I HAVE READ ON PREVIOUS POSTS THAT THE ENGINE USES MORE OIL IF THE LEVEL ON THE DIP STICK IS KEPT BETWEEN THE MIDDLE AND THE MAXIMUM MARKS AND LESS IF THE OIL IS KEPT BETWEEN THE MIDDLE AND MINIMUM MARKS.
IS THAT TRUE ?
PAUL

Classic Myth #1.

Yah it's true. That's because you have less oil in the engine. The engine will use even less oil if you keep the oil level below the minimum. :)

Kuan

Paul,

LOWER YOUR VOICE - WE CAN HEAR you just fine. ;)

You are correct, but allow me to clarify. The ideal oil level is half way between the ADD and MAX levels on the dipstick. Your engine may use some oil if it is filled at a level which falls above the mid point on the stick. Key point, do NOT top off engine oil until the oil level reaches the ADD (lower) level on the dipstick.

Its not a myth??

ymsin wrote:

"Its not a myth??"

No. MB released a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB), I believe, in the early '90's detailing this fact. The TSB also modified, read reduced, engine oil capacities as a result.

GoldenBear wrote:

Key point, do NOT top off engine oil until the oil level reaches the ADD (lower) level on the dipstick.

Question - why not? Don't you want to maintain "optimum" oil range? What if you do not drive your car frequently - would that change your answer?

old blue,

No, that does not change my answer. The dipsticks on most cars have marks that designate whether the oil level is low or high. MB's are different. The lower indicator is ADD. When oil level drops below mid-level (optimal), everything is still "acceptable". Once it reaches the ADD level, begin adding oil 1/2 qt. at a time until it reaches halfway up the dipstick tube cold.

Thanks goldenbear.

It's the little things that add up to make a difference.