358 Operation
Engine compartment
Closing
Let the hood drop from a height of 
approximately 1 ft (30 cm).
The hood will lock audibly.
Check to make sure the hood is fully 
closed.
If you can raise the hood at a point 
above the headlamps, then it is not 
properly closed. Open it again and let it 
drop with somewhat greater force.
Engine oil
The amount of oil your engine needs will 
depend on a number of factors, including 
driving style. Increased oil consumption 
can occur when
the vehicle is new
the vehicle is driven frequently at 
higher engine speeds
Engine oil consumption checks should only 
be made after the vehicle break-in period.Checking engine oil level
When checking the oil level
the vehicle must be parked on level 
ground
the vehicle must have been stationary 
for at least 5 minutes with the engine 
turned off
Example illustration R 350 4MATIC
1Oil dipstick
2Upper mark
3Lower mark
Open the hood (page 356).
Pull out oil dipstick1.
Warning!G
When closing the hood, use extreme caution 
not to catch hand or fingers. Be careful that 
you do not close the hood on anyone.
Make sure the hood is securely engaged be-
fore driving. Do not continue driving if the 
hood can no longer engage after an accident 
for example. The hood could otherwise 
come loose while the vehicle is in motion 
and injure you and/or others.
!Do not use any special lubricant additives, 
as these may damage the drive assemblies. 
Using special additives not approved by 
Mercedes-Benz may cause damage not covered 
by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
More information on this subject is available at 
any Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center. 
359 Operation
Engine compartment
Wipe oil dipstick 1 clean.
Fully insert oil dipstick1 into the 
dipstick guide tube.
Pull out oil dipstick1 again after 
approximately 3 seconds to obtain 
accurate reading.
The oil level is correct when it is between 
lower mark 3 (min.) and upper mark 2 
(max.) of the oil dipstick.
If necessary, add engine oil.
For more information on engine oil, see 
“Technical data” section (
page 536) and 
(
page 538).
For information on messages in the multi-
function display concerning engine oil, see 
the “Practical hints” section (
page 451).Adding engine oil
Example illustration R 350 4MATIC
1Filler cap
Unscrew filler cap1 from filler neck.
Add engine oil as required. Be careful 
not to overfill with oil.
iThe filling quantity between the upper and 
lower marks on the oil dipstick is approximately 
2.1 US qt (2.0 l).
!Only use approved engine oils and oil filters 
required for vehicles with Maintenance System. 
For a listing of approved engine oils and oil 
filters, refer to the Factory Approved Service 
Products pamphlet (USA only) in your vehicle 
literature portfolio, or contact an authorized 
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.
Using engine oils and oil filters of specification 
other than those expressly required for the 
Maintenance System, or changing of oil and oil 
filter at change intervals longer than those called 
for by the Maintenance System will result in 
engine or emission control system damage 
not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited 
Warranty.