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Changed my oil the other day and put in 8.75 qts initially (vs. 9.5 spec) planning to top it off later using the dash oil level display. Of course the owner's manual has zero information about how to read the damn thing. It looks like this ... the "Oil level OK" message is nice, but leaves me wondering what exactly the horizontal lines and 'Min", "Max" lables actually mean?
In my S63 I can go into the workshop menu and see the exact level in quarts so I used that to determin what this gauge says. The max fill line is at the bottom of the top section of the barrel. And the minimum allowed is at the bottom of that center section. The S63 takes 9.0 quarts. When I was at 9.2 quarts the level on this gauge was slightly above the max line. At that time, in another menu on my car it said to drain .1 quarts to be at optimal oil level, just a message not a warning. Hope that helps.
I think when in the workshop menu it gives more info on the level? I could be mistaken. Mine was where yours is and I added a bit to get it up one line. Definitely splitting hairs and sure it makes no difference and where you are is fine, I just wanted it up a line.
In my S63 I can go into the workshop menu and see the exact level in quarts so I used that to determin what this gauge says. The max fill line is at the bottom of the top section of the barrel. And the minimum allowed is at the bottom of that center section. The S63 takes 9.0 quarts. When I was at 9.2 quarts the level on this gauge was slightly above the max line. At that time, in another menu on my car it said to drain .1 quarts to be at optimal oil level, just a message not a warning. Hope that helps.
Hi Carlos.
Is this same oil level feature on my ‘15 4 mastic as well?
2023 E 450 Sedan. 2018 GLC 300. 2013 E 350 Coupe (retired)
Also be aware that it is not like a physical dipstick as it takes time for changes in the oil level to register as a new reading on newer models. And it does not necessarily provide a linear reading. You have to drive several miles to get a good reading on my 2023 E450. And half way between Min and Max is probably less than half a quart.
Last edited by smiles201; Jan 17, 2026 at 03:09 PM.
Also be aware that it is not like a physical dipstick as it takes time for changes in the oil level to register as a new reading on newer models. And it does not necessarily provide a linear reading. You have to drive several miles to get a good reading on my 2023 E450. And half way between Min and Max is probably less than half a quart for instance.
That is essentially correct, and it's all described in the owner's manual. Probably should read it. It can take up to 30 minutes or longer depending on driving style, for the oil level to display correctly, so you can't just fill and check as you do with a dipstick.
Any theories on what volume of oil is represented by the range of min to max? On a physical dipstick the min and max marks were often one quart apart ...
Its probably within one quart since the light comes on when its 1.1 quarts low. Pretend its a dipstick...its just a virtual dipstick. I've never looked at a regular dipstick and wondered what the variance is, I look and see its in the zone and put it back in. As long as its in the range I wouldn't worry about it.
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