[mwkwan]

My 2002 C230 Sports coupe burns a bit of oil. I had to add about a qt. (or litre) for 6000mi or 10000km. Anybody else has this problem? Also the computer oil level reading is not accurate.

 

[Mark08859]

The oil burning seems to be hit or miss depending upon your particular coupe. Dealer's don't seem too concerned about saying that it is normal. Your coupe comes with an oil dipstick. It is a far more accurate measuring device than the console.

 

[jaime911]

Computer Sensor Oil Problem......

I had to take my car in for service at 6,000miles the computer said that it needed 2qts, I added 2qts and then I took it in to the dealer. It turns out that the sensor was malfunctioning, they replaced it. I didn't have anything happen again until I hit 12,000 the computer was registering that it needed first 2qts then later 1.5 qts. San Francisco Mercedes inspected it and it did need 1.5 qts. I had them take care of two things the sensor and my schedule (A) service. I will keep an eye on this oil sensor malfunction, the dipstick that comes with the car has a red plastic tip, I don't like it, seems to me that they made it more difficult to read, wish that they just made it flat for easy accurate reading. Good Luck!

 

[mctwin2kman]

It is a little known fact that all Manufacturers allow a 1 quart per 1000 miles to be gone. Most engines do not eat this much but unless you can prove it to be more than a quart in 1000 miles they will not replace the engine and will tell you it is within normal operating parameters. This is what Chrysler, Ford and GM do. Not sure of MB but I would assume it to be the same.

 

[rytr]

Do you think your other thread/post re: the 2003 engine change might be related to this issue ?

Cheers
Ryan

 

[craniusmaximus]

I have worried about the use of synthetic oil (Mobil One) during the break-in period of my Benz. It is not encouraged or recommended by several of the synthetic oil manufactures or other auto manufactures. I questioned my dealer and they assured me that Mercedes knew what they were doing. Nonetheless I researched the issue and found the most compelling information on the subject of engine break-in procedure and necessity to be in the aircraft engine industry. From the information I compiled it seems reasonable to conclude that if using synthetic oil, the break-in period would need to be longer in duration and more strictly adhered to. Since I could not think of any down side to a prolonged break-in period except that it would prevent long trips and be slightly less exciting. I basically went 4000 mile under a somewhat more stringent than proscribed procedure and then had the oil changed. I actually would have preferred changing the oil every thousand miles but all the information found supported the prolonged use of synthetic oil, though not specifically during the break-in phase.

So far I have not noted any oil usage, and time will be the better judge (only 8K since February). I was actually surprised when I took delivery of my C230K that the salesman recommended a reasonable break-in regiment. I know many people whom have purchased new cars and were not advised to, nor do they believe engine break-in is required. I have seen some of these vehicles billowing blue smoke at 60 to 80 thousand miles. From my experiences, I can tell you that the first 500 to 1000 miles of treatment are very critical to an engines long-term health when using standard oil and maybe even more with synthetics. I have owned since new and driven several vehicles to mileages as high as 350,000 with no major engine repair. As a matter of fact to this day I still drive an 87’ VW with over 350K several times a week, not as much fun as the C230K, but I don’t have to worry as much either.

The problem of oil usage may not be a random occurrence, but more a function of early treatment. It would be nice to have more data on this issue, so maybe some input from others about how they broke-in their vehicles and if they have had any problem with oil usage would be helpful.

 

[KompressorDriver]

Re: Computer Sensor Oil Problem......

I had to take my car in for service at 6,000miles the computer said that it needed 2qts, I added 2qts and then I took it in to the dealer. It turns out that the sensor was malfunctioning, they replaced it. I didn't have anything happen again until I hit 12,000 the computer was registering that it needed first 2qts then later 1.5 qts. San Francisco Mercedes inspected it and it did need 1.5 qts. I had them take care of two things the sensor and my schedule (A) service. I will keep an eye on this oil sensor malfunction, the dipstick that comes with the car has a red plastic tip, I don't like it, seems to me that they made it more difficult to read, wish that they just made it flat for easy accurate reading. Good Luck!

I had the same exact problem they told me our cars came out with two oil pans a 5.5qt and a 6qt but no one new about it until this worker at the dealer that came from germany told the service rep about it ... im getting pissed they trying to open up my engine and replace some parts that bull i didnt go out and buy a new car for them to open the engine u know it will never be the same im trying to make them replace the engine or new car there is no opening my engine.... let me know how things work out for u thanks

MJ

 

[mctwin2kman]

craniusmaximus,

Actually when I worked for my father at his Dodge Dealership the recommended breakin for a turbo was 1000 miles and change the oil after that 1000. As for synthetics they may take longer to properly break in all the seals and should most likely be changed after the break in. When I get my coupe I am going to change the oil after the 1000 mile break in. Most NA cars do not really need a break in, as the do not have the forced air intake that can damage the seals and all. I have never had a problem with an NA engine and beat them from day 1.