JosanK

I change my oil more often than 10K. I do NOT buy the line about improved oils and tolerances and what not. For many years I've had oil analysis done on various vehicles that I use (including a plane) and have found that oil lasting that long without issues, even Mobil 1, is wishful thinking.

At any rate getting a quick change at the local dealers (in San Jose) is a problem. They are set up for Service A and Service B and they don't offer a quick way of getting an oil change.

I'm thinking of going to the local Mercedes independents to let them have a go. Anyone know of any special issues on oil changes for this car? I know that overfilling is a big no-no. Anything reallly unusual to look out for?

On a related subject I've ordered a part from Mercedes called "the tool". It is basically a fancy dipstick. It's calibrated in millimeters and can be used to check the oil without the electronics. You look at the mark on the tool and cross reference against a chart for the engine. Should arrive in a week. It's what the mechanics use.

awiner

No out of the ordinary issues. The tool you got will make checking the level of the oil very precise and much better than relying on the onboard electric check.

AMG493

I have an oil change scheduled next week at Smythe in San Jose, I'm having some other work done so it is not an issue to leave the car. I don't know what they will charge, but my service guy didn't have an issue with scheduling the service.

How much is this fancy dipstick, and do you have a part number for it? Thanks.

IngenereAMG

Your best bet would be to go buy some oil and a filter and change it yourself!

JosanK

I've had non Service A/B changes done at Smythe. Had it there for warranty work and scheduled a change. They are not set up to do a change "while u wait". They want $190 (!!) for just an oil change.

No part number. Just told parts what I wanted. Should arrive next week and I'll post part number. Price was $130.




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I have an oil change scheduled next week at Smythe in San Jose, I'm having some other work done so it is not an issue to leave the car. I don't know what they will charge, but my service guy didn't have an issue with scheduling the service.

How much is this fancy dipstick, and do you have a part number for it? Thanks.

__________________
AMG493

JosanK

Finally got the dipstick for the SL55.

It's called "the tool" or "the measuring stick"
Part # (W)120-589-07-21-00 (W doesn't always show up, depends on source).
Price through the dealer was $120 (ouch! for a dipstick!)
It is a thin metal rod with a handle and mm calibrations, looks
like a dipstick.

I was told that....

.. for my 2003 SL55 the engine number is 113.992

.. a full amount of oil is 9 litres or 8.5 quarts

.. this shows as 170 mm on the tool

.. each 11.5 mm is 1 litre

The tool is inserted into a tube that sets in the middle of the engine,
about 8 inches from the windshield.
It looks like a place where a dipstick would go. Its black, setting atop the valve cover.
There is a plug on the tube that can be pulled out.

I was further told that precise oil amounts are far more critical for the
V12's, the V8's (even the supercharged ones) are more forgiving.

There is very little difference in the oil level warm or cold, oil doesn't appear
to expand that much (checked 15 mintes after engine turned off and after all night).

Sorry I have no picture, my camera died.