neowox

I own a C300 Sedan. We always take it to the dealership for service. We just took it into service and the service manager calls us and tells us the dipstick is missing. Since we take it to them for service, they assumed responsibility for the dipstick. After the call we reviewed the records and found a small note on our service from November stating that the dipstick was missing.

I'm under the impression that dirt and sand can find it's way to the bearings in the engine through exposed opening left by the missing dipstick. While I appreciate the dealership accepting responsibility, they are adamant that no damage was done to the engine. Just a couple weeks ago before this discovery, we drove the car 1500 miles in 4 days for a cross-country trip. Should we be concerned about the condition of our engine?

In addition, I'm not happy with the multiple failures of the service department and the attitude that they have taken regarding my concern. We are very careful about being respectful with our service manager as we understand that he is not directly responsible but I do not believe that the service manager is addressing our concerns professionally. I would like to bring this to the attention of Mercedes Benz.

Lastly, we were going to purchase a new Mercedes in the next month or so, but now we are reluctant to proceed as they are by far the most convenient dealership for us and I'm not sure I want to give this dealership our continued business.

Thanks!

Plutoe

I can appreciate your unfounded concerns, however, I think that you have some responsibility as a car owner to once in awhile lift the hood and nose around---for what who knows, but if you had done that you would have noticed the missing dipstick months ago and we would have saved bandwidth and you a nights sleep!!

The good news is that if the SM is any good he will have tightened up on his shop practices.

GLENN S.

Why didn't they order a dipstick in November? Incompetent! I can't believe the ck engine lamp didn't cone on.

Euler

What are you expecting them to do? Maybe a complete engine tear down to look for a speck of sand that fell into the dip stick which was then sucked up by the oil pump then properly and safely captured by the oil filter. Good lord man, learn what matters and what doesn't. You will sleep much better.

ALFAitalia

You should be checking your oil level at the very least monthly....if you looked after your car as you should you would have noticed it missing months ago. Are you seriously suggesting that you don't check your oil between services!? Be thankful you even have a dipstick...it was an option on my 209 CLK !