R170 SLK oil level indicator?

[nickwilcock]

I discovered from another source on the Internet, that it is possible to check the oil level in my 2003 SLK 32 AMG without using the dipstick. Turn the ignition key to the '2' position, wait until the ASSYST display changes to show an oil can and clock symbol, then immediately press the reset button twice. If the oil level is OK, it displays 'OK'.....

But there's absolutely nothing about this in the owner's manual! Why? And what is the significance of the clock symbol? It goes out when the oil level shows 'OK'....

I assume that this is a feature of all ASSYST-equipped SLKs, but why is there nothing in the manual about it?

Are there any othr surprises that Mercedes has hidden away for us to discover? I know of one - there is no front/rear fader for the Bose subwoofers even though the Audio 10 manual states that there is.

[steve-p]

nickwilcock said:

I assume that this is a feature of all ASSYST-equipped SLKs, but why is there nothing in the manual about it?

It's the same in my W210 E class, and it is in the manual for that.

[nickwilcock]

Thanks for the clarification.

Is there any significance to the ASSYST 'clock' symbol which appears when the oil level check appears?

Enjoy the '55!

[steve-p]

I'm looking at the manual now and it mentions the clock symbol above the oil can. It says that if you try to check the level within 5 minutes of turning off the engine, the clock symbol will flash and you have to wait until it stops flashing before it will work. On the E you get messages like "OIL LEVEL OKAY", "POUR IN 1.0L OIL", "POUR IN 1.5L OIL", "OIL LEVEL ABOVE MAX" etc.

[steve-p]

Are you sure there's nothing in the manual, by the way? It took me ages to find it - the '97 vintage manuals are truly atrocious. It's in the index under 'engine oil level', whereas most people would look just for 'oil'. Also, there are three separate manuals: Interior, Exterior and Driving. Now, which one would any logical person expect might include the operation of the instrument panel to check the oil? That's right, Exterior. Huh

The new SLK manuals are completely different, and far better, thankfully. Also for current models there are online versions:

http://www2.mercedes-benz.co.uk/content/unitedkingdom/mpc/mpc_unitedkingdom_website/en/home_mpc/passenger_cars/home/after_sales/interactive_manual.html

[deva link]

On my (facelift) W203 C Class, there's a 'hidden' sequence you can go through which shows the actual oil level in litres (and tenths of litres), rather than it just saying 'OK'. You can drive like that too, and watch the level go up and down!

It doesn't have a dipstick at all.

>> Edited by deva link on Wednesday 24th August 22:30

[nickwilcock]

Well, I looked high and low in the manual and couldn't find anything. Although it does tell you how to reset the ASSYST indicator....

Just tried the oil level check again - it takes about 20 sec from selecting Ign 2 before the clock and oil can symbols appear - during which time all manner of odd noises occur as various systems boot up! A double press of the reset and it shows 'OK'. I then started the engine, let it run for a minute or so, shut it down and repeated the check - the oil can stays in view but the clock symbol slowly flashes as you describe.

But it was about 20 minutes after engine shut down before I was able to recheck the oil level. Perhaps the inhibit time is engine variant-specific due to differing oil systems and capacities?

Thanks for your help - still wonder why there's nothing in the manual about it though!

(My neighbours must think I'm very strange!)

>> Edited by nickwilcock on Thursday 25th August 06:58

[steve-p]

deva link said:

On my (facelift) W203 C Class, there's a 'hidden' sequence you can go through which shows the actual oil level in litres (and tenths of litres), rather than it just saying 'OK'. You can drive like that too, and watch the level go up and down! It doesn't have a dipstick at all.

Same with the SLK55, apparently. Unfortunately it seems to have led to a sort of automotive neurosis in the US, where people are obsessed with the oil level

[steve-p]

nickwilcock said:

But it was about 20 minutes after engine shut down before I was able to recheck the oil level. Perhaps the inhibit time is engine variant-specific due to differing oil systems and capacities?

Could be. It could also be dependent on the temperature of the oil, as if it is not at working temperature it will take longer to settle in the sump, being thicker.

[nickwilcock]

Yes, you're right. I went for a blast earlier today and the oil level check worked fine 5 minutes after engine shut down.

Only another week to your '55!