Different Readings on Oil Level mode
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 356
Likes: 103
2021 GLE 450
Different Readings on Oil Level mode
Can anyone explain to me why after driving for a few miles, my oil level mode scale indicator shows full and sometimes it shows at half?
Sometimes I'll start the car and check it too early when it tells me it's not available sort of message. I can then get a reading showing full while driving and a while later shows a half or visa vera.
Then other times I start the engine, drive for maybe 10 miles and it's full, I stop the car, go into a store, come out start the car and it shows half again.
Dealer told me it's an exact gauge and if the oil hasn't drained down into the pan, it may show half. They said even if it's a half, you are still good to go, not problem.
Can anyone comment on this?
When it gets down to say "add I quart" and indicator is near the bottom, then you need to pay attention the dealer said.
Toban
Sometimes I'll start the car and check it too early when it tells me it's not available sort of message. I can then get a reading showing full while driving and a while later shows a half or visa vera.
Then other times I start the engine, drive for maybe 10 miles and it's full, I stop the car, go into a store, come out start the car and it shows half again.
Dealer told me it's an exact gauge and if the oil hasn't drained down into the pan, it may show half. They said even if it's a half, you are still good to go, not problem.
Can anyone comment on this?
When it gets down to say "add I quart" and indicator is near the bottom, then you need to pay attention the dealer said.
Toban
Last edited by toban; Sep 22, 2022 at 10:34 PM.
Super Member
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 510
Likes: 71
From: New Jersey
2024 GLE 580
On my 2021 GLE450 Between my 10,000 and 20,000 service my oil went from full to half. Inquired about it and the Service Rep really didn't have an answer but said not to worry about it. No evidence of a leak.
Once on my 2020 GLE450 I got a warning about high oil pressure and when checking oil gauge it was ABOVE FULL...I suspected error since there is no way oil was being added. I pulled over and shut off vehicle...Waited a minute and restarted and everything was normal.
Once on my 2020 GLE450 I got a warning about high oil pressure and when checking oil gauge it was ABOVE FULL...I suspected error since there is no way oil was being added. I pulled over and shut off vehicle...Waited a minute and restarted and everything was normal.
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 827
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From: Florida (727)
It could be a faulty sensor since they removed the dipstick to check the oil level. I noticed in my GLE it would always stay at full but now it is slightly under full since the dealership just had it for warranty work.
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 60
Likes: 27
From: Portland, OR
2021 GLE450 / 2008 C300
Luckily I stumbled across the digital oil level gauge (hidden at bottom of "Service" menu, below tire pressure and coolant) to discover level at minimum. 2 quarts brought it to full. Watched closer on next trip and again had to add oil. I notice no oil level drop on normal driving (not towing). From what I've researched on the internet, it is not unusual for engines to burn more oil when towing.
Also, am I correct in not being able to find a traditional dip stick in the 450 motor?
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From: Lake Oswego, OR
2020 GLE 450; 2023 BMW M2 Coupe
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'21 AMG53 wDPP & ARC, 19 GLC300 - Former-03 C240,2 ML BlueTecs,20 GLE450 E-ABC,15 Cayenne D,17 Macan
There are two reasons for ditching the dipstick.
First, it's actually a measurable source of emissions, and then it also obstructs under hood aerodynamics. That air flow is designed to cool things under there like electronics, AC compressors and other heat generating stuff.
First, it's actually a measurable source of emissions, and then it also obstructs under hood aerodynamics. That air flow is designed to cool things under there like electronics, AC compressors and other heat generating stuff.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 6,770
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From: Lake Oswego, OR
2020 GLE 450; 2023 BMW M2 Coupe
Dipsticks going away
There are two reasons for ditching the dipstick.
First, it's actually a measurable source of emissions, and then it also obstructs under hood aerodynamics. That air flow is designed to cool things under there like electronics, AC compressors and other heat generating stuff.
First, it's actually a measurable source of emissions, and then it also obstructs under hood aerodynamics. That air flow is designed to cool things under there like electronics, AC compressors and other heat generating stuff.
Most auto sources seem to think the main reason is the average person just doesn't use them and the electronic solution is easier (and probably a couple bucks cheaper). https://jalopnik.com/why-the-dipstick-is-dying-5522543
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MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: Costco
2023 S500
I agree with Greg and frankly I never heard that under hood aerodynamics was a thing let alone a dipstick could disrupt that. Even if it did, the trade off more than makes up for the inconvenience.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2009
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From: Colorado
'21 AMG53 wDPP & ARC, 19 GLC300 - Former-03 C240,2 ML BlueTecs,20 GLE450 E-ABC,15 Cayenne D,17 Macan
I don't agree with either of those suppositions. Dipsticks are supposed to have vacuum seals around them, and removing one to check while the engine is cold is not an issue of emissions. Under hood aerodynamics??? If you've looked your engine there is nothing aerodynamic going in the compartment that a tiny dipstick will affect......
Dipsticks are a real source of emissions during the epa's soak process, where are the car is contained in a completely sealed air lock tent for 24 hours before and after the MPG run, and absolutely everything is filtered, weighed and analized. The aerodynamics around the heat producing elements under the Engine air shroud are very important. I saw a recent AMG YouTube discussion about that air flow, and how the cooling flaps in the grill are dynamically adjusted to facilitate that airflow.
The under-the-shroud area is the radiator exit, and managing that flow and not overheating other stuff is no trivial thing.
Last edited by mikapen; Sep 24, 2022 at 12:30 AM.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 356
Likes: 103
2021 GLE 450
I come back and ask.
Why does the gauge sometimes read full and other times it reads 1/2 full?
One time I'll start it and after awhile it shows full. Start another time and awhile later it shows 1/2. Then will go back to full.
Not pulling anything.
Dealer told me at a 1/2 you are fine?
Toban
Why does the gauge sometimes read full and other times it reads 1/2 full?
One time I'll start it and after awhile it shows full. Start another time and awhile later it shows 1/2. Then will go back to full.
Not pulling anything.
Dealer told me at a 1/2 you are fine?
Toban
