oil check: Computer or stick?
 

2000 ML320 - Is it better to use the dashboard button to check oil level or use the oil stick under the hood? My dashboard shows half a vetical line then .0 - I take that as 0 quarts low. But I wonder if the display is faulty and it really reads 1.0 which means 1 quart down. The stick shows about 1 quart down. :confused:

I would trust the stick over the computer :thumbsup:

always go with the stick- let's say the oil is barely above the 1 gallon low mark. if you trust the stick, then you might wait for your next check and it might run too low.

One advantage to using the cluster is you have to wait a really long time before the function will work. Either one is fine, but when using the stick you should wait a similar amount of time before checking, at least 15 minutes wait after shutting it off. Drains an awfully long time into the pan.

Gilly

I use the cluster and occasionally check the stick. Better get use to it, cause there will be no stick in the future!

In the future ? The 203 chassis doesn't come with a stick, that's been out several years.......

Gilly

I guess that the future is here! :) 6,391 posts: that is unbelievable, Gilly. We all thank you.

I went to the MB dealer for a free wash on Saturday and figured since I was there I would ask the service department about the cluster vs. stick issue and find out if the "i.0" on my cluster indicated it was 1 quart down or 0 quarts down. The service manager was first suprised to see the ML320 had a cluster option for oil readout (my decission to take the truck elsewhere for the next service was confirmed by his lack of knowing the vehicle). He then checked the stick and said it's just perfect - no oil needed.

Yes i0 is correct (In Order? Dunno). Surprised you kept his attention long enough to show it to him, doesn't it normally take 20 minutes plus before you get it to display after shut down? I'd also caution everyone to make sure you wait right around this same time, 20 minutes or so after shut down, before trusting the stick reading, really runs down a long time.

Gilly

Oil Level - Instrument Cluster Reading
 

My SA also stated that he didn't think the ML cluster could display oil level until I showed him the Owner's Manual. However, I still can't figure out how to get it to work.

Make sure you keep the doors closed. You can do it per the Manuals instructions. ;)

Still Can't Get It
 

Owner's Manual tells me to turn key to Position 2 and wait for "-----" to display on the odometer. However, I never get this display on the odometer. When I depress the referenced button, it just toggles between odometer mileage and trip mileage, and mile remaining on FSS. What do you think the problem is? I'm doing it with the door closed. Thanks for any help.

Press the button on the instrument panel with the key in position 2, wait about 10 seconds until the display flashes ------ and then press the button again. Position 2 is when all of the warning lights come on. It takes a little practice. ;)

The usual problem, if you can't get it to do it, is there is a pretty lengthy time period you need to wait before it will work AFTER the engine is shut off. I bet if you try it first thing in the morning prior to starting the engine, that it'll work fine. Usual wait for a hot engine is around 10 to 20 minutes. This whole problem I believe underscores a significant part of the oil consumption problem on the 112 engine, not that NONE of them burn oil, BUT the 112 does require an unusually long time period before the oil is all run down into the pan.
Gilly

2-3 minutes is sufficient to get a cluster reading on my M113 cousin to the M112. I wonder what's the difference. The sensor is identical, as is 3/4 of the rest of the engine.