W211 DIY oil change
05-13-2012, 01:20 AM
#101
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2003 E320
I just changed my 2003 E320's engine oil today with a vacuum extractor, also changed the oil filter and o-rings. However, the dashboard kept showing "Engine Oil Level, Stop your Engine" warning. I extracted 7 liters of oil, then added 7 Liters of new Mobil 1 oil. The warning sign doesn't go away, so I added up to 8 Liters (8.5 US Quarts) per instruction. The warning sign is still there. Started the engine and took it for a spin, the temperature is steady at around 80. Any idea why the warning sign on dashboard doesn't go away? It's not even telling me if there's too much or too little oil, just says no oil in engine.
05-13-2012, 08:06 AM
#102
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03 E500 and Corvette
Did you put the oil in the transmission tube? or engine oil tube. ? It is easy to confuse. The stop oil does mean not enough oil. Is it possible you extracted engine oil but added new oil to the transmission in error?
MB does a lousy job of clearly marking these two tubes and mine are very close together.
MB does a lousy job of clearly marking these two tubes and mine are very close together.
05-13-2012, 10:16 AM
#104
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2004 E500 (W211)
Just to be sure you top-side extracted from the place where the dipstick would be in the MY03/MY04 had an oil dipstick? In my 2004 E500, the oil tube in marked with a red circle in the attached pictures. It can be confusing where to take the fluid from. Perhaps your situation is different than mine, but thought I'd ask.
05-13-2012, 12:25 PM
#105
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03 E500 and Corvette
If you discount the warning and go with dipstick not knowing for sure you added oil to the crankcase and not the transmission you might me making a very expensive decision.
IF YOU ARE 100% sure you added oil to the crankcase then the question comes up.
What changed in the crankcase to cause the sesnor to fail? Something had to happen.!
IF YOU ARE 100% sure you added oil to the crankcase then the question comes up.
What changed in the crankcase to cause the sesnor to fail? Something had to happen.!
05-13-2012, 12:36 PM
#106
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2003 E320
Just to be sure you top-side extracted from the place where the dipstick would be in the MY03/MY04 had an oil dipstick? In my 2004 E500, the oil tube in marked with a red circle in the attached pictures. It can be confusing where to take the fluid from. Perhaps your situation is different than mine, but thought I'd ask.
Originally Posted by vettdvr
Did you put the oil in the transmission tube? or engine oil tube. ? It is easy to confuse. The stop oil does mean not enough oil. Is it possible you extracted engine oil but added new oil to the transmission in error?
MB does a lousy job of clearly marking these two tubes and mine are very close together.
MB does a lousy job of clearly marking these two tubes and mine are very close together.
I hope I didn't add to the wrong tube and mix up the transmission and engine oil
05-13-2012, 08:46 PM
#110
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2003 E320
Haven't driven it anywhere, changed it earlier this weekend, I've been trying to fix it on my driveway. Have to drive to work starting tomorrow though.
I can't get the dashboard to show anything except that red warning sign. How do I check oil pressure?
There is no leak anywhere, oil level should be right according to calculation, don't know why that sign is still there...it doesn't even allow me to see the oil level. I am running out of ideas.
I can't get the dashboard to show anything except that red warning sign. How do I check oil pressure?
There is no leak anywhere, oil level should be right according to calculation, don't know why that sign is still there...it doesn't even allow me to see the oil level. I am running out of ideas.
07-31-2012, 04:30 PM
#112
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gl450 e320
Alternative is to pump the oil out of the engine
An alternative is to pump the oil out of the engine (I use a vacuum pump I bot on sale from West Marine - looks like a tall cylinder they have a couple of sizes I suggest you get the tallest - most capacity) the one I have holds under 8.5 quarts so I stop empty the pumped out oil and reinsert the vacuum line into the oil "dipstick" location which is at the passenger side rear of engine pump out the rest. I also then replace the oil filter. This way you don't have to get the vehicle on ramps but leave it on the garage floor - no jacking either which is safer - I hear that MB techs do it this way as well. The first time I checked how much oil I pumped out it was 8.5 quarts - so it is getting it all. Once u create a vacuum with the pump normally u will not need to keep pumping - I do at the very end because I try to get the "last" drop of old oil out - that is why I probably got all the oil out. This works for me the pump comes with different plastic lines I use the thinner one to insert into the oil dipstick and the thicker line suppplied connects to the cylinder, i.e., u use 2 lines to pump it out.
