Engine oil level on a C43

[grayb]

Does anyone know how much oil is measured between the bottom and top marks on the dipstick of a C43 V8 engine? The handbook doesn't say at all - not that it acknowledges the existence of the C43 at all... :?:

 

[grayb]

Just in case anyone else needs to know - I have been to the local dealer and they think that 1.5 litres is the amount from the low to the full mark.

 

[waggers]

C43 oil consumption

Just for the record, you may be interested that average accepted consumption is in the region of 1litre for every 3000 miles of wear. Have you had any gearbox/transmission issues?

Cheers

Steve

 

[AlexSR]

1 litre / 3000 miles!..I should check my oil more often. On the gearbox front - I haven't had any problems but naturally it's been a cause for concern. I have a '99 V C43 which has done 68k miles. As a precaution I had the gearbox oil and filter changed - seemingly worthwhile - the tiny cassette filter that sits in the gearbox sump looks like it could easily become blocked. Interestingly the oil / filter didn't look too bad but for the relatively small cost I reckon it's worth it. MB don't consider the gearbox a serviceable item and as such they don't check / change the oil and there's no dipstick - you need to drain, drop the sump, change filter and fill with the specified quantity of oil.

 

[Andy]

Hi

1. As far as I am aware the accepted oil consumption is approx 1ltr every 1500 miles.

The amount of oil between the marks is usually between 1-1.5 ltrs of oil. This usually brings the oil to the max level.


2.

There is a gearbox dip stick available for the workshop. And can be obtained from MB. You are correct that MB beleive that there is no need to change the oil. And some subscribers to this forum would back this philosophy to the hilt.

I for one do not. I say at least at 100k change the oil & filter in the gearbox. I know of a trader who has had a number of problems at the the 70+ mark. Any where from this point have it changed. When these boxes go they seem to go big style & become an uneconomical repair. BE WARNED.


Regards

Andy @ www.mercedesservicing.com

 

[grayb]

Re the accepted oil consumption figures. Ours has gone down about a third of the distance from max to min in about 5000 miles i.e. 0.3-0.5 ltr, which doesn't seem too bad at all. Most of that seemed to happen during the first couple of months and it's been a fairly slow usage since.

I have heard some comments about the gearboxes giving up at 50-60K miles - which is a bit worrying. We are thinking about a warranty from someone like Warranty Direct - who were well recommended when I used to have a Fiat Coupe.

 

[waggers]

C43 Gearbox

mine went recently at 61,000! MB exchange £1400 plus fitting