CLK55 AMG, CLK63 AMG (W208, W209) 2000 - 2010 (Two Generations)

DIY Fluid Changes, Anyone Know?

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Old Oct 16, 2007 | 09:10 PM
  #1  
JerseyCLK55's Avatar
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From: Dirty Jersey
E60 M5, Trailblazer SS, Acura TL, CLK55 (SOLD), E420 (SOLD)
DIY Fluid Changes, Anyone Know?

Hi Guys,

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.
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Old Oct 27, 2007 | 02:37 AM
  #2  
ColoCruiserJeff's Avatar
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From: Highlands Ranch, CO
2003 CLK55 AMG
I had the same questions! Anyone???
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Old Oct 29, 2007 | 11:18 PM
  #3  
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2001 CLK55 AMG
Originally Posted by ColoCruiserJeff
I had the same questions! Anyone???
Same here! Can someone please give some good helpful insight... Thank you!
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Old Oct 30, 2007 | 05:12 PM
  #4  
tpick23's Avatar
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From: Wilmington,NC
E63
Originally Posted by JerseyCLK55
Hi Guys,

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.
I'm no pro at this by any means but I plan to a oil change myself at mid-service intervals. Regular services are every 10K miles but thats a long time so going to do it at 15, 25,35, etc and do the regular A,B,A,B at the dealership. Here it goes.

<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??
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Old Oct 30, 2007 | 07:35 PM
  #5  
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2003 CLK55
Can only check the oil level from the computer.

I thought the oil they recommend is Mobil 1 0-30 not 5-30
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Old Oct 30, 2007 | 10:20 PM
  #6  
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300E a couple 1994 w124wagon E320 Wagon/,1971MGB Track/Rally, MG Midget Autocross ,2000 E320 wagon.
Use mobil 1

http://www.whnet.com/4x4/oil.html
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.
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Old Nov 1, 2007 | 08:34 AM
  #7  
tpick23's Avatar
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From: Wilmington,NC
E63
Originally Posted by Stiggs
Can only check the oil level from the computer.

I thought the oil they recommend is Mobil 1 0-30 not 5-30
I think I remeber they put 5-30 in it at Service A but it probably depends some on where you live. Not quite as cold here for as long in Northern States??? It does get damn hot here so I would have thought they would use maybe 10-40 but whatever. The 63 gets 9.0 quarts with filter.
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Old Apr 9, 2008 | 08:15 PM
  #8  
JerseyCLK55's Avatar
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From: Dirty Jersey
E60 M5, Trailblazer SS, Acura TL, CLK55 (SOLD), E420 (SOLD)
FYI

Although I no longer have the CLK55 (the deal on the E60 M5 was just too sweet), I wanted to leave you guys with a tidbit on DIY here.

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.
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Old Apr 9, 2008 | 08:16 PM
  #9  
JerseyCLK55's Avatar
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From: Dirty Jersey
E60 M5, Trailblazer SS, Acura TL, CLK55 (SOLD), E420 (SOLD)
Oil and Filter

I use the 0W-40 or 5W-30 (ONLY if I can't find the 0W viscosity) oils.

Also, definitely spring for the FLEECE filters- that's what the factory puts in.

Paper won't last the ~10k intervals the car recommends.
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