proper oil level check

[mercbuff]

over the years i've heard many variants of how to check the oil level.
1. stone cold.......(first thing in the morning)
2. after engine has run for 5 minutes
3. any time.....even if the car has just run 100 miles.

what exactly is the proper way and which method gives you the most accurate reading..... or at least the one that matters.

[jdc1244]

The owner’s manual says to check it when the engine is at operating temperature and “the operating temperature should have been obtained for some time.�

So check after - I would say - at least a half-hour of driving.

[spanners]

the oil should be checked when the engine is at operating temperature because as the oil thins with heat, it rises up the dipstick.

If you check it cold and top it up to the maximum, when the engine has warmed up, it will be too high.

[merouby]

How about the auto tranny??? What level should that be??

[jdc1244]

I think we’ll all agree that the auto box fluid level is checked hot, with the engine in idle (after running the P-R-N-D-3-2 course and back again) on level ground; the level should be between the MIN and MAX marks. MB says not to use a paper towel or cloth rag, it will contaminate the fluid; I use an old chamois.