lyco

Just read the OP. Thanks for the step-by-step guide, just what I was looking for.

Pete7874

FYI, I contacted MB tech support and they did confirm that the 2008 and 2009 owner manuals do in fact contain an error. The correct engine oil capacity for the 4Matic models is 7L (7.4qt).

I have also asked them to update all their dealer/service literature accordingly so that the techs don't keep overfilling the 4Matics by an extra 1 qt.

lfilomeno

Are they the only ones that make the dipstick tube adapter? by the way can some one tell me where can I order the original oil filter for the C300 sport (not planning to buy it at the stealership) and the cabin air filter? Please advice. Anticipated thanks.

Pete7874

I got mine from Amazon as they offer free shipping if you order at least $25 worth of stuff. I'm sure you can find the air filter there, too...

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...ef=oss_product

jctevere

Ok guys, I am going to change the oil myself in my 2009 c300 4matic. I plan on purchasing a mityvac for this. Can anyone recommend which one would be best (preferably under $100). I see some people wish they got one that was 3/8" inlet, instead of the 1/4" so it would go faster.

I plan on buying the adapter for the dipstick from fluidevacuators. Does anyone know if this will fit my 2009 c300 4matic, as well as my 2011 c300 4matic? It would also be nice if this fit my 2003 mercedes sl500 r230 - I don't suppose anyone would know that either.

Lastly, I am a bit confused on how much oil I should put into my 4matics. The service manual on my sister's 2011 says 7.4Qt, but mine reads 8.5Qt. Someone mentioned above that this is an error. However, I feel that that error is a bit too important to simply mess up. Has anyone confirmed this in either direction, I would hate to put too little oil back in.

Lastly, is the adapter for the dipstick tube a 3/8" outlet?

Pete7874

I had a Mityvac 7400, but I don't recommend it. It started leaking and spewing oil out of the handle/pump and I only used it less than 10 times. I just ordered Pela 14K - it costs about $120 including shipping but holds 14 liters which is nice.

I think Mityvac comes with both sizes.. at least mine did, but the 3/8" hose was too big to fit in the dipstick.

Will definitely fit both your C300s. Not sure about SL500.

Read my post above in this thread. MB USA confirmed that 4Matic has 7.4 qt capacity. 2008 and 2009 owner's manual had an error.

Anyway, start with pouring in about 7 qt. Start the engine, run for a minute. Then stop it, wait, then check the oil level. Then add oil as necessary until you get to full.


It takes a 1/4" tube if you stick it inside the adapter. But you can use a 3/8" tube and slide it on top of the adapter.

nyca

That adapter works fine on the 4M. Depending on which suction device you get, you may or may not have to mate the tubing - any good plumbing supply place will have reducing union couplers to make the hook up.

I tried a MityVac, didn't like it either. I went with a 12V powered electric pump unit from Jabsco, designed for marine applications, but it works fine. Make sure the engine oil is warmed up before suction is applied.

jctevere

I have the mityvac 7201 on order, trying to contact the fluidevacuators for the adapter for the dip stick, and I have the Mann fleece filter on order as well. Now I am stuck on which oil to use. I have done a bit of researching and it appears our cars take the 229.5 spec oil. And everyone says the 5w40 is what our cars came with. However, in NY in the United States, I can only find 0w40 Mobil 1 fully Synthetic, and the only Mobil 1 5w40 is ESP included (emission system protection) and is designed for diesels and conforms to spec 229.51 oil.


My question is, since plain jane 5w40 Mobil 1 synthetic isn't available, which is the lesser of two evils. ESP or 0w40? I would assume 0w40. Being that it rarely gets above 90 degrees fahrenheit in NY, wouldn't 0w40 be just as good, if not better because I get more cold starts, which it protects better against vs 5w40. Also, I should expect better gas mileage as well?

I am Jeff

Most dealerships will put in your car 5w-30 motor oil when you take it in for service. The reason being is because they can purchase that type of oil in bulk (50gallon drums). I use 0w-40 oil because I do my own oil changes. 0w-40 should be better than 5w-40 motor oil for cold starts. I can't tell you which is gets you better gas mileage because I've only used 0w-40. For reference sake, I used to get 28-30 mpg on the C350 going 70+ on the LIE from Brooklyn to Riverhead.

jctevere

Thanks for the quick response and feedback Jeff! I think I will just go with the 0w40 Mobil 1 then, I can get a gallon jug of it from Walmart anyway for dirt cheap (comparatively speaking).

The MPG thing was just theoretical. Since its thinner, I would assume less friction thus more power and fuel economy (negligible of course).

Pete7874

Out of the two oils that you mentioned, M1 0w-40 is the one you want. But it does not come in gallon jugs, unfortunately.

