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The figure may differ from this, however, depending on quality factors.
The start distance is automatically reset to its initial value by the oil change reset each time the oil is changed. 
The start distance is an internal computed quantity and cannot be displayed in the instrument cluster. It is 
possible to display the start distance with the HHT. 
What is normally displayed in the instrument cluster is the remaining distance . 
The remaining distance is the same as the start distance immediately after the oil change. On engines with oil 
sensor (e.g. 112, 113, 166, 611, 668) this applies only, however, if the specified quantity of oil has been added 
during the oil change. 
The remaining distance is the distance which remains from the current kilometer reading until the next 
service. The possible length of the interval is at least as great as the remaining distance displayed 
immediately after an oil change, and is at the most twice the start distance.  
The remaining distance is dependent on  
the start distance  
the driving conditions (a weighting of the distance driven takes place)  
any oil replenishments in the case of engines with oil sensor (e.g. 112, 113, 166, 611, 668)  
Consequently, ASSYST also takes into account the driving conditions: In the case of a favorable weighting 
(e.g. small number of cold starts, no high engine revs, small number of short-distance trips, minimum extent of 
towing a trailer etc.) and oil replenishments, the driver is provided with a bonus which extends the remaining 
distance and thus the service interval. Account is also taken of whether the vehicle is actually driven or whether 
the engine runs at idle speed. ASSYST is constantly supplied with the data regarding the current operating 
conditions of the vehicle for this purpose. 
In the case of the best weighting , only 0.6 km are added for each kilometer driven. 
In the case of the most unfavorable weighting of the distance (e.g. frequent short-distance trips, large number 
of cold starts), the remaining distance and thus the service interval is smaller than in the case of the most 
favorable weighting (assuming identical quality factors). 
In the case of the most unfavorable weighting, up to 3 km are added for each kilometer driven. 
The start distance and the remaining distance are once again presented in the form of a graph in the diagram 
opposite, taking the example of gasoline engines  
Each time the oil is changed, the start and remaining distances are set to the initial value. In this case, the 
normal value of 15 000 km is entered as the start distance (top bar) (shaded + dark section). The start distance 
may differ from 15 000 km (e.g. 14 000 km; shaded section) if the quality factors do not correspond to the basic 
setting. In the case of engines fitted with oil sensor (e.g. 112, 113, 166) the start distance may also be less than 
15 000 km if the specified oil quantity was not added during the oil change. The remaining distance (bottom 
bar) is always 15 000 km, however, immediately after an oil change. In addition, the service interval is 
always at least 15 000 km . 
 
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The total remaining distance and thus the service interval may be increased to not more than twice the start 
distance, 30 000 km in this case (white section) as a result of corresponding bonuses (favorable weighting of 
distances driven) and in the case of engines fitted with oil sensor (e.g. 112, 113, 166). 
Fig. 321: Start And Remaining Distance Graph
 
However, a start distance of less than 15 000 km results in a reduction in the maximum attainable service 
interval. 
Refer also to the diagrams in the document "Engine oil monitoring". 
Warning threshold (km)  
With the HHT it is possible to set a warning threshold between 250 km and 8000 km for the remaining distance.
This warning threshold is set differently for 3 different distances driven. The system adjusts to the correct 
annual distance driven by calculating the daily distance driven (refer to table): 
Display of remaining distance (The readout is shown in kilometers or miles depending on the national code.): 
at driver request  
automatically, after 5 s start switch in position 2 or driving if the warning threshold is reached : 
The warning symbol and the readout: "SERVICE IN .... KM" appears for 10 s. (On models not fitted with 
multifunction display, the service symbol appears together with the remaining distance in kilometers, 
from mid July 97 "... km".) 
automatically, after 5 s start switch in position 2 or driving if the remaining distance is exceeded : 
In this case, the readout "KM .... EXCEEDED" appears together with the service symbol for 30 s (up to 
mid July 97 for 10 s). (On models not fitted with multifunction display, the service symbol appears 
together with the remaining distance with a negative sign in kilometers as a flashing display, as of mid 
July 97 "... km".) 
As of approx. 06.97 a brief warning signal sounds in addition.
 
