OIL LEVEL

[Joderest]

Hello all
Can I ask those that do their own oil changes how much oil they have put in their ML279 CDI ?
I ask because I did oil and filter change yesterday, book said 7 litres, but to get oil just below max mark on dipstick I am sure that I nearly put eight litres in ( I could have miscounted)
Is 7 litres the least to get lower reading on dipstick.

Thanks

 

[Joderest]

SORRY. Should read ML270

 

[Smart320]

Think u might have overfilled it, did u check level when engine and oil warm ( after stopping about 5 mins I think )as per the handbook. Think if u checked it cold then it needs to be at nearer min mark as oil level will then show near max when when hot.

 

[Smart320]

Just read manual again check at least 5 mins after running if engine was fully up to temp. or 30 mins if not fully up to temp ( assume as oil drains down more slowly if cooler ) fill level should be halfway between min and max .

 

[Dutchbenz]

Don't know about your ML but my C230 is very sensitive about standing on level floor, my driveway isn't and reading the dipstick varies from halfway the marks to overfilled when parking nose up or down.

 

[grober]

If your capacity data is correct then when refilling you usually need less than the documented refill volume due to residual oil in the engine oil galleries and sump. Sounds like you miscounted. Remember the filter+ canister holds quite a lot of oil so if you have changed that also then that can effect readings. I usually fill till I see a visible level of new oil on the dipstick. Then run the engine on a very light throttle for a minute or so till the oil pressure comes up on the gauge- there's usually a discernible change in engine note at this point also. Then switch off and let everything settle down/drain back. Then measure again- you may find the oil level has dropped a bit . It helps at this point to know what the difference in litres is between the fill[min] and full[max] marks on the dip stick. Again top up and check but aim for a level at around 2/3 to 3/4 on the dipstick [ never to the max mark when cold!]. The secret to oil changes is patience and to do things gradually checking as you go along.

 

[Joderest]

Hi and thanks all, I think you may be correct on miscounting.
Checked it again this morning, engine stone cold as sat overnight, level o!n dipstick is bang in the middle, so it was 7 I put in not 8, must have got confused as phone rang half way through putting oil in.
I used Mercedes 229.51 oil, I think made by Fuchs. It was a good deal, 20 litres for £52. Free delivery. So I have more than enough left for next change.

 

[190]

Different engine but similar result and I definitely didn't miscount because I've changed it several times.

If I put the specified 5.5 litres in my M271 it barely comes to half way on the dipstick. It takes 6.5 litres to reach the full mark but I don't run it at that level. If the book says 5.5L That's all it's getting. As long as the oil level is above the min. mark it's safer to run low than high.

 

[Old spanners]

Recently did a oil and filter change on mine and added about 5.3 litres. Then checked using the method shown here

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in the hidden menu here it showed 5.7 litres and no mention to add oil on the normal menu so I'm running it like that.

 

[190]

With the W204 they reverted to dipstick only so other than a low level warning the oil level can't be displayed. No great loss as I wouldn't have trusted it anyway.

 

[Railwayman]

Have never looked up oil capacity when doing oil change with a car that has a dipstick, add oil until between max and min, run engine for 10 mins, recheck 5 mins later, add as required, job done.