Oil light on C280

[Dave Bailey]

I wonder if any of the old hands out there can help a newbie. I have recently bought a '98 C280 with 64k on the clock. It always starts without fail and runs like a dream, but I do have one worry. On the first cold start, ie first thing in the morning, it can take a good 7 seconds for the oil light to go out. On subsequent starts, the oil light goes out immediately, even after work when the car has stood all day. On most other cars I've owned, the oil light often takes a little longer to go out on the first cold start of the day, but 7 seconds just seems like a long time to me. Is this normal, or should I be panicking about it?

Thanks in advance,

Dave

 

[steveperry]

Hi, Silly question but I presume the engine has the correct volume of oil? The V6 engines are meant to house 7 to 8 litres of engine oil. Also, does the dipstick measurement match the dashboard display? You could have a faulty oil level sensor. Failing that maybe your oil filter needs changing?

My C240 oil light goes out immediately even on cold starts.

If you can get your car hooked up to a Star diagnostics computer the engine ECU should tell you exactly what the fault is. Dealers may want to charge £30 odd quid for this service but if you know them well enough you maybe able to sweet talk them into doing it for free.

S.

 

[Dave Bailey]

Thanks for your reply Steve. The oil level is up to the top mark on the dipstick, so I've assumed that must be ok. There are no low oil warnings appearing on the dash. The car was supposed to have been serviced before I collected it - but I'll fit a new filter anyway. I think the oil is regular 10/40 grade semi synthetic. Maybe changing to a 0-40 or similar fully synth oil might help. Failing all that, I'll try going down the star diagnostics route. I doubt I'll be able to blag it for free somehow.....

 

[steveperry]

No problem

If you switch the key in the ignition such that the ignition is live but you don't start the engine and wait a few seconds the dash display will show an oil can icon, if you then press the '0' button twice you should get an in dash display for your engine oil level, this should match what your dipstick shows. i.e. it should show 'ok'. This procedure should be doucmented in your handbook.

Your best route really is to get a fault code readout from a Star machine and then you can go from there. Whereabouts in the UK are you based? If you're close to Birmingham, you could visit Andy Gayle (he visits the forum as Andy) and he would sort you out. If you are near London then you could call in to George Fraser. Both would be cheaper than a bona fide MB Stealership. A forum search on their names should bring up plenty of posts which will have their contact details.

Best of luck!

S.

 

[Dave Bailey]

Hi Steve,

Here's the update: "ok" display on dash ties in with level on dipstick. Changed oil and filter - problem seems to have gone away. If it recurs, I'll book the old girl in for a session on a star system somewhere. Being out in deepest Essex, I'm not near either of the specialists you suggest. That's a pity really, since they both seem to have a very good reputation. I'll see if I can find someone reliable who's located a bit closer to home.

All the best,

Dave

BTW - Handbook is on order from the local MB dealer.

 

[steveperry]

Good to hear you got it sorted Dave

Well done!

S.