02-13-2013, 11:48 AM
#113
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E320 AMG
02 E320 Oil Change
Thank you so much for sharing this information. I just changed my oil with confidence in just under 1 hour and I know it's done correctly. On the 02 model there where only (4) 8 mm bolts on the splash guard. Also looked like the rubber O rings where not replaced in a while. Now I have a fresh Mobil 1 0W-40 synthetic oil change and Munn filter and saved @ $50 beans and the dreaded trip to a dealer who lives of service work!! Thanks Again
03-28-2013, 11:45 AM
#114
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2006 E350
Over the years, I've received a couple PMs regarding how to change the oil on our W211s and since there is a DIY brake job thread, might as well post a DIY oil change. Now this is based on an E320, so there may be slight differences with the 350, 500, 550 motors. My instructions are based on draining the oil via the oil drain plug. Another common method is to suck the oil with the use of a topsider, which I don't have instructions for. Let me know if I overlooked anything on my DIY. 
BTW: I’m starting to leak transmission fluid all around the transmission oil pan. So it looks like a tranny fluid and filter will be my next DIY. Depends on how easy that’ll be.
Parts:
-8.5 quarts of 0W-40 oil (Mobile 1 preferred)
-Oil filter (I use Mann Filters )
-Copper oil drain plug washer
Tools:
-Floor jack, scissor jack, or drive up ramps (either one will work)
-Drain pan
-13mm wrench or socket (for oil drain plug)
-8mm socket (for skid plate removal)
-Rathchet and extension
-Oil filter cap
Instructions:
1) Warm up engine until you reach normal operating temperature then shut off engine.
2) Jack up front end of vehicle. There are jack points to the rear of the front wheels (right below the side skirts) OR there is 1 middle jack point under the car towards the front.
3) Using the 8mm socket, unscrew the 6 screws to remove the #3 skid plate.
Here are 2 of the 6 screws.
skid plate removed and screw locations
4) Using the 13mm wrench or socket, unscrew the oil drain plug and drain the oil.
Oil drain plug on E320
drain plug
5) While the oil is still draining, unscrew the oil filler cap and oil filter. (More oil will drain out as you release the pressure in lubrication system.)
Oil filter cap
6) Pull the oil filter element and the 4 rubber "O" rings off the oil filter assembly.
7) Install the 4 new "O" rings and new oil filter element and re-install oil filter assembly.
8) Install new copper oil drain plug gasket and drain plug back onto oil pan. (do NOT over tighten or you're majorly screwed
!!!!)
9) Pour 8.5 quarts of 0W-40 into oil fill hole then screw oil filler cap.
9) Start the engine and let motor reach normal operating temperature. Check for leaks at oil filter and drain plug. Turn off engine and re-install #3 skid plate. Make sure you tuck #3 skid plate under #2 skid plate.(do NOT over tighten screws)
10) Lower car back down then check engine oil level via FSS on dashboard (see owner’s manual for instructions) or dipstick.
11) Go out for a cruise and enjoy! You just saved a couple of $$$
BTW: I’m starting to leak transmission fluid all around the transmission oil pan. So it looks like a tranny fluid and filter will be my next DIY. Depends on how easy that’ll be.
Parts:
-8.5 quarts of 0W-40 oil (Mobile 1 preferred)
-Oil filter (I use Mann Filters )
-Copper oil drain plug washer
Tools:
-Floor jack, scissor jack, or drive up ramps (either one will work)
-Drain pan
-13mm wrench or socket (for oil drain plug)
-8mm socket (for skid plate removal)
-Rathchet and extension
-Oil filter cap
Instructions:
1) Warm up engine until you reach normal operating temperature then shut off engine.
2) Jack up front end of vehicle. There are jack points to the rear of the front wheels (right below the side skirts) OR there is 1 middle jack point under the car towards the front.
3) Using the 8mm socket, unscrew the 6 screws to remove the #3 skid plate.
Here are 2 of the 6 screws.
skid plate removed and screw locations
4) Using the 13mm wrench or socket, unscrew the oil drain plug and drain the oil.
Oil drain plug on E320
drain plug
5) While the oil is still draining, unscrew the oil filler cap and oil filter. (More oil will drain out as you release the pressure in lubrication system.)
Oil filter cap
6) Pull the oil filter element and the 4 rubber "O" rings off the oil filter assembly.
7) Install the 4 new "O" rings and new oil filter element and re-install oil filter assembly.
8) Install new copper oil drain plug gasket and drain plug back onto oil pan. (do NOT over tighten or you're majorly screwed
!!!!)9) Pour 8.5 quarts of 0W-40 into oil fill hole then screw oil filler cap.
9) Start the engine and let motor reach normal operating temperature. Check for leaks at oil filter and drain plug. Turn off engine and re-install #3 skid plate. Make sure you tuck #3 skid plate under #2 skid plate.(do NOT over tighten screws)
10) Lower car back down then check engine oil level via FSS on dashboard (see owner’s manual for instructions) or dipstick.
11) Go out for a cruise and enjoy! You just saved a couple of $$$
07-30-2013, 05:09 PM
#117
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2003 E500 sport (sold), 2009 GL450, w213 E63 (waiting for ordering guide)
How is your engine so clean? even around the drain plug its very clean I notice, compared to mine. Let me know if you cleaned it yourself and if you did what did you use and how? thanks in advance, was just curious because I just opened a thread asking about engine cleaning.
