DMXtremeZ

I think I'm gonna change my oil on my car either today or tomorrow before school starts.... never changed my oil before, so few questions..

I'm gonna use Mobil1, 10W30 or 5W30... Summer's ending and its starting to get a little cooler at night...

Filter - would Fram be alright? what oil filters do you guys use?

Thanks in advance

DMXtremeZ

Also, anyone ever try putting an oil additive? I tried placing RESTORE in my oil a couple thousand miles ago and i seemed to have gained some power and smoother acceleration... before it used to sorta hesitate to accelerate

sph17

Filters from MB Dealer only $8-9. If aftermarket available, probably imported Mann or other manufacturer that provides OEM to MB. 5W-30 synthetic probably OK as summer is over, but as Castrol has a 5W-50 & Mobil1 has a 0W-40 I pefer those weights in summer and winter.

davis449

MB recommends that you don't use ANY oil additives at all in your car. I've heard bad things about oil additives in general, so I wouldn't use anything.

DMXtremeZ

how many quarts of oil do i need to get

timecop369

Just did mine this weekend...

used Mobil1 0-40W supersynthetic & filter from the dealer. My '99 C280 takes about 8-8.5 quarts.

http://www.mercedesshop.com/diy_oil_change.htm


timecop369

E55AMG99

If my memory serves me, buy 9 quarts of Mobil 1 0W-40 but only use 8.25-8.5. It works well at all temps. No additives EVER!

2~s0L~t

e55 amg 99 is right on his advice on what products, no addys, and # of quarts.

thanks

DMXtremeZ

thanks guys

now how about oil filter? what do you guys use? would fram be alright?

blackmercedes

No. Use the OE filter as it has the bypass that allows oil to flow in case the filter gets clogged. Fram are not much cheaper and it's false economy anyway.

BTW, if you're planning on doing this all the time, you might want to pick up the filter tool from your dealer. I paid about $15.00 for mine and it was worth every penny. You'll need a 22mm socket.

sph17

Most Auto Parts stors have generic oil filter tools that will fit MB. I went to an AutoBarn on LI and used their fitting guide to pick out the one that was correct for my W202. I believe I paid about $6 and a 3/8 inch wrench or extention fits in the top.

Good luck.

henry47

the generic oil filter socket I bought was a piece of trash. it fit somewhat, but there was too much space in between the cap and the socket so everything I turned it, it would slip. I ended up putting a towel in between and HAMMERING the socket onto it to ensure it's fitment

sph17

The one I picked up fits perfectly. After I purchased it I went into the parking lot and checked that it was a good fit before I left the store. There were other sizes that were slightly different.

Possibly different brands have different tolerances. I am sorry you had a bad experience. I have done 4 oil changes in a year and a half without any problem with my generic wrench.

scorchie

Pretty much every canister oil filter has this. Even WalMart House Brand.

(Consequently, cartridge oil filters usually do not have this, as the mechanism is generally not part of the cartridge.)

-s-

BenzMan1

I went to my stealership and they said that the oil filter tool is back ordered nation wide. Is there something else that I can use to remoce the filter cap?

DougandhisC280

Most auto parts stores have the filter cap socket. It got mine at autozone for 3 bucks and it works perfectly.

As far as oil additives go, I know it says to not use additives but Engine Restore is incredible. Every time I poor it in a car I see very noticeable differences. I poor it in mine about twice a year and have never had any problems. Something has to fill the gaps from wear and tear and Engine Restore deos this wonderfully. I think the manual says not to use additives because most of them just thicken the oil. Restore actually bonds to the seals and conditions them. I think it would be better to have additives and conditioned seals than no additives and worn seals. IMO!!!

blackmercedes

There si lots of links that debunk the motor-oil additive myth, but here is one that is good reading:

http://www.canadiandriver.com/articles/pb/additive.htm

BTW, for those with under warranty MB cars, you void your warranty the moment you pour any of that snake-oil crap in your crankcase.

GDawgC220

What kind of differences do you notice? I have seen that stuff advertised in Car and Driver constantly...I may try this myself if I know it's not gonna harm my engine. But from your opinion, seems to work well. Anyone else try Engine Restore?

E55AMG99

Every filter designed for a particular make and model will have the necessary components (anti-drainback, bypass, etc.) if required regardless of the filter brand. Some filters include a safety bypass even if not called for by the manufaturer. They do this to prevent the filter from bursting due to overpressure.

Beware, not all filters are created equal when it comes to performance. There are differences not only in the filter pore size, but also in the total filtration area (sq. in.) and number of pleats. Also, some filters have cheap media assembly (end caps) that can blow apart and pump unfiltered oil or worse, the trapped dirt into your engine.

Buyer beware!

DMXtremeZ

thats what i've been telling you i've been adding.... its *******g amazing, you definitely notice a difference. i honestly think it helps and doesnt do anything. i mean if they can afford an ad in every car magazine every month, they must be doing a good job, no?

E55AMG99

There are 2 products known as Engine Restore. One is a thickener that "fills in" scratches and gaps in the metal. The other is a solvent that disolves sludge and grime. Neither one are good for your modern Benz motor.

scorchie

What motor do you have?

I've used things like: hands, rubber sheet, pipe wrench. They all seem to do the same job.

-s-

scorchie

thanks for backing me up! but you should have responded to the dissenter instead of to me.

-s-

henry47

be quiet scorchie, you're lucky anyone's even reading your responses, let alone talking to you

blackmercedes

I've got a bridge to sell you...