I recently got an oil change for my '90 190E. Manual states that oil engine capacity (including filter) is 6.3qts. However, on my service receipt it states that 6.5qts of oil was added. The next morning, before I started my car, I checked the oil level. The reading was on the upper part of the "MAX" red bar (maybe even slightly above it). My questions:

1. Is this ok for my engine? Is this considered "high oil level," and if so, will it cause any leaks?

2. Do most shops fill engine slightly above manufacter's specs? (I've noticed from another service receipt that my other mech. added 6.5qts as well--both are independent MB shops).

and lastly,

3. Do I need to drain any excess oil?

Thanks, I need a peace of mind.

You'll be fine. The extra .2 of a quart amounts to about 150cc of oil. Don't worry, be happy..

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Jeff L
1987 300e
1989 300e
1987 BMW 325

I can't speak for all shops, but we round the oil volume to the next full quart by specification. We would probably charge 7 quarts for a 6.5l system.

In the shop we have the two type of oil we use in a bulk distribution system (we throw no empty cans and small quantities of oil in the landfill) which we use to fill the engine appropriately. We fill to the stick and we charge to the quart by the factory spec.

I would check your oil warm after sitting for a couple minutes (for full draining) and I would remove some oil if it was more than 3/8 inch aove the full mark. Running it overfull around this amount will only cause the oil to be pumped into the breather system and be burned. At higher levels it will get onto the crank and foam and probably come out everywhere.

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Steve Brotherton
Owner 24 bay BSC
Bosch Master, ASE master L1
26 years MB technician