Checking the oil! Why so irrregular?
 

I have read the manual and I always check my Z's oil level twice a week. Yes, it may be too much; but after my first engine's oil consumption issue, you can't blame me.

I check the oil level a minimum of 1 hour after shutting it down. So the question is...... how come sometimes it is at the level I expect it to be, and sometimes it is about 1/8 of an inch lower . It is not my imagination as when it is 1/8" lower, I insert and reinsert that diptstick about 5 times to ensure I am not dreaming.

Anyone else noticed this, or is it just my luck with these engines? Is it menopausal? :)

Yes! Checking the engine oil level is supposed to be a no-brainer. Yes, I am 40+ year-old and I know how to check to oil :) My hobby is rebuilding cars (suspension, engine, etc.) I am adding this last paragraph so no one flames me and to establish my semi-credibilitty/qualifications. :)

You need to relax! Everything is going to be fine.

:) :) :)
Believe it or not, I am relax knowing I have warranty. I remember AK encountering this issue once, but I am unsure if his experience was a one-time thingy.


After the replacement of my initial engine, the mental scar will always be there.

Hello Houston,

Am I the only menopausal? No big deal, 95% of the time, I get consistent reading. I am just wondering if there is a hidden pocket inside the engine where the oil may or may not drain down to the pan.

seems like the very slight difference in oil level may be due to the oil temp (expands) when checked..

:iagree:

I really don't get it. I get the same reading every time.

Careful! The more you check it, the more it will burn.;) Nice forum guys!:tup:

based on the thread title I deduce that your car needs more bran :tup:

Seriously, an 1/8 of an inch difference in dipstick level is well within the normal margin of error for a dipstick -- there could be a bit more oil clinging to the engine than there was the last time you checked the oil, etc.

:iagree: Just think of what you're using as an instrument to check your level. It's a mechanical device with quite a large range of "normal" parameters.

I fully agree with everyone. However, mechanical or not, this is the only car I know (out of 20+ cars I have worked on) where the reading varies.

I guess I will need to adjust and update my knowledge-base.

Various Benz have a plastic ended dip-stick. If you "dip" it you get a pretty low reading. If you leave the stick in there for a half minute or so the fluid "meniscus" has got level with the oil and the reading is probably true.

(Possible rejection by M-B of warranty claims caused by "over-filling" the engine with oil?)

You should also take into consideration that your experience with your current car's engine may lead you to pay more attention. Previous cars that you have had no problems with may have exhibited the same phenomenon but passed under your radar.