W211 transmission dipstick

[connashio1]

Hi all,

I have a leaking transmission oil cooler line and need to keep an eye on the fluid level whilst I wait for my mobile mechanic to be available.
I purchased a dipstick so I can measure my gearbox fluid level on my 2003 320 CDI. The dipstick is much longer than required which is the case with all the aftermarket ones I looked at. When I insert said dipstick with light force there is a point where it stops, the measuring part shows no fluid (cold engine and gearbox) at all. If I push beyond this point with the same force there is a second point at which it stops. This shows fluid up to the mark for the hot measurement. The distance between the end of the dipstick and the top of the dipstick tube is 67cm for the first point and 86cm for the second. So my question is how far should the dipstick be inserted for a correct check and what measurement do others have when they do so? 67cm, 86cm or something else?

Thanks, Paul

 

[Trickythemerc]

The genuine MB dipstick is longer than required as it is not meant to be left in, only used as a service tool. There should be two shoulders at the top of the plastic scale, these set the dipstick at the correct depth to get the correct level. I have never felt a second movement when checking fluid level. There are some cheap Chinese dipsticks that are not the best quality, I have a full set of Sealey dipsticks that cover all MB engines and auto boxes.

 

[W1ghty]

As above , the dipstick stops after some light pressure to ”seat it” , gearbox atf should be measured hot after 20+ mins driving (80 degrees) , with engine running , gearbox in P , on a flat surface .

 

[steveq]

I do recall that there were two stops when pushing it into the dipstick tube. Tne first is easy to push it beyond but the second is a dead stop that would need force to push beyond. The first is just a bend in the pipe and the second is when it hits the bottom of the gearbox sump -- at least that is what I decided when I had my S211 and changed the ATF and filter.

 

[connashio1]

I do recall that there were two stops when pushing it into the dipstick tube. Tne first is easy to push it beyond but the second is a dead stop that would need force to push beyond. The first is just a bend in the pipe and the second is when it hits the bottom of the gearbox sump -- at least that is what I decided when I had my S211 and changed the ATF and filter.

Hi Steve, what you say matches what I was trying to describe. The first one is easy to push past and the second does indeed feel like it isn't supposed to go any further

 

[Martin 1]

Hi, did you buy your dipstick from Mercedes ? if not, it could well be the wrong one. I've struggled with my CLK like you, and the Merc one is the only one I'd trust.

 

[connashio1]

Hi, did you buy your dipstick from Mercedes ? if not, it could well be the wrong one. I've struggled with my CLK like you, and the Merc one is the only one I'd trust.

Hi Martin, I got mine from German And Swedish. I don't see there can be much of a difference when mine and other none OE ones are much longer than necessary. The question how it should go into the dipstick tube in order to take a correct measurement.

 

[W1ghty]

Hi Martin, I got mine from German And Swedish. I don't see there can be much of a difference when mine and other none OE ones are much longer than necessary. The question how it should go into the dipstick tube in order to take a correct measurement.

Don’t over think it buddy , it’s fairly obvious when it pushes to a stop at the end . It’s not hitting the base of the sump , it’s suspended above by that bulge at the start of the final plastic section .
Its too long for the dipstick tube because different 5g gearboxes in different cars have different length tubes .

 

[Gary68]

Don’t over think it buddy , it’s fairly obvious when it pushes to a stop at the end . It’s not hitting the base of the sump , it’s suspended above by that bulge at the start of the final plastic section .
Its too long for the dipstick tube because different 5g gearboxes in different cars have different length tubes .

Hi w1ghty could you just confirm on the dipstick for the 722.6 automatic I have the 3.0v6 sport x Vito is this the dipstick I need for checking atf level were on e bay is best to get it I have looked but it’s saying 3weeks for delivery do you have a link cheers gary

 

[W1ghty]

.

 

[W1ghty]

Hi w1ghty could you just confirm on the dipstick for the 722.6 automatic I have the 3.0v6 sport x Vito is this the dipstick I need for checking atf level were on e bay is best to get it I have looked but it’s saying 3weeks for delivery do you have a link cheers gary

eBay has loads if you search 722.6 dipstick buddy ,

 

[Gary68]

Yes I found one he’s sold 187 of them so should be ok thanks for responding

 

[W1ghty]

Yes I found one he’s sold 187 of them so should be ok thanks for responding

You are welcome buddy