Dealer overfilled my oil Now I have two leaks
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 12
Likes: 1
From: Orange County, CA
S550 (W222)
Dealer overfilled my oil Now I have two leaks
Foot Hill Ranch Mercedes over filled my oil and now I have 3 oil leaks. There claiming not over filled but I looked at the dipstick it was way over. I started getting leaks on my drive way and on the plastic cover on drivers side. There obviously deflecting and saying if the oil level light on dash board didn't go on then its not overfilled. I unfortunately have a brain and know that Mercedes dipsticks are rather precise and each notch tells you how much over or under you are. The probability that all three leaks happen at once right after service isn't exactly a Sherlock Holmes mystery. Now they want me to pay for an oil pan gasket and oil cooler gasket as well as some small amount on timing chain cover but I shouldn't worry about it? How do I have no oil leaks before service A and now I have 3 at once? When I pay for dealer service I expect experts not incompetent technicians. I had a great relationship and confidence in my last service advisor but he left a few months ago. I feel so disgusted with the Mercedes Dealers where I live. Now I know why enthusiasts work on there own cars and don't let anyone touch them. 2014 s550 74,xxx miles.
Super Member
Joined: May 2011
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From: Fort Worth TX
2020 S560, 2014 SLK55 (Prev. 2016 S65, 2013 SLK350, 2008 CLS63, 2006 E350, 2006 CLS500, 2005 C230K)
In this case the position of the dealer is reasonable in the sense that an overfilled engine will not cause leaks (it will cause foaming which is a problem in its own right), pressure is regulated by the oil pump and the locations described are likely not under oil pressure.
While it is very negligent of them to overfill in the fist place it will be hard to get them to cover the bill for the leaks.
While it is very negligent of them to overfill in the fist place it will be hard to get them to cover the bill for the leaks.
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Joined: Jan 2015
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15 S550 4Matic, 86 560SL
In this case the position of the dealer is reasonable in the sense that an overfilled engine will not cause leaks (it will cause foaming which is a problem in its own right), pressure is regulated by the oil pump and the locations described are likely not under oil pressure.
While it is very negligent of them to overfill in the fist place it will be hard to get them to cover the bill for the leaks.
While it is very negligent of them to overfill in the fist place it will be hard to get them to cover the bill for the leaks.
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Joined: Jul 2007
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From: Santa Barbara, CA
S550C4, Porsche Cayenne
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2011
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W212 FL
Sorry to hear that , would your dealer mistakenly damage the gaskets while filling up the engine ? If there's any leaks as a result of overfilling it should stop at a certain point once it gets down to proper level
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 287
Likes: 74
From: Colorado
2004 W240 Maybach 57
Yes, it's a shame things are like this. I do believe, however, that your issue is simply they did a sloppy job and spilled the oil. If you are not comfortable DIY, you might want to look around for an Indy Mechanic. Look for reviews online, Yelp or Nextdoor, for example.
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From: New York
2025 Range Rover, 2022 BMW M850 , 2017 MB E400 Coupe
I would feel the same way as OP. It's not normal when you go to a MB dealership for simple service ( Oil change) and next day after service you're getting 3 oil leaks. Clearly dealer did something wrong and now he's trying to charge the customer for mistakes that was done by MB stuff.
At first I'd try to contact the general manager of this dealership and talk to him. My next step would be MB headquarters.
At first I'd try to contact the general manager of this dealership and talk to him. My next step would be MB headquarters.
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Senior Member
Joined: May 2016
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G63/RR LWB/W222 S550
I doubt overfilling caused those leaks. Those leaks are common around your mileage.
Perhaps they can give you a discount or eat one of the leaks and you pay the other two?
Going to the dealer to even fix a XYZ issue out of warranty is tricky. Techs are overworked and under extreme pressure to get the car back out asap. Many times issues that need complex time diagnosis are overlooked and half assed diaged. I know plenty of stories throughout at almost every brand where the dealer charged XYZ to fix ABC and the issue still occurs. They will very seldom refund you and say “we made a mistake” it’ll always be “well you needed that done anyway and now you need this also”.
I would get those leaks taken care of and do another oil change for peace of mind.
Perhaps they can give you a discount or eat one of the leaks and you pay the other two?
Going to the dealer to even fix a XYZ issue out of warranty is tricky. Techs are overworked and under extreme pressure to get the car back out asap. Many times issues that need complex time diagnosis are overlooked and half assed diaged. I know plenty of stories throughout at almost every brand where the dealer charged XYZ to fix ABC and the issue still occurs. They will very seldom refund you and say “we made a mistake” it’ll always be “well you needed that done anyway and now you need this also”.
I would get those leaks taken care of and do another oil change for peace of mind.
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Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 12
Likes: 1
From: Orange County, CA
S550 (W222)
I pay extra to go to the dealer so that I will get genuine Mercedes Parts and the best personnel that are certified to work on my cars. It is just annoying to have to deal with this and then they have the ***** to say that I have multiple leaks and then try to pass the cost onto me. I use to have the local mechanic do my oil changes on my old 2006 BMW 325i e90 but then him and his crew said that they screwed up and didn't tighten the oil filter all the way or at all maybe and then they were cleaning up oil that splattered all over my engine bay. I never went back there again. Its hard to find competent people. That's why after that I said I will only go to dealers because they work on those makes and models all day everyday and not mess it up and don't mind paying extra for there experience. The service advisor admitted they screwed up in the beginning and then played dumb when I went to pick up my car. Mercedes Corporate doesn't care and say they are powerless and that dealers must be dealt with locally. Its a perfect game of hot potato.
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 573
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From: Half Moon Bay, CA
2016 S550e, 2005 Nissan Xterra 4x4, 1984 300ZX
If you look at the Indy mechanic vs. the stealership, yes they have access to geninue parts but so does any Indy mechanic, these are not Telsa's that don't allow access to replacement parts. If your a mechanic at the dealer your not paid very well and as a result they shuffle through mechanics. I had good luck with my Nissan's under warranty until they were not competent and screwed up multiple thing. I just spent $330 for A service (with a coupon for $50 off) and that is probably the last time they touch my cars, not because I don't trust them but my Indy charges $150 for same oil and filter and he has the right computer to work with all cars. I talk directly to the master mechanic and the owner (also master) and someone has to pay for those service writers 100k+ salaries and the coffee machine.
I agree with the compliants to have those leaks right after a service they should stand up and help you.
I agree with the compliants to have those leaks right after a service they should stand up and help you.
