The tank on the drivers side under the hood which is labeled "hydraulik oel" (german) should be filled to where? There are no markings on the tank. It currently appears to be just under 1/2.

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2002 Mercedes-Benz E320 4Matic
1995 Mercedes-Benz E320 Wagon
2005 Land Rover LR3 V8 SE
1999 Audi A8 4.2L quattro

On both my cars there is a line on the dipstick, it depends if the car is loaded

Yes, there's a dipstick attached to the filler cap on the reservoir. Or rather, there's supposed to be - it's somewhat easy to break off.

In general the fluid level is supposed to be perhaps 3 inches below the top with the car fully unloaded. In practice it seems to work fine with the level quite a bit lower. Just be aware that loading up the car will transfer that fluid into the rear suspension (the accumulators, really) and you don't ever want the bottle to run dry.

- JimY

I found on the 560 that the unladen full fluid level, when measured on the dip stick, corresponded with the top of the upper rib on the resevior.

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Mike Tangas
'73 280SEL 4.5 (9/72)- RIP
Only 8,173 units built from 5/71 thru 11/72

'02 CLK320 Cabriolet - wifey's mid-life crisis

2012 VW Jetta Sportwagon TDI...at least its a diesel

Non illegitemae carborundum.

Thanks, all...the cap does not have any sort of dipstick, but by what you are saying, it appears to be low. I might add some, but what will change in the dynamics of the suspension? It seems to be fine now, in leveling, etc.

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2002 Mercedes-Benz E320 4Matic
1995 Mercedes-Benz E320 Wagon
2005 Land Rover LR3 V8 SE
1999 Audi A8 4.2L quattro

The dipstick is probably laying in the suspension filter, which just happens to be ritgh under the cap.

Topping up won't change anything other than ensure you have sufficient fluid to carry a load, unless the car is now loaded, in which case it probably isn't low.

__________________
Mike Tangas
'73 280SEL 4.5 (9/72)- RIP
Only 8,173 units built from 5/71 thru 11/72

'02 CLK320 Cabriolet - wifey's mid-life crisis

2012 VW Jetta Sportwagon TDI...at least its a diesel

Non illegitemae carborundum.

My MB dealer says that the hydraulic fluid in that tank is the same as the power steering fluid for my '94 wagon. Can anyone confirm this?

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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

I really dont think so, I had my "accumulators replaced" and they used MB hydraulic fluid, which is a clear fluid similar to vegetable oil.
The sheet I have (dated 93) Factory Approoved Lubricants:
MB power steering fluid MB 000 989 88 03
Hydraulic oil, for load level, hydropneumatic suspension, hydraulic soft top, ASD, 4matic MB 000 989 91 03 10
DEXRON is the suggested ATF under most applications

The fluid in my tank is dark for sure, and it could be red like ATF / power steering fluid. Maybe it should be changed?

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________________________
2002 Mercedes-Benz E320 4Matic
1995 Mercedes-Benz E320 Wagon
2005 Land Rover LR3 V8 SE
1999 Audi A8 4.2L quattro

The fluid in my tank is also very, very dark and about half full. I'll check the owners manual tonight too.

__________________
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