W212 E350 oil level question
 

Hey guys, any of you with a E350 mind checking your oil dipstick? When the car's off/cold, I'm guessing it should still show the oil level on the dipstick? All my other vehicles have done that anyway. I think the dealership only put 5q of oil in this car when I bought it. That's what drained out of it anyway. When I pulled the dipstick to help it drain more that sucker was dry, which is concerning.

I'm pretty sure this engine does not come with a dipstick installed , just the tube with a cap. There is a workshop dipstick to be used for actual checking if this is the case. This car might have had a generic stick installed.

The car should have a way to check level OK / Low on the dash by pushing some buttons. There is another function to get a quart reading but this seems to vary by a negligible amount.

The same sensor will alert you if the oil level is low.

Sixto
98 E320s sedan and wagon
02 C320 wagon

Ok. That makes me feel better. I do wonder why only 5 quarts came out though. I couldn't get the oil filter off, whoever torqued it down put about 50ft lb of torque on it. I had to order a new oil filter wrench. Maybe the last 3 will come out when I pull the oil filter loose?

Something does not sound right. I don't know year you are talking about but I was thinking they did put dipstick back in them at some point. You should see the level at least above the "low" mark with engine cold. It will rise a little once up to temp but not more than 1/4" or so.

Drive it 20 miles, park on level surface with engine off, let settle for a few minutes. Level should be between marks. You will not get 3 more quarts out upon removal of filter.

It's a 2010. It does have a dipstick.

Some tips when taking the oil filter cap off ( or a spin on oil filter on other cars. ) Sometimes tapping the filter cap socket on helps to ensure full engagement.

Use a T handle, the will place pure torque on the cap rather than a partial torque and bending motion. This bending motion tends to jam threads making it more difficult to remove things.

If you don't have a T handle, user a medium length extension and hold the extension to counter the bending motion. ( If you are pulling the ratchet, push the extension. )

Apply steady torque not a jerking motion as the o ring needs to slide as the cap is rotated. Just let things slide along at their own pace.

The filter housing does have a drain valve that opens once the filter element is removed.

Look for a part number on the dip stick and confirm it is correct for the car.

Just for thoroughness I got a Mityvac 7201. I pulled another half quart or so out of the pan with that. Went ahead and replaced the filter and added 5q of new oil. Checked the dipstick and it was wet just at the very tip. Added another 3.5q and checked the dipstick, it was right up at the max line. Apparently the dealership just shorted it by 3, 3.5q or so when they did the oil change before I bought it.