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w116 300sd transmission oil level check

Started by xaliscomex, 08 October 2012, 12:51 PM

xaliscomex

Own a 300sd w116 and have a question on properly checking the tranny oil level.  I have read the manual but I continue to get mixed(indy mechanics) information on how to check it.  I have always checked the oil level while the car is on and in PARK.  I always prefer to drive 5 to 7 minutes around my neighborhood and then drive into my garage and leave the car running while checking the dip stick level.  Am I running the car too long to where the tranny oil is getting to hot for me to properly check...Should I use a thermometer and probe a drop of oil from dip stick..please advise. 

Beastie

Your method sounds about right to me. That's exactly how I do it. After driving the car, always be sure to let the car idle on level ground for a few minutes to let the fluid settle right before you check it. There's been some debate about which gear you should be in when you check it and I don't know if there's an answer for that. I always check it while it's in park though.

What did the independent mechanics tell you that contradicts this?
1979 280SEL

"She's built like a steakhouse, but she handles like a bistro."

TJ 450

Yes, I think you've got it right there, and you should activate each gear a few times and let it settle in park for a couple of minutes. That's how I do it. I have found that if I run the car for too long and top it off to max I always ended up overfilling, so now I get it sorted when the temp gauge is just below 80 degrees and fill it to the centre between the two marks on level ground.

I hate doing it too, as the risk of overfilling is very high.

Tim
1976 450SEL 6.9 1432
1969 300SEL 6.3 1394
2003 ML500

JasonP



We check while the car engine is running?

1979 300SD
Color: 623H "Light Ivory"
1979 300SD
Color: 861H "Silver Green Metallic"
1977 280 E
Color: 606G "Maple Yellow"
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TJ 450

1976 450SEL 6.9 1432
1969 300SEL 6.3 1394
2003 ML500