How to check engine oil level Mercedes-Benz – Two Methods

There are two methods to check the engine oil level on Mercedes-Benz cars.

Method 1: Using the engine dipstick (omitted on some Mercedes-Benz models)

Method 2: On your instrument cluster via the multifunction buttons on the steering wheel.

In this article, we provide step-by-step instructions on how to check the engine oil level on Mercedes-Benz cars.

NOTES

• Testing the motor oil level when the vehicle is warm is best. 
• Turn off the engine and wait at least 5 minutes before you proceed. 
• To accurately check the oil level, park the vehicle on level ground.

Method 1: Check the oil level using the dipstick

Park the car on a level surface and preferably check the level with the engine at average operational temperature.

	Open the hood.
	Pull out the oil dipstick from the engine.
	Clean the dipstick with a clean cloth.
	Reinsert the dipstick. Make sure to push the dipstick in until the dipstick sits in the dipstick tube. Once you fully insert the dipstick into the tube, wait four seconds before you remove it to get an accurate reading.
	Remove the dipstick and check the oil level. Look at the Low and High markings. You don’t need to add more oil if the level is between the low and high marks. If the engine oil level is below the Low mark, add oil until the level shows between Low and High.

If the engine oil level is above the High/Max mark, remove the oil to avoid damage to your car. See notes below on extracting oil from the engine if you overfilled it.

Method 2: Check oil via the instrument cluster.

1. To check the oil level, park the car on level ground.
2. Turn off the engine.
3. Wait at least 5 minutes.
4. Turn the key to position two. All dashboard lights should turn on—key position before you start the engine.
5. Press the multifunction steering wheel button until the “Engine Oil Level – Measuring Now” message displays.
6. Press the up and down buttons on the multifunction steering wheel, and you should see a message saying, “CORRECT MEASUREMENT ONLY IF VEHICLE LEVEL.”

How to check the engine oil level on an S-Class W220

S430, S500, S600, S55 AMG, CL500, CL600

How to check the engine oil level on a CLK-Class W209

CLK320 CLK500 CLK350 CLK55 AMG

Reduce Engine Oil Level

Do not overfill the engine with oil. If the oil level is above the upper max mark or you get Reduce Engine Oil Level warning on your instrument cluster, oil should be drained or siphoned out. An engine overfilled with oil can cause damage to the engine and catalytic converter.

 

The easiest way to remove oil from an overfilled engine, is to use an oil fluid extractor. You can use the electrical 12-volt oil extractor or a Fluid Removing Pump System and insert the tube into the oil dipstick tube.

Remove half a quart and recheck the oil level.

If you have confirmed that the oil level is correct but still get the warning, you should consider replacing the Engine Oil Level Sensor.

Article: How to replace the Engine Oil Level Sensor on Mercedes-Benz engine. 

Messages on instrument cluster:

ENGINE OIL LEVEL – OK – Oil level is correct.

ENGINE OIL LEVEL – ADD 1.0 QUART – Add one quart or approximately one liter of oil.

ENGINE OIL LEVEL – ADD 1.5 QUART

ENGINE OIL LEVEL – ADD 2.0 QUARTS

ENGINE OIL LEVEL – REDUCE OIL LEVEL

MEASURING NOT POSSIBLE – This error message will display when the oil level can not be adequately calculated. Try measuring the oil level again at a later time.

ENGINE OIL LEVEL – NOT WHEN ENGINE ON The car needs to be turned off, and you need to wait at least five minutes before the engine oil level can be checked using the steering wheel control via the instrument cluster on your dashboard.

ENGINE OIL LEVEL – IGNITION ON PLEASE”  displays; ensure the key is turned to position II, and all instrument cluster lights should be on.

CHECK ENGINE OIL LEVEL AT NEXT REFUELING – Add half a quart of oil at your earliest convenience.

Add Oil to Mercedes-Benz Engine

Adding oil to your Mercedes-Benz engine is very easy. Make sure to use the correct oil brand and oil viscosity. Mercedes-Benz recomended oil is Mobil1 0W40 oil.

1. Open the hood and locate the engine oil filler cap.
2. Add oil in 0.5-quart increments and recheck the engine oil level.
3. Do not overfill the motor with oil. If you add more oil than required, read the section below on how to remove excessive oil.

Reasons for Engine Oil Consumption

High-mileage vehicles may burn oil and need regular oil level checks. An increase in oil consumption may be noticed if the engine is driven at high RPMs frequently. There could be many reasons causing oil consumption. Here is a great article that describes the main reasons that cause engine oil consumption. Reasons for Motor Oil Consumption – Technical Service Bulletin by AMSOIL

• External Oil Leaks
• Front or Rear Main Bering Seals
• Worn or damaged Rod or Main bearings
• Worn-out camshaft bearings
• Worn-out cylinders or piston rings
• Clogged PCV valve

Fix Oil Leaks

The best method to address oil leaks is to fix the problem by replacing or repairing the defective parts. We understand that, in some cases, those repairs may cost more than the car is worth. Using oil additives doesn’t always fix oil leaks; in some cases, it can cause problems. Yet there have been many owners that report having success with oil additives. Often using oil leak additives will only slow down the leak, or eventually, the leak may come back. One product that has received many positive reviews is the ATP AT-205 Re-Seal Stop Leak, also compatible with synthetic oils used in Mercedes-Benz engines.