Anybody got a W115 240D that can tell me how long the dipstick is supposed to be?
 

As the title implied I am wondering if my '74 has the wrong dipstick since it is burning lots of oil when full and I don't know the history of the car. Can someone with the same engine measure theirs and tell me the length of the metal part from the point where it is attached to the handle down to the add and full marks? Also, what color is the handle in yours?

I get mine back tomorrow...got the steering box re-attached to the frame, it had broken off. Its times like these I wish I was even halfway capable wit ha welder, because I think I'm going to end up paying my indy for about 10 hours of labor :rolleyes: He said he's going to try to give me some kind of break...we'll see.

Anyway, I can report back tomorrow...I'm sure someone else will beat me to it.

PS..what does TMU mean for your 240D's mileage?

Thanks.

TMU=True Mileage Uknown. 5 Digit odometer + incomplete service records = TMU.

From the flat on the handle end (where it hits the end of the tube):

20-13/16" to the end
20" to the low oil mark
18-3/4" to the high oil mark

Hope this helps,
-Geoff

Thanks much, I will compare this to mine tomorrow.

I got the same measurements as Geoff. The handle on mine is red.

I find I have more leaks when the oil is full, but don't see the level really start to go down until it's about time for an oil change. It's almost as if my car is asking for an oil change - it gets louder & nails more, and starts burning oil, but the leaks seem to go away as the miles go up.

If your oil level is ever above the "high" mark, that'd probably lead to higher consumption, or you could have some worn parts (do you ever see blueish smoke in the exhaust?) I'm not sure if type & weight of oil makes much of a difference in consumption on an old engine, but you could experiment.