ML63 M156 oil level

[E55BOF]

Yesterday I had the "Check Oil Level at Next Refuelling' message come up, so today I did the check - engine up to operating temperature, stood ten minutes, level ground - and the level was pretty much exactly half-way between the min and max marks on the dipstick. Does anyone know how much oil is needed to raise the level from minimum to maximum?

 

[FlorinM]

It's usually 1l between the minimum and the maximum. You can put a couple hundred ml of oil and it should be close to full.

 

[Will]

I’ve a feeling on the larger engines like these V8s that it will be closer to 2L between min and max, but obviously it’s easier to add more than have to take any out so I’d start with half a litre and see how it goes!

 

[TrueSpirit]

For research purposes - how many miles since the last service E55BOF?

 

[E55BOF]

3K, but the dealer had topped it up to somewhat above the the full mark before I bought it. I've done 2K in it, checking the oil level from time to time, but I have no way of telling accurately how much it has used in my time.

 

[BlackC55]

500 ML 229.5 oil.

I had one of these and it only had 40K on it. It used oil.

 

[E55BOF]

I know the M156 is reputed to use oil, and as I expected, mine obviously does. Only half a litre between the Min and Max marks on the dipstick, though? That's not much margin; very poor design for an engine that uses oil.

 

[MrGreedy]

I think the consensus is 'we're not sure, but likely to be between 1 and 2L between min and max'. You are already half way, so to be cautious the suggestion is add half of that lower estimate (so add half a litre to take up to max). If it turns out its2L between min and max, you can add more.

 

[BlackC55]

If its half way, its 500ML.

 

[TrueSpirit]

Touch wood my "new" M156 hasn't asked for oil yet but then again I just had it serviced. Didn't seem have drunk anything in the 2k or so miles i did between July and its service as I was checking the dipstick regularly the last few months. It stayed at the max level throughout

Seems like it's worth checking oil every 500 - 1000 or so miles going forward.
I'd add 500 ml now and see what happens to the dash warning and dipstick level

 

[BlackC55]

It all depends on how you drive it. I drove mine hard most of the time

 

[E55BOF]

If its half way, its 500ML.

That's good enough for me; it's 1 litre from min to max, then.

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

Why top it up If it’s half-way between Min and Max. Sounds like it’s just right. Maybe a sensor error?

 

[Jobsworth]

If its half way, its 500ML.

He’s right you know.

500ml from halfway to full. It’s 1L from min to max

 

[E55BOF]

Why top it up If it’s half-way between Min and Max. Sounds like it’s just right. Maybe a sensor error?

I always top up to the Max mark. Always have, always will.

 

[350cls]

They are thirsty old beasts if you drive hard on (oil) and petrol lol. That loud deep monster voice needs lubrication

 

[Will]

I’ve never read ‘absolute maximum’ as ‘ideal’ though. Half way or three quarters would mean you’d be unlikely to need to top up during a journey but also leaves room for expansion in use.

Too much oil is certainly not a good thing either

 

[E55BOF]

I'm inclined to believe that MB would position the Max mark on their dipsticks such that expansion if full would be allowed for.

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

I'm inclined to believe that MB would position the Max mark on their dipsticks such that expansion if full would be allowed for.

I’m sure you’re right.

My Dad always fills to max - I think most home mechanics do - and I can’t think of any reporting issues caused by over filling.

I’m a mid way kind of guy.

 

[poormansporsche]

Fight !!!!!!!