Oil level warning light

[Skippy]

Hi everyone,

new member (and new Merc driver) so please be gentle!!

Just had my 2000 C240 Sport a week now and driving in to work this morning on the M40 the oil level light came on - about 5 minutes later a beep sounded with an accompanying -2.0l warning on the display. Now, there appeared to be plenty of oil in the engine yesterday, I pulled off the motorway waited a few minutes and checked the dipstick - new oil right up to the max mark.

So carried on to work. Just as I was driving in to the car park the warning light went off. Parked and checked the electronic display - now shows oil level as OK?!?

Has anyone else come across this before? Does it sound like a faulty sensor or perhaps something more sinister?

Looking forward to your help

Best Regards

 

[Steve_Perry]

Hi Skippy,

Welcome to the forum From your description I would guess it sounds like a faulty level sensor. If you checked the dipstick and that showed the oil as 'tip top' there really isn't much arguement with that. If it happens a next time you could try comparing what the dipstick is telling you with the electronic dash display (seems like you have figured the key sequence )

The only other thought that springs to mind is maybe a partial blockage in the oil recirculation system

but I don't know how likely/feasible that is. You could always see if the fault logs show up anything more sinister. My local dealer would normally want to charge £35 approx for a fault code readout but it depends on how generous your particular dealer is, I think some members here can sweet talk dealers into doing this for free.

S.

p.s. Post some pics of your car!!

 

[fuzzer]

Originally posted by Skippy
Hi everyone,

new member (and new Merc driver) so please be gentle!!

Just had my 2000 C240 Sport a week now and driving in to work this morning on the M40 the oil level light came on - about 5 minutes later a beep sounded with an accompanying -2.0l warning on the display. Now, there appeared to be plenty of oil in the engine yesterday, I pulled off the motorway waited a few minutes and checked the dipstick - new oil right up to the max mark.

Were you going up or down a hill ?

Where does it read when the engine is cold?

The C240 uses a massive amount of oil to fill the sump 8 Litres Let your car cool down a bit on a level surface and check the oil again on the dipstick and then check it on your dash display.

To do this , turn the key to pos 2
all the dash lights should come on and wait for the trip and mileometer to change to an oil can. When this happens , press the 0 button once or twice. Its been a while since ive done it. I think its twice and it should either come up OK or HIGH or LOW or similar.

 

[Steve_Perry]

Re: Re: Oil level warning light

Originally posted by fuzzer
...To do this , turn the key to pos 2
all the dash lights should come on and wait for the trip and mileometer to change to an oil can. When this happens , press the 0 button once or twice. Its been a while since ive done it. I think its twice and it should either come up OK or HIGH or LOW or similar.

Jase,

It's twice I think Skippy already knows as he states he's already checked the oil level via the electronic display.

S.

 

[fuzzer]

Re: Re: Re: Oil level warning light

Originally posted by Steve_Perry
Jase,

It's twice I think Skippy already knows as he states he's already checked the oil level via the electronic display.

S.

Ahh well , just trying to be detailed.:bannana:

 

[Dieselman]

The oil level sensors are a common fault. It needs replacing.

 

[Msmax]

That is interesting...

Are these special functions documenten somewhere?
Where to get more information about this display thingy?

Have my car now for 3 years, still not discovered all the tricks.

 

[Steve_Perry]

Originally posted by Msmax
That is interesting...

Are these special functions documenten somewhere?
Where to get more information about this display thingy?

Have my car now for 3 years, still not discovered all the tricks.

As far as I know, only the V6 W202 models (C240 & C280) have this functionality within the C Class range. I'm not sure whether your E290 TD would have this function. The key sequences are documented in the handbook, so I would look there as a first check.

S.

 

[Skippy]

Thanks all for the responses, I've booked in to Tony Purslow next Tuesday for them to check out the sensor.... I'll let you know the result.

I'll also post a couple of pics once I've worked out how to upload them!

Cheers

 

[Skippy]

After the visit to an MB dealer.......

Hi all,

here's the update....

Went to Tony Purslow's yesterday and, as we suspected, they diagnosed a faulty sensor. Had it replaced, for this they have to drain the oil and remove the lower "small" sump pan.

This then has to be "glued" back into position with sealant!

Overall Cost (take a deep breath!)

2 hours labour : £158
Parts: £116.25
VAT: £47.99
Total £322.24 !!!!!

Now, my recently acquired car is 3 years and 10 months old and has covered 72k. IMHO I would expect this sort of sensor to have a much longer life, dealer allegedly raised an ESKULAB goodwill request over their system which came back negative. Do any of you guys consider it to be worthwhile going direct to MB at Milton Keynes and asking for a contribution? Or is it just tough luck? Must say, this introduction to MB ownership has left a bit of a bad taste in my mouth.

Any comments/advice welcome.

 

[Steve_Perry]

I would contact MB central in Milton Keynes and poiltely but firmly make them aware of your dissatisfaction. The worst they can do is still deny your request for a goodwill gesture.

Dieselman has already stated that the sensor is apparently a common fault so you may find your request falling on deaf ears but I would have thought that these parts should last longer than 4 years. You might want to check the guarantee on the new sensor, I recently had a new MAS fitted and was told at the time that certain parts fitted by MB dealers are covered by a two year warranty.

S.

 

[Skippy]

Thanks for the reply Steve,

Purslow's did in fact say thet the part was covered by a 2 year guarantee.

I've written to the Director of Passenger cars at Milton Keynes so when/if I get a response I'll let you know the outcome.

Cheers