SL/R230: Oil Level Question
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 16
Likes: 2
2007 SL550
Oil Level Question
Took the car to a "5-min" oil change place this morning providing my own oil (Mobil 1 0W-40) and Mann filter. They drained from the bottom and put in 9 quarts. After wards I checked the dipstick (they couldn't find it...), and the oil level is at the very top of the orange scale (past the "bulb" portion, almost on the wire). I think this is too high so I took it back but they guys said it was fine. Thinking about going back and having them drain a quart until the level is in the recommended range. Just wanted to hear opinions about too much oil and the potential problems associated with that. Thanks.
Super Member
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 606
Likes: 88
From: North Cali
2005 SL500, 2015 CLS400
If I remember correctly the r230 doesn't have an oil dipstick. Only one for transmission. The oil level is checked electronically on the dashboard, car on an even pavement, key turned to on position, engine off. Google how to, pretty easy.
Regards.
Regards.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 16
Likes: 2
2007 SL550
No it has the dip stick, I can take a picture if you like.
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 355
Likes: 41
From: amarillo texas
2003 sl 500
Please state exactly what year and model you have, but I know of no '03 or newer sl 500 with a dipstick. All measure electrically using dash display. Some models have 2 drain plugs depending on exact model sl you have..
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 16
Likes: 2
2007 SL550
Super Member
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 606
Likes: 88
From: North Cali
2005 SL500, 2015 CLS400
Post a picture and we'll confirm.
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 541
Likes: 93
From: Northern VA
SL 600
My SL600 has 2 dipstick ports, one in the back of the engine, which is the transmission, then there's one near the front of the engine, towards the radiator area. Both are just capped off.
Trending Topics
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)
Verdad Gallardo
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
Super Member
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 606
Likes: 88
From: North Cali
2005 SL500, 2015 CLS400
I just learned something new today 
apparently 550 series do have a dipstick!
if so, back to your question - not sure about actual problems at the beginning. The engine might burn some oil himself, but if it's that much over and you want to be safe - drain some. There should be an exact measure of oil that the engine needs. You can ask them how much they put in. And I'll probably never go again to that place the dealer charges me $150 for a foul change and I'm fine with that
apparently 550 series do have a dipstick! if so, back to your question - not sure about actual problems at the beginning. The engine might burn some oil himself, but if it's that much over and you want to be safe - drain some. There should be an exact measure of oil that the engine needs. You can ask them how much they put in. And I'll probably never go again to that place
the dealer charges me $150 for a foul change and I'm fine with that 
MBworld Guru
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 10,782
Likes: 1,011
NO LONGER ACTIVE
To answer the OP's question, that is too much oil. You need to drain at least half a quart. I generally fill with 8.5 quarts even though the capacity is listed at 9.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 16
Likes: 2
2007 SL550
Yeah I know but then again, I'm already providing my own oil and filter, and the process is so simple "a caveman could do it", but I have learned over the years that you cannot rely even on the so called experts, so if there is an easy check like in this I like to do it. Their computer says 9 quarts and that jives with what I have been able to gather online, but of course it does not account for the residual amount of oil left in the engine before they fill it back up. Lesson learned, next time I will ask for 8 quarts and then have them verify on the dip stick.
Super Member
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 606
Likes: 88
From: North Cali
2005 SL500, 2015 CLS400
That's why there is the dipstick. The book is more of a guide, but you have to check before topping it off. When I do the oil change on a car I top it up, start/stop the engine, and check again. After that I add only as needed to fill to the middle of dipstick. I don't go of the book, even if it means adding ounces at once. It's a pretty unpleasant process of draining the extra oil if you don't have a vacuum machine.
Regards
Regards
Member
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 246
Likes: 25
From: Plymouth, MA
2008 SL550
You should see how some exotic marques check the oil level during a change. There are YouTube videos showing the run - stop - run - stop, etc. process. No wonder the shops charge several hundred dollars for that job!
MBworld Guru
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 10,782
Likes: 1,011
NO LONGER ACTIVE
Sort of like checking the transmission fluid level on the 7-speed transmission. I've gotten used to that, but I still find it very hard to get the fluid to exactly 113F. It's hard to get it there without going way over.
