Mercedes-Benz E-Class Quiz
Maintenance and care

Engine compartment. Engine oil

In this manual: Maintenance and care
Introduction — 5At a glance — 6Safety — 25Opening and Closing — 17Seats, steering wheel and mirrors — 12Lights and windshield wipers — 11Climate Control — 11Driving and parking — 44On-board computer and displays — 29Stowing and Useful Information. Good to Know — 1Stowing and Useful Information. Storage Options — 10Stowage and convenience features. Convenience features — 7Maintenance and care — 11Roadside assistance — 13Wheels and tires — 13Technical data — 13
~3min read

The engine oil section of the Mercedes E-Class (4th gen., W212, 2009–2016) provides detailed instructions for checking and topping up the oil level. Safety and environmental notes supplement the recommendations to prevent engine damage and protect the environment.

General Notes

WARNING

Hybrid vehicles: be sure to read the supplementary "HYBRID" manual. Otherwise you may not recognize hazards.

Depending on driving style, the vehicle may consume up to 0.8 liter of oil per 1000 km. If the vehicle is new or you frequently drive at high engine speeds, oil consumption may be higher than this.

Depending on the engine, the oil dipstick may be located in different positions.

To check the oil level:

  • park the vehicle on level ground
  • with the engine at operating temperature, let the vehicle stand for approx. five minutes with the engine switched off
  • with the engine not at operating temperature, e.g. if the engine was only started briefly, wait approx. 30 minutes before measuring.

Check the oil level with the oil dipstick

WARNING

Certain components in the engine compartment can become very hot, e.g. the engine, radiator and parts of the exhaust system. Risk of injury when working in the engine compartment!

If possible, let the engine cool down and touch only the components described below.Ölstand mit Ölmessstab prüfen

Vehicles with gasoline engine (example)

Ölstand mit Ölmessstab prüfen

Vehicles with diesel engine (example)

Slowly push the oil dipstickPull out.

Slowly push the oil dipstickWipe clean.

Slowly push the oil dipstickall the way into the guide tube and pull it out again.
  • If the level is between the MIN markand the MAX markthe oil level is correct.

    If the oil level drops to or below the MIN mark,add 1.0 liter of engine oil.

    Topping up engine oil

    WARNING

    Certain components in the engine compartment can become very hot, e.g. the engine, radiator and parts of the exhaust system. Risk of injury when working in the engine compartment!

    If possible, let the engine cool down and touch only the components described below.

    WARNING

    If engine oil gets onto hot components in the engine compartment, it can ignite. Risk of fire and injury!

    Make sure no engine oil gets next to the filler opening. Let the engine cool down and thoroughly clean any components contaminated with engine oil before starting the engine.

    Environmental Note

    Take care not to spill anything when topping up. If oil gets into the ground or into bodies of water, you will damage the environment.

    NOTE

    Use only engine oils and oil filters approved for vehicles with Service System. A list of engine oils and oil filters tested and approved according to Mercedes-Benz operating fluid specifications is available at any Mercedes-Benz Service Center.

    The following will cause engine damage or damage to the exhaust system:

    • Using engine oils and oil filters that are not expressly approved for the service system
    • Changing engine oil and oil filter after exceeding the change interval specified by the service system
    • Using engine oil additives

    Do not overfill the engine oil. Overfilling can damage the engine or the catalytic converter. Have excess engine oil drained off.

    Motoröl nachfüllen

    Example illustration

    Turn the filler capcounterclockwise and remove it.Top up the engine oil.
  • If the oil level is at or below the MIN mark on the dipstick, add 1.0 liter of engine oil.Turn the filler capPlace it on the filler opening and turn clockwise.
  • Make sure the cap engages securely.

    Check the oil level again with the dipstick.

    Further information on engine oil.

    The engine oil guidelines for the Mercedes E-Class W212 (model years 2009–2016) help you operate the engine reliably and for a long service life. Checking the oil level and topping up follow clear specifications to prevent engine damage.

    Using approved oils and filters is essential to maintain the high standard of the E-Class. Responsible handling of engine oil also protects the environment and the vehicle's technology.

    Question: Why must you not overfill engine oil?

    Answer: Because overfilling can damage the engine or the catalytic converter. Excess oil must be drained off.

    Question: How often should the oil level be checked?

    Answer: Regularly, especially before long trips and when the engine is under heavy load.

    • Test yourself

    A quick Mercedes-Benz E-Class quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.