0w-40 may be slightly less thick than 5w-40 at super extreme low temps (like -20F), but at operating temps it is just as thin as 5w-40, so you would not really notice any MPG difference. Neither of the two oils is "energy conserving". As a matter of fact, it is not physically possible for an oil to be classified as "energy conserving" and meeting MB 229.5 spec at the same time.

jctevere

Thanks, I have just went to a local walmart and picked up 8 quarts of Mobil 1 0w-40 Synthetic European Car formula. I was shocked that it was better than any online pricing, a mere $6.37 per quart. I bought 8 of them (since I have a 4Matic and should only use 7.4 anyway). If it turns up too low after the change, I can always get another and top it off. $51 + tax came to around $55 for my oil; not bad if you ask me...

Plus, I got a 10% discount from a friend that works there, so I got it for just under $50, plus the $15 I paid for the OEM Mann fleece filter. Brings me to $65 for the oil change, I think I did pretty well.

Pete7874

Sounds like a good deal. Around here, O'Rileys sometimes has it on sale for $5/qt. That's when I stock up.

jctevere

Thanks, I only have one question, my cabin air filter does not smell, I have not inspected it yet. But what's wrong with just cleaning it, removing the dust with compressed air and popping it back in? It's not like its expensive ($20 or so dollars, I just hate to be wasteful...)

Also, I can't find the OEM Mann, and can only seem to locate one called TYC?

Pete7874

If you want Mann, Autohausaz.com has them.

The only thing I can think of why one would want to replace the cabin filter is the fact that it's activated charcoal. With time, this charcoal probably becomes less effective at neutralizing odors...

I am Jeff

An even better deal then your walmart deal would be to go to Advance Auto Parts for their current special. 32 dollars for 5 quarts of Mobil One OW-40 and a filter.

jctevere

Gotcha, thanks!


That does sound pretty good, but I can't find that deal online, maybe its in store only?

I just phoned my dealership, they said that they carry 5w-40 for gas for 7.37, not bad at all, plus my father just got a $100 gift card for that dealership in the mail for free. But what I am thinking, is that I read the back of the bottles with ESP (emission system protection) it says its for diesel and gas and conforms to 229.51 MB approval. I'm going to check out the bottle my dealer sells and says is the right one and see if its the same thing. If it is, then I can get a gallon (4 quarts for around $21).

Pete7874

Supposedly there are two versions of M1 5w-40 out there... one is ESP (the one sold at PepBoys), and one is non-ESP (the one carried at MB dealerships). If you happen to find the non-ESP one, can you please snap some pics for us? I'm curious as I have never actually seen it.

There is also another M1 variety: 5w-40 Truck&SUV, sold at Wal-Mart and other places, but that one does not carry any official MB approvals.

TCP442

I am a newbee here, and am contemplating doing my first Oil Change myself...I have a Mityvac on order, and am trying to find the correct oilfilter and oil cap wrench..Any ideas as to the exact size of the wrench ?...I am also concerned that the dealership I bought the car from in August, might be using M1 5-30...That does not seem correct to me based on what I know at this point...Has anyone heard of the dealers using M1 5-30 ?...If so I would like to change it out... This is my first Benz...I am still impressed with it even after 4 months !!

jctevere

You don't need a wrench for the oil cap. Your hands will work, you don't want to start wrench tightening it because then you will only be abel to take if off witha wrench. If it is too hard for your hand, loosen it with an adjustable wrench or pliers or something, then just re hand tighten.

The oil filter is Mann Fleece HU718/5X. I have found this price to be pretty good, they also sell a lot fo 10 for pretty cheap too! http://www.fcpgroton.com/product-exe...008-2010+(Mann)

Don't use M1 5w-30, some dealers just use whatever. Only use 0w-40 or 5w-40 (if you can find it where you live) that doesn't have ESP additive for diesels. Conforms to 229.5 spec, not 229.51.

Pete7874

You will also need a dipstick tube adapter. Otherwise, you won't be able to suck it all out. Info was provided earlier in this thread.


The correct size is 74.5mm, 14 flute. I bought this one and it has worked well:
http://www.handsontools.com/Assenmac...nt_p_2716.html

There was no way I could have unscrewed it by hand. Mine was on so tight, I stripped a couple of plastic wrenches from local auto part stores before I got this metal Assenmacher one.

I am Jeff

It is definitely an instore deal. Just click the current circular and you can see the deal. I bought like 30 quarts of oil last time when they ran that promotion. Cleaned the store out. lol

I am Jeff

Joe - Advance Auto Parts is offering Mobil 1 0w-40 for 50% off. You have to order online and pick it up instore. 3.99 a quart.

Pete7874

So, which one is it, Advance Auto Parts or Auto Zone?

I am Jeff

Sorry, I mistyped. I have corrected it. I posted this on the C63 AMG forums also.