How To Check Engine Oil Mercedes-benz

Complete guide with step-by-step instructions and images

Mercedes-Benz luxury vehicle

How to Check Engine Oil in Mercedes-Benz Vehicles

Mercedes-Benz vehicles represent German engineering excellence and luxury. Like BMW, many modern Mercedes-Benz models (2007+) no longer have a traditional dipstick. Instead, they use an electronic oil level monitoring system via the dashboard display. However, some models, especially AMG variants, may retain a dipstick.

⭐ Mercedes-Benz Key Feature

Most Mercedes from 2007+ have NO DIPSTICK. Use ASSYST PLUS system via dashboard to check oil level electronically.

Mercedes-Benz dashboard display

Two Methods for Mercedes-Benz

Method 1: Electronic Check (2007+)

For modern Mercedes without dipstick

C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, GLC, GLE, GLS (newer models)

Method 2: Traditional Dipstick

For older Mercedes (pre-2007) or some AMG

Older models, some AMG variants

Method 1: Electronic Oil Check (No Dipstick)

Step 1: Prepare the Vehicle

Park on level ground. The engine must be at operating temperature (drive for at least 10 minutes). Turn off the engine and wait 5 minutes before checking. The car must be completely level and stationary.

Critical: Mercedes electronic system requires warm engine and level ground. Will not work properly if cold or on slope.

Mercedes parked level

Step 2: Access ASSYST PLUS System

For MBUX (2018+)

  1. Turn on ignition (don't start engine)
  2. Press "Vehicle" on center screen
  3. Select "Service" or "ASSYST"
  4. Choose "Engine Oil Level"
  5. System measures for 30-60 seconds

For Older Display (2007-2017)

  1. Turn key to position 2 (ignition on)
  2. Press steering wheel button repeatedly
  3. Navigate to "Service" menu
  4. Select "Engine Oil Level"
  5. Wait for measurement

Understanding Mercedes Oil Display

Oil Level OK

Normal - no action needed

⚠️

Add 1 Liter

Low - add oil soon

🛑

Stop Engine

Critical - add immediately

Method 2: Traditional Dipstick (Older Models)

For Mercedes-Benz with physical dipstick (mainly pre-2007 or some AMG):

Mercedes engine bay with dipstick

Yellow or gray handle, typically right side

1. Locate Dipstick

Yellow/gray handle, right side of engine

2. Standard Procedure

Pull, wipe, reinsert, check marks

3. Between MIN/MAX

Oil should be in marked range

Mercedes Model Information

🚗 C-Class / E-Class

  • • 2007+: Electronic oil check only
  • • Oil Capacity: 6-8 liters (varies by engine)
  • • Recommended: MB 229.5 or 229.51
  • • Synthetic required

🚙 GLC / GLE / GLS

  • • Electronic monitoring standard
  • • Oil Capacity: 7-9 liters
  • • MB 229.5 specification
  • • Check before long trips

🏁 AMG Models

  • • Some retain physical dipstick
  • • High-performance oil (MB 229.5)
  • • Check after track use
  • • Capacity: 8-10 liters

Mercedes-Benz Oil Specifications

Specification

MB 229.5 (most common)
MB 229.51 (newer)
MB 229.52 (diesel)

Viscosity

0W-40, 5W-40
5W-30 (some models)
Only MB approved

Type

Full Synthetic ONLY
MB-Approved brands
Mobil 1, Castrol

⚠️ Mercedes Critical Information

MB Specification Required

Mercedes requires oil meeting MB 229.5 or later specs. Wrong oil voids warranty and can damage engine.

Electronic System Limitations

Sensor may not alert until critically low. Check regularly via dashboard, especially before long trips.

Service A/B Intervals

ASSYST PLUS calculates service intervals. Service A: minor (oil change). Service B: major. Follow strictly.

Dealer vs DIY

Mercedes service includes computer reset. DIY oil changes may trigger service warnings requiring dealer reset.

💡 Mercedes-Benz Pro Tips

✓ Best Practices

  • • Check oil monthly via ASSYST system
  • • Use only MB-approved oil specifications
  • • Keep 1 liter of correct oil in trunk
  • • Follow Service A/B schedule religiously

⚠️ Watch For

  • • Red oil warning (stop immediately)
  • • Service overdue messages
  • • Oil consumption in turbo models
  • • Extended drain intervals (check more)