johnmayerrr Posted February 28 Share Posted February 28 2003 Mercedes-Benz W209 CLK 240 I depend on my car's oil change indicator to notify me when it need maintenance. There is no dipstick. Strongly dislike it. This may be suitable for newer engines in good condition, but in my opinion, it may not be ideal for older engines with over 20 years of use that tend to have little oil leaks. I prefer not to wait until the automobile indicates that it need a full litre of fuel. I have the aftermarket gearbox dipstick. Could I use the oil level measuring chart if it is accurate? I have come across references to the OE workshop dipstick as well as an alternative from Baum Tools. I have discovered a chart for the Baum tool that specifies the acceptable range for my engine oil level as between 148mm and 168mm. It is currently uncertain if the situation involves low/high or cold/hot temperatures, more inquiry is necessary. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BENZE220AMG Posted February 28 Share Posted February 28 I purchased a set of three dipsticks that meet the majority of Mercedes-Benz criteria. The gearbox part may not be compatible with the engine due to incorrect increments on the plastic piece, causing it to be positioned at an incorrect level in the sump. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ElectricEclipse Posted February 28 Share Posted February 28 The reading should be a minimum of Min when cold and a maximum of Max when heated. It is advisable to check the oil level while the engine is warm; it should be slightly below the maximum mark. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nimbuye5 Posted February 28 Share Posted February 28 I believed I could disregard the indicators on the gearbox dipstick and instead measure the oil level based on how far it climbs up the flexible coiled section. Verify the temperature while it's hot? Is that so? I have only inspected the engine oil while it is cool and in a level position. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DenishP4 Posted February 28 Share Posted February 28 Calibrate the dipstick by marking the stick at the level where the engine oil reaches when it is known, creating a fresh engine oil dipstick. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnmayerrr Posted February 28 Author Share Posted February 28 I considered that option, however I am now in the middle of my oil change schedule. The last maintenance was completed when I bought the automobile a few months ago, and I prefer not to repeat it just yet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BENZE220AMG Posted February 28 Share Posted February 28 When purchasing a dipstick, be cautious as some inexpensive ones may have a plastic component that may fall into the sump. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nickoyster4 Posted February 28 Share Posted February 28 Yes, the engine is hot, therefore wait 15 minutes after driving to let it to cool down, as recommended in most handbooks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ElectricEclipse Posted February 28 Share Posted February 28 The textbook recommends checking the engine oil level when the engine is hot, preferably at the end of a refuelling stop after the engine has been turned off for 5-10 minutes. This allows the oil to drain back into the sump and for the oil level to stabilise, ensuring an accurate reading. Engines are susceptible to damage from both low oil levels and overfilling, with diesel engines being more vulnerable than petrol engines. Checking the oil level when the engine is at operating temperatures (95⁰C to 105⁰C, depending on the engine type) helps prevent overfilling when the oil expands as it heats up. Modern engines include a feature that alerts you if the engine oil level rises excessively when the engine reaches high temperatures, in order to safeguard the engine. Some mechanics suggest that the ideal oil level while hot should be positioned midway between the Min and Max marks to prevent overfilling. I like to keep the oil level just below the Max mark while the engine is hot. Some may argue that this is unnecessary for newer engines that have less oil use between services. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
diablos_carcv5 Posted February 28 Share Posted February 28 The gearbox dipstick should only be used for its original function and is not suited for monitoring the engine oil level. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnmayerrr Posted February 28 Author Share Posted February 28 Acknowledged. I may visit my independent financial advisor to inquire about the tools he utilises. It's hard to believe that he depends only on the computerised display. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BENZE220AMG Posted February 28 Share Posted February 28 He will likely use the same Sealey dipsticks as I do. They are affordable and of good quality. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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