Check the Oil Level (No Dipstick)

Reviewed by the Service Reset editor · Updated August 9, 2026 · How we verify
Quick referenceToolsNoneTime~5 minMethodElectronic oil-level menu

These instructions apply to the Mercedes A-Class Mk4 (W177) 2018-Present.
For other models, please choose your vehicle here.

The Mercedes A-Class Mk4 (W177, 2018–present) has no dipstick — you check the engine oil level electronically through the instrument-cluster menu. It catches a lot of owners out, so here’s how to read the level correctly and what the readings mean.

Mercedes A-Class Mk4 — the vehicle covered in this guide.
Mercedes A-Class Mk4. Photo by Dinkun Chen via Wikimedia Commons, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

Why There’s No Dipstick

A sensor in the sump measures the oil level and the car shows it on the display. It only reads accurately when the engine is warm and the car is on level ground, because the reading needs the oil at temperature and settled.

How to Check the Oil Level on the A-Class W177

  1. Warm the engine to normal operating temperature, then park on level ground and switch off; wait a few minutes for the oil to drain back.
  2. Turn the ignition on (engine off).
  3. Using the steering-wheel buttons, scroll the cluster to the ‘Service’ / vehicle menu and select ‘Oil level’.
  4. The display shows the level — “OK”/within range, or how much to add (often shown as a number of litres or bars), or an overfill warning.

Topping Up

  • Add the correct MB-approved oil (check the spec for your engine) a little at a time, then re-check — don’t overfill.
  • If it reads overfilled, oil must be drained off; an overfilled engine can be damaged.
  • If the system says “measurement not possible”, the engine isn’t warm enough or the car isn’t level — sort both and try again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the dipstick on the A-Class W177?

There isn’t one — the oil level is read electronically from the cluster menu (Service → Oil level).

Engine hot or cold to check?

Warm (at operating temperature) and on level ground — a cold or sloping reading won’t be accurate.

It says “measurement not possible” — why?

The engine isn’t warm enough or the car isn’t level. Warm it up, park level, and re-check.

How much oil does one “step” mean?

The display tells you the amount to add — add a little, re-check, and stop at the top of the range. Never overfill.

If a warning light appeared, look up the code on autodtcs.com. To clear a service reminder after an oil change, see our A-Class W177 service reset guide.

Independent guide — not affiliated with Mercedes. Always follow your official service manual and safety precautions. Read our full disclaimer.

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