# Oil change confusion **URL:** \ **Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\ **Tags:** m-class, mercedes-benz\ **Created:** [November 1, 2017, 4:39am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/oil-change-confusion/109058 "2017-11-01T04:39:52Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 18\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Ben10](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/439d5e/32.png) [@Ben10](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Ben10)\ **Post date:** [November 1, 2017, 4:39am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/oil-change-confusion/109058/1 "2017-11-01T04:39:52Z")
I have changed my oil a few times which led me to wonder a few things. My engine, according to the owners manual, takes 8.5 quarts of oil. When I add oil, I can only add 8 quarts of oil according to the dipstick to the full line. I have seen many oil changers places add oil according to the owners manual. But in this case, I cant manage to add exactly the amount of oil the user manual says which is about half a quart less than what the manual says. So my question is, What is the correct reference for the correct amount of oil to add, the dipstick or the owners manual? Also when changing my oil, is the correct way to check oil level right after I add the oil in or after I have cycled the engine first. Because in theory, it would make sense to check the oil level first before even starting the engine. To my confusion, I have seen both ways done before. ---
**Author:** ![db4690](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/db4690/32/2583_2.png) [@db4690](https://community.cartalk.com/u/db4690)\ **Post date:** [November 1, 2017, 5:00am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/oil-change-confusion/109058/2 "2017-11-01T05:00:04Z")
> [@Ben10](#): > > What is the correct reference for the correct amount of oil to add, the dipstick or the owners manual? The amount stated in the owner’s manual is essentially a guideline It might only take 8qts to reach the full line on the dipstick But it might take 9qts to reach the full line on the dipstick I’ve seen both cases > [@Ben10](#): > > Also when changing my oil, is the correct way to check oil level right after I add the oil in or after I have cycled the engine first. Both. Fill to the full line on the dipstick Start the engine and let it run for a few minutes Shut it off and let everything sit for, say, a minute Check the dipstick again Chances are, you’ll have to add a bit to once again reach the full mark ---
**Author:** ![It\_s-Me](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/it_s-me/32/12660_2.png) [@It\_s-Me](https://community.cartalk.com/u/It_s-Me)\ **Post date:** [November 1, 2017, 5:01am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/oil-change-confusion/109058/3 "2017-11-01T05:01:35Z")
That 1/2 quart is usually for the oil filter. ---
**Author:** ![Renegade](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/b4bc9f/32.png) [@Renegade](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Renegade)\ **Post date:** [November 1, 2017, 5:05am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/oil-change-confusion/109058/4 "2017-11-01T05:05:14Z")
Best way is to add to the full mark then start the engine & check for leak’s this also fill’s the filter then recheck then bring up to the full mark on the dipstick. ---
**Author:** ![Tester](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/tester/32/15976_2.png) [@Tester](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Tester)\ **Post date:** [November 1, 2017, 5:06am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/oil-change-confusion/109058/5 "2017-11-01T05:06:31Z")
Don’t worry about it. The half quart you’re worried about with a 8.5 quart oil capacity is peanuts. Just change the oil/filter, and add the amount of oil recommended by the manufacturer. Tester ---
**Author:** ![Nevada\_545](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/nevada_545/32/41232_2.png) [@Nevada\_545](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Nevada_545)\ **Post date:** [November 1, 2017, 5:06am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/oil-change-confusion/109058/6 "2017-11-01T05:06:42Z")
Some of the M class Mercedes engines built during the 20 years have the oil filter positioned for access from above, when the filter is loosened a quart of oil is released from the filter and drains into the oil pan. The engine oil must be drained after loosening the oil filter housing. If the oil is drained, the oil plug installed then the filter loosened there will be a quart of old oil in the oil pan. The engine must be run for 30 seconds after refilling with oil to pump oil though the new oil filter before you can check the oil level. ---
**Author:** ![ChrisTruck](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/aeb1de/32.png) [@ChrisTruck](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ChrisTruck)\ **Post date:** [November 1, 2017, 5:15am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/oil-change-confusion/109058/7 "2017-11-01T05:15:54Z")
My cars take a little less oil than the manual states. I think the capacities in the manual are for a totally dry engine. There’s still oil in the passages and walls that doesn’t drain out. After you change it a few times, you’ll know how much it takes to get to the full mark, just go by that. ---
**Author:** ![bing](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/bing/32/4619_2.png) [@bing](https://community.cartalk.com/u/bing)\ **Post date:** [November 1, 2017, 5:17am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/oil-change-confusion/109058/8 "2017-11-01T05:17:04Z")
I’d go with the dipstick, unless you aren’t factoring in the filter. On my Olds, the book said 7 1/2 quarts but it took 8 1/2 quarts on the dipstick. The dealer said to go with the dipstick and the the books can be outdated. That’s what I did for 10 years with no problem. Also on my Acura, the book says the differential holds less than 2 quarts, but it takes four quarts to actually fill it. Can’t go by the capacities listed in the book. ---
