rccarver

I have finally given up searching for info on checking the oil on my 2013 c300 4matic. My owners manual says the dip stick is on the passenger side of the engine near the fire wall. No dip stick there, but there is a dip stick on the driver's side that does not say what it is. The stuff looks brownish and smells more like engine oil than tranny fluid. Us this it? I have tried every possible combination of buttons on the steering wheel with no luck. I'm thinking this has probably been discussed since it is so vital but I can't find it. 2013 is the year with the 248 hp v6 and my owners manual is not specific to this model. Thanks a lot for any info and sorry if this is beating a dead horse.

babyboxer1

Did they move it from the passenger side, near the firewall?

fjpthree

Yes, back near the firewall. Look for a greenish colored cap. Man I am glad I am not the only one that had this issue. I also ran into an issue when I attempted to change the air filter. There is only 1 air filter and it has one of those funky screws that require a special tool.

rccarver

Thanks, that's the one. It is difficult to read though. I would think that a company like Mercedes would put out model- specific owner's manuals. Thanks for the info on the air filter. Is it a bear to get to?

fjpthree

The air filter is not hard to replace but you need a specific tool to unscrew the 3 screws (not sure what it is called, but fortunately I had one). I am sure Mercedes does this on purpose. I am a Do It Yourselfer and this is the first car I have owned that make basic maintenance a pia.

babyboxer1

Aren't they Torx screws if I recall?

dbogey

So I'm a new owner of a 2013 C300 Sport 4Matic. 'A' Service is coming up and I'm debating changing oil myself but it seems getting to the oil pan is a bit of a hassle with the bottom engine guards and low stance incompatibility with car ramps. The other option is to pump the oil out from the top (through the drivers side dip stick). Just wondering if anyone has experience to share. Then there's the single side air filter that requires torx nuts on the cover and rather difficult to reach the back one.

Funkwagen

I do the vacuum out the top method with Very convenient and easy to do as opposed to draining out the bottom, and is also apparently the preferred way to do it. I've done 5 oil changes with this so far without issue. Mind you, I've been doing this with the m272 engine rather than your M276, but I can't imagine it'd be much different.

Antique-Ace

If you are going to change the oil on a M276 with the 4MATIC tranny using the vacuum method through the dipstick tube (been there, done that) then you will not be able to drain all the oil using a oil probe (tube) inserted through the dipstick tube down into the oil pan due to the (different) configuration of the oil pan with the 4MATIC tranny. If you try doing it this way you will leave about 2 quarts of oil in the front section of the oil pan.




You will need to use an oil vacuum system with the correct adapter that fits properly and seals at the top (opening) of the dipstick tube like this one: http://www.fluidevacuators.com/produ...adapter-detail

Funkwagen

The mityvac in the link I posted comes with a rubber stopper that works in the same way that specialized adapter does

stratman1954

No disrespect to anyone intended but after purchasing oil, filter, any needed tools, cleaning up, time spent doing the job, and disposal of used oil hassles wouldn't it just be easier to pay the dealer or a reputable shop a hundred bucks or so to do it?

Funkwagen

Not at all. Already had the tools, takes about 20 minutes tops, and I just drop off the old oil to a shop to dispose of, in the containers which the fresh oil came in.

With the vacuum from the top method there's next to no cleanup..

edgalang

This must be isolated to the 4MATICs since I was able to vacuum from the top easily. Great link though. I may try it out regardless.