Changes in oil temperature and car tilt can play tricks on you. When checking the oil you need to be sure the car is on level ground and the oil is hot, but don't check it immediately after shutting off the engine. Give the oil a few minutes to drain to the oil pan.

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2004 VW Jetta TDI (manual)

Past MB's: '96 E300D, '83 240D, '82 300D, '87 300D, '87 420SEL