For what it is worth, I don't believe that having to rely solely on the dashboard display one can scroll up for oil level is a good idea either. I know that this same (or very similar) 3.2 liter V6 came on the late 90's E class sedans, and DID have an oil dipsitik. I wonder if a dipstick could simply be purchased somewhere for my car.

But if the dipstick guide tube is present on my car, I should be able to use a vacuum oil extractor through it, right?

For the record, my car has that Flexible Service System, wherein I get free oil changes every 10K miles for the warranty period. Problem is, I don't think an oil change at those intervals is often enough, and would like to do an "in between" change at 5K miles, and perhaps also replace the oil filter every 2.5K miles. Indeed, I check the underside of the car more often than that. I just personally don't like to do oil draining from under the car, as I always end up splattering it all over, due to my own lack of skill, I think.

Thanks
Richard