My wife was driving back from Macon GA early this AM, and her check oil warning came on intermittently. When she got here, I went to check the oil, and there was no dipstick. Probably happened at her last service (unfortunately 2 hrs away), but is there an item number / equivalent dipstick I can purchase at a local auto parts dealer in the short term?

She has to return Sun afternoon, so I need to do something quickly...

__________________
Mine: 1987 MB 420 SEL - 62K (Dec 2019)
Mine:1991 MB 350SDL - 244K (Aug 2011)- Totalled 9/14/2016
Mine:1981 MB 300SD - 326K mi (July 1997)-sold
Wife's: 2008 MB C300 Sport - 92K mi (April 2009)

I'm not sure what all you could you use that would provide accurate readings but you can order one off of this site or there is Jackson Automotive in Macon that is the local dealer. The young lady on the parts counter, Anissa, is a first class individual to work with.

If you ever need help with the car while it is in Macon I'm about 70 miles east down I-16.

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Jim

Doesn't your car have FSS or whatever is the modern equivalent? You should be able to check oil level well enough. Check owners manual for details. Since it is the weekend, you could use that to get home and either order online or go to dealer. If you are concerned about oil on the engine, a couple of layers of alum foil and a cable tie should work fine.

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Good luck.






1998 E320 Wagon

The dipstick is on the passenger side, way in the back of the engine bay, between the air filter housing and the firewall.

Do yourself a favor and don't follow the 10k service interval. Get it done at 7500. I've never had an MB that used oil, including my C300, but if you run 10k/a year, especially in the summer heat.....who knows. And of course, some could have come out of the dipstick tube I suppose. Who is servicing this car?

PS - if you change the air filter yourself (or even if you don't), make sure you're extremely careful when refitting the air cleaner housing. I put mine on and destroyed the stupidly-designed seal between the housing and tha airflow sensor. Luckily it's under warranty still, but I presume this will be a problem area for years to come for some ppl.

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former: 83 300D, 97 C230, 93 400E

current: 08 C300 Luxury , 92 500SL

Jim - there has been no repeat of the check oil light coming on. She's back in Macon now. Will keep your recommendations in mind...

__________________
Mine: 1987 MB 420 SEL - 62K (Dec 2019)
Mine:1991 MB 350SDL - 244K (Aug 2011)- Totalled 9/14/2016
Mine:1981 MB 300SD - 326K mi (July 1997)-sold
Wife's: 2008 MB C300 Sport - 92K mi (April 2009)

Richard - the car does have a sensor, and that seems to be what was acting up previously. Has not come on since her original trip... And I did cover the dip tube to prevent water/dirt from entering. Thanks!

__________________
Mine: 1987 MB 420 SEL - 62K (Dec 2019)
Mine:1991 MB 350SDL - 244K (Aug 2011)- Totalled 9/14/2016
Mine:1981 MB 300SD - 326K mi (July 1997)-sold
Wife's: 2008 MB C300 Sport - 92K mi (April 2009)

Yup. I have checked the oil in this car many times before...

__________________
Mine: 1987 MB 420 SEL - 62K (Dec 2019)
Mine:1991 MB 350SDL - 244K (Aug 2011)- Totalled 9/14/2016
Mine:1981 MB 300SD - 326K mi (July 1997)-sold
Wife's: 2008 MB C300 Sport - 92K mi (April 2009)

The car has only about 500-600 miles since the last oil change, but will keep the reduced change interval in mind. In the 3 yrs my wife has owned the vehicle, I have not noticed any oil usage between changes... The area around the dipstick and below was very clean - no sign of oil splattering... Different shops have serviced the car, two of which are very knowledgeable and trustworthy.

And thanks for the heads up on the air filter. Changed it once myself with no issues, but will be extra careful next time...

__________________
Mine: 1987 MB 420 SEL - 62K (Dec 2019)
Mine:1991 MB 350SDL - 244K (Aug 2011)- Totalled 9/14/2016
Mine:1981 MB 300SD - 326K mi (July 1997)-sold
Wife's: 2008 MB C300 Sport - 92K mi (April 2009)