08-18-2013, 12:27 PM
#118
Member
Changed my oil again yesterday using the MityVac and then chose to find out how much oil was left in the crankcase.
The answer for my car is ... n-o-n-e. Not one drop came out the drain hole!
The answer for my car is ... n-o-n-e. Not one drop came out the drain hole!
02-08-2014, 09:15 AM
#119
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Mercedes E320 CDI AUTO elegance 2003
Injector Cleaner
HI , is it save to clean with injector cleaner through the diesel tank on my mercedes E320 CDI 2003.
Can you coment for any suggestions? Or perhaps I need to try use better Diesel grade in future.
Many thanks
Kerry
Can you coment for any suggestions? Or perhaps I need to try use better Diesel grade in future.
Many thanks
Kerry
05-12-2014, 05:19 PM
#120
MBWorld Fanatic!
Note that in a 4Matic, the splash guard is a different shape than the op's and has 9 screws.
Additionally, the oil drain plug is on the passenger side of the pan, not in the rear. Lastly, no copper washer was present and it never leaked. I didn't add one (mainly because I didn't have the right size on hand).
Edit : The newer Mann filters now have 2 short black stripes on them. When installing the filter on the "holder" push and turn the filter until fully seated. You've done it right when only one of the lines is visible.
Additionally, the oil drain plug is on the passenger side of the pan, not in the rear. Lastly, no copper washer was present and it never leaked. I didn't add one (mainly because I didn't have the right size on hand).
Edit : The newer Mann filters now have 2 short black stripes on them. When installing the filter on the "holder" push and turn the filter until fully seated. You've done it right when only one of the lines is visible.
Last edited by starbrite; 05-13-2014 at 04:53 PM.
11-25-2014, 06:41 AM
#121
Senior Member
If you're looking for a good price on the Mann Fleece Filter, you can pick up the Purolator Classic L25277 filter at Pep Boys for $11.59. That's a Mann 718/5X fleece filter for the W211 in a Purolator box. Even says Made in Germany, in German, on the filter. This makes sense since Mann+Hummel owns Purolator. (Purolator used to be a joint venture between Bosch and Mann+Hummel, with the former doing the aftermarket stuff and the latter doing the OE business, but Mann bought out Bosch and now owns all of Purolator's filter business.)
12-25-2014, 10:44 PM
#123
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1. 87 300SDL 2. 06 E320 CDI
Comment 1............... specifically for Diesel Model 211:
-must use Mobil 1 ESP Formula M 05-W40; Mobil P/N 98HT81.
[MB-Approval 229.51/229.31 General]
Reason: 229.51 spec oil - the .x1 is specially formulated to protect the particulate filter.
MB particulate filter, an emission device, is not cheap.
Comment 2............... applicable to ALL automotive engines
For claimants insisting that the suction method gets the last drop of used oil out, try this:
After completely draining, irrespective of method employed, whether suction or via oil pan drain bolt.................tilt the front end so that the drain bolt opening is lower, relative to the rest of the pan. An additional half-quart of gooey stuff should trickle out the drain-bolt route.
One might argue that, because of the dilution factor, a half-qt of used oil covered by 8 qts of fresh stuff, should not really hurt.
-must use Mobil 1 ESP Formula M 05-W40; Mobil P/N 98HT81.
[MB-Approval 229.51/229.31 General]
Reason: 229.51 spec oil - the .x1 is specially formulated to protect the particulate filter.
MB particulate filter, an emission device, is not cheap.
Comment 2............... applicable to ALL automotive engines
For claimants insisting that the suction method gets the last drop of used oil out, try this:
After completely draining, irrespective of method employed, whether suction or via oil pan drain bolt.................tilt the front end so that the drain bolt opening is lower, relative to the rest of the pan. An additional half-quart of gooey stuff should trickle out the drain-bolt route.
One might argue that, because of the dilution factor, a half-qt of used oil covered by 8 qts of fresh stuff, should not really hurt.
Last edited by brbhan; 12-25-2014 at 10:47 PM. Reason: Added punctuation for readability.
12-31-2014, 10:53 AM
#124
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E320 Avantgarde 3.2ltr W211
Bookmarked!! - MB told they'll charge £200+ for service A which includes.......oil change and oil filter and ....... ........ .........errmmmm, errmmmmm -- this shows how much money we get to pay when we're oblivious to things.
Big thanks to OP and others
Regards
J.
Big thanks to OP and others
Regards
J.
12-31-2014, 12:08 PM
#125
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03 E500 and Corvette
A few years ago in German 5 ltrs of synthetic oil was about E 145 so that would about match your price.
However oil is about $50/bbl US and we dont' see oil prices going down either because someone is pocketing the difference on canned oil and no one will ever notice that gas goes down but oil doesn't .
