Hello there,

I have changed many oil filters in my time, but have yet to change a Mercedes one. I will attempt this soon with my CLK 430.

Can anyone offer any advice such as difficulty in accessing the filter, whether a special gasket is required for the filter and/or drain plug or special draining tips. Again, I've done many on domestic vechiles before, but was wondering if there are any different things to consider with the Mercedes.

Oil changes are not generally rocket science stuff, but having never done one, I thought that I'd ask......Is it pretty straight Forward like most cars?

Thanks.

 

You will need a special tool to remove the oil filter cover. It's not like on regular cars, that anybody can pull out the old one and replace it with the new one.

 

First they screw me on the Winter Wheels, now a simple oil change requires a special tool to remove an oil filter cover!

Anyone have a picture of the tool or underside of the car?

Where can one buy the tool?

Thanks.

 

The oil filter housing is on top of the engine, on the right hand side, the wrench you need is MB part # 103 589 03 09 00.

 

you don't need a special wrench to take out the oil filter...this is where the oil filter is, we change the oil without any special tools.

 

Here is a website with directions. It is for an E320 but should similar enough for you to follow. You do not have to use a topsider but it makes it easier. If you don't buy a topsider you will have to remove the skid pad under the engine to access the drain. I think there are about 8 screws that need removed to gain access to the oil drain. The other nice thing about the topsider is that the oil drain plug is not quite at the lowest point of the oil pan. The topsider will pull out any sledge you might have down there. One other thing to mention. Did you realize you car has 8.5 quarts of oil!! At least my clk 320 does and if I am correct that is the same for the 430. Someone please correct me if I am wrong. I have a topsider but have yet to use it on the clk320 because my car is under warranty and I have been taking it to the dealer. I did use it on my wifes old mazda 626 and it worked like a champ. I think there are websites you can find to order the oil filter from that are cheaper than getting it from the parts department at your local dealer. The oil filter comes with the necessary gaskets. It is not as complicated as it sounds. I have watched it being done to my car at my dealer.

 

I did not think that you needed a special tool.

 

How do you ensure that the topsider is picking up all of the sludge at the bottom of the oil pan, whereas if it's draining out it would all come out? Wouldn't Mercedes have thought to put the drain hole where everything will come out?

I usually drain it out, but I guess the topsider would be good for someone without access to a lift.

 

Hi there,

You forgot to include the Web site address.

Please add.

 

Weli it looks like the oil filter and oil will be changed on Monday. I picked up the filter from MB today and noticed that it came with a few (3?) "o" ring gaskets. Anyone know what that's for???

Also, the screws that hold up the oil pan cover, are the screws regular ones or do I need to buy a special tool to remove the screws?

 

Thanks for the helpful image.

 

Opps, here is the link.
http://www.mercedesshop.com/diy_oil_change2.htm

 

Thanks, I'm all done and the oil is as clear as Crisco!

 

This question maybe been asked before. but anyway, on a new car (2002 clk320) how mile many u suppose to have a first oil change?

 

10,000 miles or 1 year.

 

With Mobil 1 synthetic oil ONLY!

 

Yeah that's right, you have to use MOBIL1 synthetic oil as theine have said before.

 

A MB Stealership advisor told me that some of their customers change their oil much more frequently than what FSS/MB recommends (10,000 miles). I guess that we have been conditioned to think to change the oil & flter approx. every 4-5,000 miles in the past.

He went on to say that most of those customers simply use either non Mobile 1, but still synthetic oil or a synthetic blend (5w30) at approx 4,000 - 5,000 miles. He said that there is no point in using the "good stuff" for only 4-5,000 Miles. If you're going to get the FSS recommend oil, then change it at 10,000 miles.

Even though I went with the Mobile 1 Delvac 5W40 (full synthetic), I may consider what the advisor said.

From a cost perspective, it's basically like getting 2 oil changes with semi-synthetic oil after 10,000 miles (1 each at 5,000 miles).

What I like about that is that the oil filter is changed at 5,000 miles and I know that "fresh oil, be it Mobile 100 % synthetic or not has ben changed.

If I did not change my oil until approx. 10,000 miles, I would definately continue uisng the moble 100% synthetic.

Thoughts?