[Dr. T]

Why the hell don't the 2003 C240's have an oil dipstick? I know you supposed to check the oil level on the dash computer, but how are you supposed to check it's condition?

What intervals to use? Do you trust the dash 15k km interval?

What about break-in? Do you change the oil at the first 3-4k km or just keep going to 15k km with the factory stuff?

There are numerous grades with M-B recommendations? Which one to use? Which M-B spec is the correct one for the C240...229.1/3 or 5?

 

[hawaiibenz]

Why the hell don't the 2003 C240's have an oil dipstick? I know you supposed to check the oil level on the dash computer, but how are you supposed to check it's condition?

You're not the only one wondering what's up with the absence of a dipstick. On the 01 C320 we don't have one []

 

[JimB]

mine don't have one either, but

since we bought the MB, I guess we have to trust thier technology[]
and...I will follow the FSS. I learned my lesson from my ML..I changed the oil in between now my ODO and FSS never match.

BTW..ML is in the shop for "B" service @ 44K miles.[]

 

[Drew]

Because you are supposed to follow the FSS...

Why the hell don't the 2003 C240's have an oil dipstick? I know you supposed to check the oil level on the dash computer, but how are you supposed to check it's condition?

That's why MB didn't include a dipstick, as you are expected to follow the FSS.

What intervals to use? Do you trust the dash 15k km interval?

As long as you use the approved synthetic oils, the FSS should be accurate (and in fact a bit conservative). I wouldn't worry about it as people have done oil analysis of their dirty oil and the results indicate that the oil still has some life left, even after the FSS recommends and oil change.

What about break-in? Do you change the oil at the first 3-4k km or just keep going to 15k km with the factory stuff?

No, this is not necessary any longer. You can keep the oil in there till the first interval.

There are numerous grades with M-B recommendations? Which one to use? Which M-B spec is the correct one for the C240...229.1/3 or 5?

There is an entire list, but basically Mobil 1 0W40, 15W50 is accepted/approved by MB.

 

[Ler]

RE: Because you are supposed to follow the FSS...

Drew - 11/7/2003 10:39 AM

As long as you use the approved synthetic oils, the FSS should be accurate (and in fact a bit conservative). I wouldn't worry about it as people have done oil analysis of their dirty oil and the results indicate that the oil still has some life left, even after the FSS recommends and oil change.

Just found this thread,
Not to be a skeptic, but where are these oil analyses for oil at the end of life, as determined by the FSS? I searched and found one from the 210 forum, and it didn't look very good. That UOA was for M1 0W-40 as well, a DB 229.3 spec oil. Not too encouraging.

 

[Dr. T]

Can you post the link to the UOA???