I would hope this is not a single point of failure. I would suspect you have an oil level, quality and pressure sensors and probably more. Any one of them could probably trigger a code if you have a critical problem. And other then you old iron heads out there who has a problem with their MB diesel loosing oil unless there is a crtical malfunction(oil cooler line busted). The dipstick tube is probably still there for the topsider. One might be able to get a dipstick and put in it if you are that crazy about it.

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My Daily : 96 E-300 Diesel with 195,000 miles
Retired: 92 300D 2.5 T 345K miles and for sale
Retired: 95 E320 157K miles and currently parked with blown engine

Both retired cars are for sale as is my w124 shop inventory

I really don't see what the problem is guys. I've never heard of a Mercedes having computerized engine management failures.

It'll be fine. I swear it will. 'Specially as these cars age into their stride -- you know, like fine wines and such.

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1998 E300 +310,000K
1996 E300 +460,000K

I like the fact that these "hi-tech" diesels are helping the diesel come-back... but having just driven one of these come-back kids in Italy for two weeks [Renault Megane - 1.5L that can run 100 mph on the straight & level], I'm puzzled as to why the auto companies are so willing to incorporate anything electronic into these cars. I guess they must think it sells.

I firmly believe that the new diesel technology could be incorporated into a car withOUT much of the add-on " tech stuff " and sell more cars... and in the end build more customer satisfaction and allegence!
What do you think?
Regards,

These cars don't have FSS, FSS has been dead for a long time. The new maintaince system seems to be a lot better, these cars are pretty smart. They seem to call for service about when its due, lots of them get there first oil changes at a lot less then the 13k mile spec thats for sure. Some guys at MBworld were finding there cars were calling for service in as little as 3,500 miles!

Unlike FSS the new system adapts to your driving style, ie if you do a lot of around town driving it will cut everything short.

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1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

Other than a work truck or an entry level coup no frills cars don't exist in the US. American's love gadgets.

If you are referring to electronic controls of the engines and transmission well new tech is new tech. You can't get maximum efficiency, power and protect the environment without algorithms. Now you have new points of failures. Computer programs have bugs, chips fry and sensors go bad. A gasoline and probably diesel as well fueld car cannot be sold in the US without an emissions control computer. I bet your average farm tractor on a showroom floor today has computer controls. If not it soon will.

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My Daily : 96 E-300 Diesel with 195,000 miles
Retired: 92 300D 2.5 T 345K miles and for sale
Retired: 95 E320 157K miles and currently parked with blown engine

Both retired cars are for sale as is my w124 shop inventory

I see nothing wrong with having an oil sensor monitoring the oil level. It's a good, extra security feature, especially for those who don't check their oil level regularly (and that's probably most people). But getting rid of the dipstick completely is just a really bad decision IMO. Electronics can and do fail. Dipsticks don't. My '96 has both a dipstick and an oil level sensor which I think is the best way to do it. However, the oil sensor has given me false warnings before, highlighting the need for a good old dipstick.

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2004 VW Jetta TDI (manual)

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

There's a European Audi for which there is no engine access at all.

Years ago there was great outcry over the end of oil pressure gauges.

Lile that, most will "get over it" as regards dipsticks.

In the same manner there will no problems ... but there will be lots of uninformed complaining.

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Kent Christensen
Albuquerque
'07 GL320CDI, '10 CL550. '01 Porsche Boxster
Two BMW motorcycles

I bought into the lack of a trans dip stick on my 99 with its "filled for life" (haha) tranny when I first got it and appreciated the low engine oil sensor that it has.

My sensor unfortunately does not sense oil level accurately, nor does the replacement I installed. My dip stick however is accurate and therefore needed so I dont inadvertently overfill when the silly sensor lites up in error.

Hope the quality of electronics has improved. Wonder how they have gotten around the sensors going off when the car is parked and then started on a very steep hill?

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Terry Allison
N. Calif. & Boca Chica, Panama

09' E320 Bluetec 77k (USA)
09' Hyundai Santa Fe Diesel 48k (S.A.)

Welcome to the world of internet forums!

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1998 E300 +310,000K
1996 E300 +460,000K

I've got an 07 ML320 CDI in front of me right now... dipstick right in front.

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1980 500SE/AMG Euro
1981 500SEL Euro
1982 380SEL
1983 300TD
1983 500SEC/AMG Euro
1984 500SEC
1984 300TD Euro
1986 190E 2.3-16
1986 190E 2.3
1987 300D
1997 C36 AMG
2003 C320T 4matic

past: 1969 280SE 4.5 | 1978 240D | 1978 300D | 1981 300SD | 1981 300SD | 1982 300CD | 1983 300CD | 1983 300SD | 1983 380SEC | 1984 300D | 1984 300D | 1984 300TD | 1984 500SEL | 1984 300SD | 1985 300D | 1986 300E | 1986 560SEL | 1986 560SEL/Carat | 1987 560SEC | 1991 300D 2.5 | 2006 R350

The more things change, the more I like the old stuff. Next thing ya know, they have a way to give you a ticket for speeding based on the black box in the car...

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RRGrassi


70's Southern Pacific #5608 Fairmont A-4 MOW car

13 VW JSW 2.0 TDI 193K, Tuned with DPF and EGR Delete.

91 W124 300D Turbo replaced, Pressure W/G actuator installed. 210K

90 Dodge D250 5.9 Cummins/5 speed. 400K

http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7081833.html

FSS also adapts to your driving style, it reduces the amount of time between service intervals if you drive your car hard. It also calls for a service a or b depending on how hard the car is being driven. For example on my car it called for 3 A services in a row now I am 3000 miles away from a B service. Sometimes it alternates between A and B services one after another, it all depends on how hard you drive you car.

I have the 00+ cluster not the 96-99 cluster which tells you how many miles you are away from a service but that also is based on how hard you drive your car.

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2005 SL65
1999 E300
1995 E300
1994 SL320
1988 560SL
1987 300TD
1982 300D
1955 300SL

Good.

Before I got away from MB work (switched indy shops) and went to VW/Audi (still love MBs, obviously) we worked on a 2003 E320 which had no dipstick nor provision for one with the cover removed. Never mind the propensity for failure, it bothered me as a pro tech to not be able to finish the oil change in a timely manner. 1st priority when doing LOF: No leaks. 2nd priority: Proper oil level. Those who have checked the oil on a v6 MB with the oil level sensor only, know what I'm talking about. Why the wait? Even if it were a service tool ordered separately, and the tube had a seal like the trans, I wouldn't mind. Just to be able to say, it's full of oil now, adios. without the wait for the proper conditions to occur for a computerized level check.

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1985 300TD
1984 380SL
1983 280SE (full Euro, trunk triangle and all!)

Formerly owned:
1986 420SEL
1984 300D
1983 300D
1981 300SD
1976 300D

... they can design the new cars with all the new "electronic" reminders they want but don't do away with something that is so basic as fluids dip sticks!! Do they think that all consumers are idiots who will NEVER check their engine?
Regards,