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Here are some photos from my '19 CLS53 of how to remove some engine pieces to access the oil filter. I have not yet changed the filter, but at least I know how to access the filter when the time comes. (I plan to change the engine oil and filter at 2000 miles or so around the time when the dealer changes the rear differential oil.)
1) Photo 1: Simply pull up on the big cover, starting on the back passenger-side corner. There are four rubber grommets that hold this in place on pins on top of the engine. Pull up on all four and either remove or fold the cover forward over the front grill area.
2) Photo 2: Push a large screwdriver in the slot at the front of the intake air vent and leave the vent in place with these connectors loose.
3) Photo 3: Find the flanges that hold the rear of the intake air vent in place and pry them loose with a large screwdriver. The flange on the engine side is difficult to find, but it will release. Remove this section of the intake air vent and set it aside.
3) Photo 4: The top of oil filter is now visible. A 1-1/16 socket fits perfectly. I do not know what the equivalent metric socket is.
The oil filter part number for a CLS53 is A 256 184 00 00. My dealer (a very large dealer in Westminster Colorado) did not have any in stock and had to order one. The part may be the same for other straight 6-cylinder M256 type engines but I do not know. This filter is unlike any other I have had on any of my half-dozen or so Mercedes. This one is 7.5 inches long and 2 inches in diameter.
It looks like removing the filter housing could be a very messy job, so I'd be sure to drain or suction as much oil as possible to hopefully drain the filter. Also I'll plan to have a bunch of rags handy just in case...
When the time comes to replace the filter and cap, torque the cap to 25 newton-meters which is about 220 inch-pounds.
I looked up the maintenance in the manual. There is no recommendation for differential oil change at 2000 miles, nor did the car give me a notice to service the rear differential. This must be unnecessary maintenance on your part. Changing the engine oil is also a waste of time and money.
Is changing the oil in the rear differential required maintenance on the CLS53?
Yes. At 2000 miles.
See the CLS Supplement Booklet, page 9 which says, "After a breaking-in period of 2000 miles (3000km) the oil on the locking differential should be changed in a qualified specialist workshop. This oil change prolongs the service life of the locking differential."
This oil change is covered by Pre-paid Maintenance. I believe this diff oil change requirement is typical across the full range of AMG vehicles. I was on my GT S, SLK55 and as I recall on my CLS63S.
I looked up the maintenance in the manual. There is no recommendation for differential oil change at 2000 miles, nor did the car give me a notice to service the rear differential. This must be unnecessary maintenance on your part. Changing the engine oil is also a waste of time and money.
OK Petee. Perhaps you might consider looking a little more and checking a few more places. Please advise -- is it OK if I choose to waste my time and money? Changing the filter probably has more benefit than changing the oil which, I agree, is good for a lot of miles.
Thanks, You are absolutely correct. I looked in the service information booklet and there was nothing on the subject. However the info is in the AMG supplement booklet. I will take the car in for the differential oil change. It's strange that the automatic service reminder did not remind me of this service. I assume this is a one time shot. Now I will look up if this applies to the E43.
I took my 2019 CLS 53 in for the rear diff oil change mentioned on page 9 of the CLS Supplement book and identified as a covered item under prepaid maintenance. But when the dealer called up my VIN, it showed that this was not "required". There is some confusion on this and it may depend on whether the differential on the 53 is a"locking differential". Since this is identified as covered under prepaid maintenance which I have and since it seems there would be no harm done in replacing this fluid, the dealer agreed to go ahead and replace the fluid at no charge. Additional clarification of this would be helpful. I will post a separate thread on this.
I have a 2020 GLE450 with the same engine, how do I get to the air filter and do I need to remove the intake box assembly to change the air filter?
Thanks
Wayne
Wayne, every vehicle is different. Suggest you check the GLE blog at
You can probably just carefully pry off the cover and that will expose the filter if you don't see it with the cover on. You may have to remove an air box that houses the intake air filter, but you'll just have to explore.
04-15-2019, 11:20 PM
