DIY Fluid Changes, Anyone Know?
You've always been so helpful with all my prior questions. I did several searches on the site and was unable to find a definitive DIY on how to change the fluids on a W209 CLK55.
Specifically, I already have the top-sider oil extractor, all the proper handtools, but still need to know:
1. How do I check the engine oil level? I heard that I can buy a dipstick? Is there any other way?
2. What is the actual oil capacity here? Is it 8 quarts?
3. Which oil filters do everyone use?
4. I plan on using Royal Purple synthetic instead of Mobil 1, any thoughts?
5. For the diff, does anyone have any idea how this is done?
6. What diff fluid does everyone use?
Thanks again for all the help guys. I am going to the Carguys track days in a few weeks and want to make sure I pass the tech inspection.
You've always been so helpful with all my prior questions. I did several searches on the site and was unable to find a definitive DIY on how to change the fluids on a W209 CLK55.
Specifically, I already have the top-sider oil extractor, all the proper handtools, but still need to know:
1. How do I check the engine oil level? I heard that I can buy a dipstick? Is there any other way?
2. What is the actual oil capacity here? Is it 8 quarts?
3. Which oil filters do everyone use?
4. I plan on using Royal Purple synthetic instead of Mobil 1, any thoughts?
5. For the diff, does anyone have any idea how this is done?
6. What diff fluid does everyone use?
Thanks again for all the help guys. I am going to the Carguys track days in a few weeks and want to make sure I pass the tech inspection.
<Extract oil first and loosen/replace filter>
1. See # 2 first. Not sure if the 55 is same as the 63 but I have a oil change measurement that shows in the instrument cluser. The car has to be off for a time then ignition on and goto the menu.
2. The manual should have the recommended oil capacity listed. I would fill that amount then start up, wait, shut down let it sit a few minutes and check oil level on cluster.
3. I will use the MB filter from dealer.
4. Will be staying with Mobil 5-30 Synthetic as came in the car. I have always used that, even in the Acuras and had zero problems.
As for differential, yer on your own.
Comments anyone?? What did I miss??
or in your manual
good diy on the
http://www.mercedesshop.com/Wikka/DoItYourSelf
pretty much follow along for your model.
also diff service on benzworld.org.
check capacity in your manual,fleece filter avail at www.autohausaz.com
ohlord

and oh yeah,use only mb spec oil like the euro formula syn spec rated for your engine.229.5 229.3 0w40 or manual stated weight.
royal whatever is not mb rated so use at your own risk.Mighty exp engine to gamble with though!!!
Last edited by ohlord; Oct 30, 2007 at 10:26 PM.
quarts with filter.
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Changing the gear oil more or less requres a lift and a very large Allen key socket set. Neither of which I had. My buddy in the Coast Guard offered to take it back to his base and use his tools to change the diff fluid. I never got it done because it was just too much of a hassle. (I bought the Valvoline Synthetic- Redline doesn't carry the specified weight/viscosity).
(In fact, if you buy the oil dipstick, I'll throw this gear oil in.)
For changing oil, Stiggs is 100% right. There's no exact science- you have to rely on the computer. I bought the stupid $110 dipstick tool (based on the reco from that DIY website) and I couldn't make sense of it. I followed some threads about how to read the hashmarks, but the thing wouldn't even snake down to the pan correctly. BTW, if anyone wants this GIANT dipstick, I'll sell it to you for 1/2 price.
Bottom line: DIY on these cars suck. The manufacturer purposely makes it tough for the customer. It's ALL about service- a high margin, repeat business. Razor/razor blade model for $70k cars.
Last edited by JerseyCLK55; Apr 9, 2008 at 08:28 PM.
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Also, definitely spring for the FLEECE filters- that's what the factory puts in.
Paper won't last the ~10k intervals the car recommends.







