant system - none of which leave any external sign visible without tearing the engine down. Could even be going directly into the exhaust through the EGR cooler. Not worth worrying about!
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Joined: Jan 2013
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2021 V167
oil usage
I have a 11 model GL and a 12 model sprinter van (same engine). My experience has been if you are easy on the motor when cold and allow it to warm up gingerly it will not use much if any oil. Cold starts with high rpm driving is when i saw it on my other sprinter.
So far 0 consumption on both of my OM642 motors. Seems like the sprinter version uses alot more of the AdBlue exhaust fluid though....
So far 0 consumption on both of my OM642 motors. Seems like the sprinter version uses alot more of the AdBlue exhaust fluid though....
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Thread Starter
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 12,517
Likes: 628
From: Charlotte NC area
2019 WS222 S450 4-Matic / 2007 W211 E350 4Matic (Sold) / 2008 X164 GL320 CDI
I have a 11 model GL and a 12 model sprinter van (same engine). My experience has been if you are easy on the motor when cold and allow it to warm up gingerly it will not use much if any oil. Cold starts with high rpm driving is when i saw it on my other sprinter.
So far 0 consumption on both of my OM642 motors. Seems like the sprinter version uses alot more of the AdBlue exhaust fluid though....
So far 0 consumption on both of my OM642 motors. Seems like the sprinter version uses alot more of the AdBlue exhaust fluid though....
Not arguing, just curious:
How often do you check the oil?
Do they use "None", or just never enough to require topping up?
Thanks.
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 711
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From: NW corner of CONUS
2008 GL 320 CDI, 2004 VW V10 Touareg TDI
Since Adblu is used to reduce the amount of NOx, and more NOx is produced when the engine is putting out more power (ie higher combustion temps), it stands to reason that, given the Sprinter's very tall and square design, it takes more power to move it down the road thus more Adblu is used to convert the NOx.
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 421
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2021 V167
oil checking
I found a spot of diesel fuel the other day that was the result of the dealer recall on the fuel filter. They were just messy when changing the fuel filter, fuel ran down the back of the engine and ended up on the belly pan. By me checking things out i dropped the pan and cleaned up the backside of the motor. Shame on the factory service guy for not having more pride.
When i check the levels on both engines, neither use any. I change the oils myself and fill exactly to the plastic indent at "F". Also i make it a habit to check totally cold so all oil is back down in the pan, never use the electronic checker on the dash.
Last edited by KrustyKustom; Mar 6, 2013 at 08:43 PM.
