I recently purchased a MB dipstick tool off of ebay, but it's way too long. Has anyone taken the time to measure the length of the dipstick tube? I can't really tell if the dipstick is going down far enough or too far. I was thinking if I knew the length of the tube I could mark off the dipstick to get a more accurate reading.

 

Same here, I got a measurement off someone with the SPX version, he said 74.5cm (in gear, full mark) I cut mine to suit. I'm assuming the end stops were it should to read off on the level, I've tried it and it looked like the trans was carrying a litre too much....I dropped a litre and it read in the middle, with expansion it should be OK. One of many little jobs to check once I'm up and running.HTH!

 

Not an expert on this but have read that the measurement is made with the dip stick resting on the bottom of the pan so you are really cutting it so that the top cap fits.

That make sense?

 

Kindasorta.

How can you tell if it is on the bottom?

 

It won't go any further in.

 

That makes sense

 

I don't think those dipsticks were made to be left in the tube, just for measuring. The length of the dipstick doesn't matter, just the black plastic part at the end that actually measure the fluid. You can feel it when it's seated at the bottom.

 

I can't confirm this -- but I was told at a Jaguar gathering years ago that you can stop into some dealers and they let you use one.

As stated -- it is not designed to stay in the car -- although I don't know if it would hurt anything if it did. Maybe the stick does not have anything at the top to seal it. I have never seen one.

With the Mercedes you need to purchase another plastic lock for the top - the replacements are a different color. My MB dealer did not charge me to check the fluid -- they even put another cap on it ...... I think they are only $2 at MB if you need one,

This is one of those things that you do not want to guess about -- the fluid level in both transmissions is very critical.

 

I have the MB stick because I have both an xjr and an sl600. The stick does measure from the bottom, and the level does make a big difference. Even 8 oz low will result in bad shifting issues. I changed the fluid in my 99 xjr at 100k, and will do the same with my 2003 when it gets there.

 

The dipstick is a TOOL, not a car part. You remove it after you have measured the level and then install the cap and red plastic lock. The TOOL fits several model cars
(Mercedes, Jaguars etc.) and the tubes are all different lengths so the dipstick is too long for a reason!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Use it and then put it back in the toolbox until the next time.

bob gauff