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The remaining distance is displayed with a resolution of 100 km.
 If a speed limit is set at the cruise control, the speed limit appears for a short moment in the display before 
the ASSYST text. 
In the normal case, it is the remaining distance which is displayed. However, the time information is always 
processed in the background to enable the attention of "low-mileage drivers" to be drawn to any service due. 
The remaining distance is compared each day with the remaining time. In certain circumstances, the display 
switches over, and it is the remaining time which is displayed (  see document "Remaining time"). 
If certain measured values are not supplied to the ASSYST system, e.g. because of failure of a sensor, it 
switches over to stored substitute values. A corresponding entry is made in the fault memory of the relevant 
control module. 
The data are retained if the operating voltage is disconnected or fails. 
REMAINING TIME FUNCTION - GF00.20-P-2008A 
 Active service system 
(ASSYST) operating 
informationEngines with oil sensor 
(e.g. 112, 113, 611)GF00.20-P-0003-01A
Model 210 as of 01.03.97 
with engines 111, 602, 
604, 605, 606 
Model 129, 140, 170, 202 
as of 06.97 except engine 
112, 113, 611 
(Valid for engines with 
oil level switch.)GF00.20-P-0003-01B
 Active service system 
(ASSYST) display 
facilities GF00.20-P-0003-04A
 Remaining time function GF00.20-P-2008A
 Engine oil monitor 
functionEngines with oil sensor 
(e.g. 112, 113, 611)GF00.20-P-2009A
Model 210 as of 01.03.97 
with engines 111, 602, 
604, 605, 606 
Model 129, 140, 170, 202 
as of 06.97 except engine 
112, 113, 611 
(Valid for engines with 
oil level switch.)GF00.20-P-2009B
 Displaying service 
functionModel 129, 202 as of 8.99
Model 163 as of 1.00 
Model 168 as of 9.99 
Model 170 as of 12.99GF00.20-P-2010B
 
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MODEL 129 as of 1.6.97  
MODEL 140 as of 1.6.97  
MODEL 163  
MODEL 168  
MODEL 170 as of 1.6.97  
MODEL 202 as of 1.6.97  
MODEL 208 up to 31.7.99  
MODEL 210 as of 1.3.97 up to 30.6.99  
Start time and remaining time  
Start time refers to the service interval in days immediately after the oil change  
The start time is not dependent on the driving conditions and any oil replenishments . 
The start time is 730 days (   365 days). 
The start time is automatically reset to its initial value by the oil change reset after each oil change. The start 
time is an internal computed variable and cannotbe displayed in the instrument cluster. It is possible to display 
the start time with the HHT. 
The remaining time is displayed in the instrument cluster under certain conditions as stated below. 
The remaining time is the time which remains until the next service.  
The remaining time is only of importance for "low-mileage drivers". (It is therefore the remaining distance 
which is displayed as a general rule.) 
The remaining time depends on: 
the start time  
the driving conditions (the distance driven is weighted in this case.)  
Replenishing oil, however, does not have any influence on the remaining time. 
As a result of these dependent factors, ASSYST proves to be a demand-oriented system even for "low-mileage 
drivers". Depending on the weighting of the factors, the service interval for "low-mileage drivers" is between 1 
and 2 
years. 
 
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Warning threshold (in days)  
With the HHT it is possible to set a warning threshold of between 5 and 30 days for the remaining time, with a 
stepwidth of one day. The basic setting is 30 days. 
Display of remaining time  
The remaining time is always only displayed in those cases where the following condition is met: 
Remaining time (in days) x 40 < remaining distance (in km), and the warning threshold is reached. 
The remaining time is displayed in the following cases: 
automatically, after 5 s start switch in position 2 or driving, if the warning threshold is reached: 
The service symbol and the readout "SERVICE IN ... DAYS" appears for 10 seconds. (On vehicles not 
fitted with multifunction display, the current remaining time, the service and the clock symbol appear.) 
automatically, after 5 s start switch in position 2 or driving, if the remaining time is exceeded: 
The service symbol and the readout "DAYS ... EXCEEDED" appears for 30 s (for 10 s up to mid-July 
97). (On vehicles not fitted with multifunction display, the service and the clock symbol appear. The 
"remaining time" is displayed with a negative sign (minus sign). The readout flashes in this case.) 
After the display reaches the maximum readout of -730 days, the readout remains at this figure! The 
readout is displayed with a resolution of 1 day. 
As of approx. 06.97 a brief warning signal sounds in addition.  
at driver request. The readout is then displayed, as above, for 10 s.  
 If a speed limit is set at the cruise control, this speed limit is displayed for a short moment before the 
ASSYST display. 
If certain measured values are not supplied to the ASSYST, e.g. because of failure of a sensor, it switches to 
stored substitute values. An appropriate entry is then made in the fault memory of the particular control module.
If the power supply fails, the data are retained. The times without operating voltage (battery disconnected) are 
not recorded, however! They can be retroactively included, however, with the HHT. 
 Active service system 
(ASSYST) operating 
informationEngine with oil sensor 
(e.g. 112, 113, 611)GF00.20-P-0003-01A
Model 210 as of 01.03.97 
with engines 111, 602, 
604, 605, 606 
Model 129, 140, 170, 202 GF00.20-P-0003-01B
 