**Author:** ![Nevada\_545](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/nevada_545/32/41232_2.png) [@Nevada\_545](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Nevada_545)\ **Post date:** [November 1, 2017, 5:42am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/oil-change-confusion/109058/9 "2017-11-01T05:42:53Z")
> [@ChrisTruck](#): > > I think the capacities in the manual are for a totally dry engine. Dry fill specifications are in the service manual for engine repair procedures, usually a quart more than the oil change spec. > [@bing](#): > > On my Olds, the book said 7 1/2 quarts but it took 8 1/2 quarts on the dipstick. That was nearly 40 years ago, oil capacity specifications are more accurate now. ---
**Author:** ![MikeInNH](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/a587f6/32.png) [@MikeInNH](https://community.cartalk.com/u/MikeInNH)\ **Post date:** [November 1, 2017, 1:01pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/oil-change-confusion/109058/10 "2017-11-01T13:01:56Z")
It’s the filter. Oil filters will absorb some oil (1/2 quart is about right - depending on the size of filter).So after you add the 8.5 quarts then start your engine and let it run for a little while - turn engine off and let the oil settle back in the pan. Then the oil should be right at the full mark. This of course is assuming you’re changing your filter when you do an oil change (which you should). Years ago manuals would give you two different capacity numbers - one for oil change with filter and one without. I haven’t seen that in years though. ---
**Author:** ![Whitey](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/whitey/32/24680_2.png) [@Whitey](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Whitey)\ **Post date:** [November 1, 2017, 1:23pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/oil-change-confusion/109058/11 "2017-11-01T13:23:46Z")
The last oil change I did on my car (this past Sunday), I added the prescribed 3.8 quarts. When I checked the oil using the dipstick after the oil change, it was a little higher than the full mark. That’s fine with me, and I don’t worry about it. When I used to get my oil changed at the dealership, they used four quarts and nothing bad ever happened. ---
**Author:** ![VOLVO-V70](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/8e8cbc/32.png) [@VOLVO-V70](https://community.cartalk.com/u/VOLVO-V70)\ **Post date:** [November 1, 2017, 1:36pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/oil-change-confusion/109058/12 "2017-11-01T13:36:39Z")
How can there be any confusion ? The vehicle has something called a dipstick with marks on it , Go by that and find something else to worry about. ---
**Author:** ![ok4450](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/e9bcb4/32.png) [@ok4450](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ok4450)\ **Post date:** [November 1, 2017, 2:56pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/oil-change-confusion/109058/13 "2017-11-01T14:56:05Z")
Just add 9 quarts and consider the extra 1/2 quart a liquid insurance policy. It will hurt absolutely nothing. ---
**Author:** ![Whitey](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/whitey/32/24680_2.png) [@Whitey](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Whitey)\ **Post date:** [November 1, 2017, 3:32pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/oil-change-confusion/109058/14 "2017-11-01T15:32:25Z")
> [@VOLVO\_V70](#): > > How can there be any confusion ? The vehicle has something called a dipstick with marks on it , Go by that and find something else to worry about. How incredibly ironic that you’d say that as you contradict many of the responses, adding to the confusion. LOL ---
**Author:** ![GorehamJ](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/gorehamj/32/24103_2.png) [@GorehamJ](https://community.cartalk.com/u/GorehamJ)\ **Post date:** [November 1, 2017, 9:42pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/oil-change-confusion/109058/15 "2017-11-01T21:42:29Z")
As an owner of a model that has a known oil consumption issue, I now check my oil frequently. One of the questions you ask in your OP I can answer for you. The best way to check the oil level is to have run the car to full engine temp and then parked on a flat surface.I can tell you from experience, if you move the car, say from outside your garage to inside, and don’t get it hot, the dipstick level will not be accurate (mine reads low in that situation). Also, a slight incline or decline makes more difference in the level than I would have ever guessed. A half-quart of oil in that vehicle holding 8.5 or so is not going to matter much, so I would use the lesser of the two suggested amounts, then check it to see if more is needed after a full run. ---
**Author:** ![Tester](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/tester/32/15976_2.png) [@Tester](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Tester)\ **Post date:** [November 1, 2017, 9:50pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/oil-change-confusion/109058/16 "2017-11-01T21:50:51Z")
> **[How to Check Your Vehicle's Oil Level - dummies](https://www.dummies.com/home-garden/car-repair/how-to-check-your-vehicles-oil-level/)** > > Checking your car's oil levels should be done once a month to ensure engine efficiency and you don't have to be a mechanic to be able to do it - learn more! Tester ---
**Author:** ![George\_San\_Jose1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e5b9ba/32.png) [@George\_San\_Jose1](https://community.cartalk.com/u/George_San_Jose1)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2017, 12:59am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/oil-change-confusion/109058/17 "2017-11-02T00:59:18Z")
I’ve always added a little less than the owner’s manual says, check the dipstick to make sure it is between the lo and high mark, then start the engine, check for leaks while it idles 5 minutes, turn it off, let it sit for 5 minutes, then top it off as required to hit the “full” mark on the dipstick. ---
**Author:** ![Waterbuff](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/f07891/32.png) [@Waterbuff](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Waterbuff)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2017, 1:17am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/oil-change-confusion/109058/18 "2017-11-02T01:17:36Z")
To the OP: Not to muddy the waters, but when you check with the dip stick, is your car still at an angle or already back on flat surface?