I have a 96 W210 with the M104 engine.
From time to time I get a check oil light.
So After I let the car sit for about 30mins, I check the dipstick and it shows the oil to the top line. So I figured maybe this was because the oil filter drained during the wait and that the true level is about half a quart lower. So I added oil. Everything was fine. Drove the car for a few weeks and then another Check Oil level light comes on. So I check it and the level is now about half a quart above the top line. I am confused.
There is no dent or deformation on the oil pan from what I can tell.
By the way, the light does not always come on. Just once in a while.


Anyone have any ideas as what is going on?

I changed my oil and filter today and noticed that the oil was really dark.

Also I had more than the recommended 7 quarts due to me adding the oil from the previous week.
I am wonding if the light came on due to the oil being so dirty. I could not tell how thick it was but I imagined that it must have been as the color was really dark.
I added exactly 7 quarts as recommended and did a test drive.
No Oil light. Hope it stays that way.

I hope your light doesn't come back, but I suspect it will...
Time to start thinking about a bad oil level sensor.

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KenP

1996 S500 W140 Coupe

How many miles on the engine? You need to check your oil level on an absolutely, perfectly level ground other wise you will get a false reading. If the car is pointed downhill and the dip stick says you're at the max line - in reality you don't have enough oil because it runs to the front of the oil pan.

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dtf
1994 E320 Wagon (Died @ 308,669 miles)
1995 E300 Diesel (228,000)
1999 E300 Turbodiesel ( died @ 255,000)
2006 Toyota Tundra SR5 AC 4X4 (115,000 miles) rusted frame - sold to chop shop
2011 Audi A4 Avant (165,000 miles) Seized engine - donated to Salvation Army
BMW 330 xi 6 speed manual (175,034 miles)
2014 E350 4Matic Wagon 128,000 miles
2018 Dodge Ram 21,000 miles

You have a bad oil level sensor. Next service, just unbolt it and put a new one in, no big deal. I fhte light bothers you, unplug it.

Yes, I think you guys are right about the sensor.
The light came on again yesturday. I checked on a flat level surface and my oil was at the max line so I know the amount of oil is fine.

I presume the oil level sensor is located in the oil pan.
Is this a fairly easy job for a basic DIY person or is this something that will take a lot of effort and time?

By the way, the car has 185,200 miles on it.