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ENGINE OIL MONITOR FUNCTION - GF00.20-P-2009A 
MODEL 129 with ENGINE 112, 113  
MODEL 163 with ENGINE 112, 113, 612  
MODEL 168 with ENGINE 166, 668  
MODEL 202 with ENGINE 112, 611  
MODEL 208 up to 31.7.99 with ENGINE 112, 113  
MODEL 210 up to 30.6.99 with ENGINE 112, 113, 611  
General  
The oil level is constantly monitored by the oil sensor, and the appropriate data transmitted to the processor by 
the ASSYST. 
Oil replenishments are detected automatically and result in a bonus, which extends the service interval 
accordin
gly. 
as of 06.97 except engine 
112, 113, 611 
(Valid for engines with 
oil level switch.)
 Active service system 
(ASSYST) display 
facilities GF00.20-P-0003-04A
 Remaining distance 
function GF00.20-P-2007A
 Engine oil monitor 
functionEngine with oil sensor 
(e.g. 112, 113, 611)GF00.20-P-2009A
Model 210 as of 01.03.97 
with engines 111, 602, 
604, 605, 606 
Model 129, 140, 170, 202 
as of 06.97 except engine 
112, 113, 611 
(Valid for engines with 
oil level switch.)GF00.20-P-2009B
 Displaying service 
functionModel 129, 202 as of 8.99
Model 163 as of 1.00 
Model 168 as of 9.99 
Model 170 as of 12.99GF00.20-P-2010B
 
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An excess oil level or insufficient oil level appears in the display together with the oil can symbol.
Display of low oil level at maximum:  
at driver request  
Display of warnings:  
automatically, at the earliest 60s after engine start and oil temperature greater than 60°C: 
if oil level too high: the oil can symbol appears together with the readout "OIL LEVEL ABOVE 
MAX". In addition, a brief warning signal sounds. (On models not fitted with multifunction 
display, "HI" appears flashing.)  
if oil level too low: the oil can symbol appears together with the readout "OIL LEVEL BELOW 
MIN". In addition, a brief warning signal sounds. (On models not fitted with multifunction display, 
the oil level warning lamp (A1e12) comes on and the readout "-2L" appears flashing.)  
if oil at minimum: the oil can symbol appears together with the readout "OIL LEVEL MINIMUM". 
In addition, a brief warning signal sounds. (On models not fitted with multifunction display, the oil 
level warning lamp (A1e12) comes on.)  
automatically 13 s after ignition ON: 
if no oil is in engine: the oil can symbol appears together with the readout "OIL LEVEL BELOW 
MIN". In addition, a warning signal sounds. (On models not fitted with multifunction display, the 
oil level warning lamp (A1e12) comes on and the readout "-2L" appears flashing. In addition a 
brief warning signal sounds.)  
The missing oil quantity displayed no longer changes during the display. In other words, any change in oil level 
cannot be observed directly at the display. The new oil level is only displayed once the conditions described 
below exist. 
Display of oil quantity at driver request  
The text "DISPLAY OIL LEVEL?" appears 10 s after the start switch has been turned into position "2" (on 
models not fitted with multifunction display, the oil can and the clock symbol are displayed). 
If the reset button of the trip counter is pressed twice within one sec. during this readout, for example, "add 1.0L 
oil" (or "-1.0L") 
appears in the display if oil level too low. The readout appears only after the elapse of a waiting time after 
engine OFF. The waiting time depends on the engine oil temperature. 
It is 
up to 20°C 30 minutes  
from 60°C 1 minute  
The waiting time is between these two limits at other engine oil temperatures.  
 
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Possible readouts are (text in parenthesis relates to models not fitted with multifunction display.):
"OIL LEVEL OKAY" ("o.k."),  
1.0L, 1.5L, 2L,  
"Overfilling" ("HI"),  
"OBSERVE WAITING TIME" (clock symbol flashing and oil can symbol),  
"DISPLAY OIL LEVEL" (clock and oil can symbols.)  
If there is a fault at the oil sensor (oil level/temperature/quality, B40) the oil can symbol and the text "OIL 
LEVEL SENSOR FAULTY" appears only 30 s after the fault has occurred. 
(On models not fitted with multifunction display, the oil level warning lamp (A1e12) comes on accordingly.) 
For diagnosis, read also the injection system control module (N3) with the HHT. (The instrument cluster (A1) 
receives the sensor data through the CAN from the injection system control module (N3)). 
Oil change  
The ASSYST has to be reset each time the oil is changed. Resetting ASSYST also resets the remaining time and 
the remaining distance. Resetting can be performed at the instrument cluster or using the HHT. The following 
data are stored when the system is reset: 
current kilometer reading rounded off to 100,  
total oil replenishments in the last interval,  
remaining distance,  
remaining time,  
product of the quality factors,  
the data of the last 5 resettings in 5 data sets  
These data can only be read with the HHT! 
If the specified quantity of oil is not replenished when the oil is changed, the (internal) start distance is 
reduced.  
Detecting oil replenishments  
With the HHT it is possible to retrieve the last 10 oil replenishments and the corresponding kilometer 
readings of the current interval.  
In the normal case, detection of an oil replenishment is displayed by the remaining distance in the 
instrument cluster being extended  
Oil replenishments are always only detected once the following conditions are met: 
the replenished quantit
y is at least  
 
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1998-2005 GENINFO Overall vehicle - 163 Chassis  
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