An internal combustion engine for a motor vehicle is provided with a crankcase that contains lubricating oil and on which a cylinder block with several cylinder bores is arranged. The cylinder bores are closed with a cylinder head that is arranged on the cylinder block and features cylinder head covers for covering a valve mechanism mounted on the cylinder head. Means are provided for guiding a dipstick that serves for determining the filling level of the lubricating oil. The means for guiding the dipstick are realized in the form of cast channels that extend through at least the cylinder head and the cylinder block. The upper outlet of the channels is provided for inserting and removing the dipstick in the region of one cylinder head cover.