I was wondering what detrimental effect, if any, there is to starting our car, ('92 300TE 4Matic), in the morning when it has been parked outside all night in the cold and on an upward incline, (about 10-15 degree hill). The car does not have either an engine heater or oil warmer. It has 10w 40w dino oil. We do let the engine idle for about a 30-60 seconds before driving it, (whether it's on a hill or not, summer & winter), but I am curious if it is harder on the engine/oil circulation when the car is on an incline vs. flat. Also, if it is more harmful, would it be better to park with the engine downhill vs. uphill? Thanks.


1962 MB 220SEb "Fintail" Sedan
1963 Vespa VNB 4T Motor Scooter
1992 MB 300TE 4Matic Wagon
1995 Subaru Legacy AWD

I've often wondered that myself because when you park on a hill and pull the dipstick it comes out dry.

Don't worry about the small stuff.
The oil pump pick-up tube is located in the deepest part of the oil pan. and will not be starved if started on an incline.
Why do you let your car idle for any lenght of time after start-up?
As soon as the oil pressure is up , you're ready to roll. There is no advantage in letting the engine idle once the oil pressure is up.
JackD