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Can the gearbox dipstick be used to monitor the engine oil level in M112?


johnmayerrr

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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.

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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.

 

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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.

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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.

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