2012 merc amg

Generally after getting an oil change I always check the dip stick to verify that the car has fresh oil in it. Now without the engine having a dipstick in model years 2018 and up on the S class how does a person know if the oil was really changed or not?. Maybe the dealer or whatever garage works on the car just top off the oil every time the car is serviced and the oil could be 30K miles old and gook. Thats one thing that really bothers me without having a dip stick. I have caught places before with checking the oil on the stick and it was still dirty after a oil change. Made them re service the car. I guess with this new to me 2018 I have I'm going to get the 1 hour express service done at the dealer and request they do it in the service area with windows open to the waiting area to verify that they are draining the oil. It would be too easy to cheat and just top off the oil every time, a lot of people will take the easy way out if they can get away with it. I've seen people before put scribe marks on their external spin on oil filters to verify it was changed when I use to own a quick lube. I guess you cant blame them. With the Benz though you cant even do that as it uses a cartridge element.

superpop

This is why I do my own oil changes. I know exactly what was done and when. I just document each change and save the receipts.

2012 merc amg

Thats the one thing I miss over my 2017 S at least that car had a dip stick.

SW20S

Yeah I'm not in love with the lack of a dipstick.

hyperion667

Oh come on! Everyone knows the dealers are 100 percent trustworthy and would never cheat you

2012 merc amg

I actually had it happen on my Wagon at the 10K mile service that I picked up by looking at the dipstick that there was still dirty oil in the car after them doing the 10K service. Had to bring the car back in again to have it re-done. After it was re-done the oil was clean on the stick. Without the dipstick I never would have picked this up.

Moto_Guzzi

That was fraud by the dealer.

2012 merc amg

I really believe it was an honest mistake. They insisted it was done but did agree to take the car back. I know oil well as I’m a retired quick lube chain owner. Point is this sort of mistake can happen although very rare and without a dip stick you don’t know how dirty or clean the oil floating around inside the engine is.

MBNUT1

Can you pull the oil filler cap and take a sample that way?

stever500

So there's no answer to this dilemma? This sucks for us!

2012 merc amg

Not a bad idea with pulling the cap and sticking a finger in there and get some oil on the tip of your finger. I guess even checking the oil color and consistency in this way would only work for so long anyhow. The first 50K miles if changed regularly I think I could probably tell if fresh oil was put in the car. After 50K miles or so the engine starts getting more dirty inside and it would be harder and harder to tell if it was changed as the new oil put in would get dirtier in a matter of minutes with the engine running. But I can definitely tell in a lower mileage car thats been maintained. It looks pretty yellow and clean for the first few days after it is changed. The old oil is darker and has more of a petroleum odor to it. You can put a sample of it onto a white paper towel to even further enhance the effect.

seamus2154

I agree with everything you said. I have seen and caught a couple of oil change scams in my time. It is VERY common for lube places to drop half the oil and change a filter to save on costs. Others size up the owner and dont even do that. Youtube has many scams on video. Disturbing. Now even older I still change my own oil. I do have two lifts at my garage to make this easy. I would never trust an oil change done outside of my presence. I believe it is less likely at the dealer especially if you request to meet the tech and ask some questions. Another thing you can do is ask for some of the old oil for an oil analysis. This will show, you will be checking, and they have to get that oil from somewhere, also that you are an aware car guy. Blackstone labs provides oil anaysis kits.

Also I have kept several cars from new with 5K synthetic oil changes for up to 100K and the inside of my motor is cast iron grey. My number if 5k on the S550 but it starts getting brown and dirty at about 4K. Mobil 1 0W/40.

Katie22

Do my own oil changes so I know its done correctly.

SW20S

I'll just take it to somebody trustworthy and take my chances lol. Don't have the time or the facilities to do my own oil changes

Katie22

You know whats funny about oil changes is that the S Class is the easiest I have ever done. I mean you suck the oil out of the dipstick tube, you change the filter on the front of the engine at the top and you pour oil in. The job literally took less than a half hour and did it all while standing at front of car.

SW20S

Still have to dispose of the oil and all...and mine has no dipstick tube

Katie22

I should have been more clear. On my V12 there is no dipstick BUT there is a tube with a plug you remove and thats where you suck the oil out. IT is clear that this is also what would be used as a dipstick tube.

SW20S

I'll have to look and see if theres any such tube in mine...

Katie22

Look for this 2 its at the front of the engine.

Mine is black but its the same plug. On the v12 its at the front of the engine.