Checking the oil level with the dipstick.

[Paqngo]

Today, I checked the oil level in my car and found oil residue on the dipstick even after wiping it clean. I am unsure if this indicates that the car is significantly overfilled. Any insights would be appreciated.

[bvlenci]

It would be beneficial to know the specific automobile model and, most significantly, the kind of engine (petrol, diesel, etc.) you have.
"E class coupe" might refer to several things.
Check the oil while the automobile is warmed up and parked on level ground.
Inspect the oil around 15 minutes after turning off the engine.
A mark should be present on the stick to indicate the acceptable level.
If the oil level is much higher than recommended, it is considered overfilled. In this case, it is advisable to remove excess oil using the dipstick tube and recheck the level.

[Matt865]

Emphasise the importance of measuring on level ground, as it may significantly affect the result, and ensure that the engine has been switched off for 10 to 15 minutes before taking the measurement. In the past, during the age of forecourt service, dishonest personnel would quickly check the oil level with a dipstick just after the engine was switched off. This deceptive practice would often display a deceptively low reading, pressuring the driver into purchasing oil needlessly. Excessive oil in an engine may be detrimental since it may cause the crank to drop into the sump oil, churning and emulsifying it.

[TDudette]

Inspect the oil level while the engine is cool to ensure all the oil has settled at the bottom of the oil pan. Once the oil reaches a warm temperature, it will spread to cover the internal components of the engine, even reaching partway up the dipstick tube.

[Paqngo]

Thank you all. I will try again as I have never encountered this issue before. The vehicle in question is an E250. I performed the task on a level surface, but I plan to take it to the local Shell garage later. My main concern was that there was oil all the way up the dipstick, not just at the measuring point. I was unsure if there was a reason for this other than the oil being overfilled.

[Matt865]

To accurately check the oil level, remove the dipstick, wipe it clean with a lint-free cloth, reinsert it and then remove it again.

[Paqngo]

I did it several times, but the issue remained consistent. It seemed as if oil had been poured down the dipstick tube.

[CodeCrusader]

Which kind of engine: diesel or petrol? Does the oil have a scent of fuel or diesel?

[Paqngo]

Diesel and nitrogen oxide do not emit a fuel odour.

[CodeCrusader]

Increasing oil level may indicate unburnt gasoline passing via worn piston rings or fuel injector issues. What is the age of this automobile and does it come equipped with an electronic oil level sensor? The level may be verified under the service option on the dashboard, depending on the model.

[Paqngo]

The vehicle is a 2010 model with 107,000 miles on the odometer. I am unsure whether it has the computerised oil level feature, but I cannot locate it.

[CodeCrusader]

My 2006 C class comes with a dipstick tube but no dipstick from the factory. Someone here will inform you shortly whether your vehicle has the service menu option.
 

[Paqngo]

Thank you for your assistance, friend.V

[CodeCrusader]

You're welcome.