303 Malfunction and warning messages
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index ENGINE OIL LEVEL
* C = Category, see page 293.
1 The engine oil level must be checked immediately. See Engine oil 
level indicator on page 141.
2 There is no oil in the engine. There is a danger of engine damage.3 There is a risk of damaging the engine or catalytic converter. The 
engine oil level must be checked immediately. See Engine oil level 
indicator on page 141.
4 The engine oil level has dropped to a critical level. 
Check the engine oil level immediately. See Engine oil level 
ind icator on  page 141 and check the en gine fo r visibl e leakage (los s 
of oil).
It may be that there is water in the engine oil. Have the engine oil 
checked.
5 The measuring system is malfunctioning.
When the “ENGINE OIL LEVEL – CHECK LEVEL!” 
message appears while the engine is running and at 
operating temperature, the engine oil level has dropped 
to approximately the minimum mark on the dipstick.
When this occurs, the warning will first come on 
intermittently and then stay on if the oil level drops 
further.
If no oil leaks are noted, continue to drive to the nearest 
service station where the engine oil should be topped to 
the “full” mark on the dipstick with an approved oil.
The engine oil level warnings should not be ignored. 
Extended driving with the symbol displayed could 
result in serious engine damage that is not covered by 
the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
Line 1 Line 2 C*
ENGINE OIL LEVEL CHECK LEVEL!
1
2
ENGINE OIL LEVEL STOP, ENGINE OFF!
2
1
ENGINE OIL LEVEL REDUCE OIL LEVEL1
3
2
ENGINE OIL VISIT WORKSHOP!
4
2
ENGINE OIL LEVEL VISIT WORKSHOP!
5
2
OM_203.book  Seite 303  Donnerstag, 31. Mai 2001  11:57 11 
321 Engine compartment
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index Adding engine oil
1Oil filler cap
2Plug of dipstick guide tube
The engine oil level can only be checked via the 
multifunction display in the instrument cluster.
To check the engine oil level, park vehicle on level 
ground, with engine at normal operational temperature.
Check engine oil level approximately 5 minutes after 
stopping the engine, allowing for the oil to return to the 
oil pan.Unscrew the oil filler cap and add oil carefully if you 
need to top up the oil. Follow the message appearing on 
the engine oil level indicator display (page 141) as to 
quantity to be added. Re-install oil filler cap.
Do not overfill the engine.
 Excessive oil must be drained 
or siphoned. It could cause damage to engine and 
catalytic converter not covered by the Mercedes-Benz 
Limited Warranty.
See malfunction and warning messages on page 293 if 
an engine oil level display appears on the multifunction 
indicator when the engine is running.
Notes:
See page 141 for engine oil level indicator display.
The dipstick tube allows for draining of oil by using a 
suction device.
1
P 01.00-2219-26
2
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