Changing the oil filter without making a mess
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Newbie
Joined: Aug 2004
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Changing the oil filter without making a mess
I just became the owner of an '87 300E. Never had a car like this before - wow! Anyways, the first maintenance I want to do is an oil and filter change. But as the rest of you know the filter is mounted upside down up high on the engine, right above the starter. Aack! So how do I remove the filter without soaking half the engine? Currently, everything near there is clean and I intend to keep it that way...
Almost a Member!
Joined: Jul 2004
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Remove the air filter kit,and It should make it alot easier to work on .When I cahnge my oil filter I take off my filter kit and wait till my filter is reallly cool and then twist away,ps make sure u have a towel next to you!
Super Member
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 696
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From: Motor City
95 E320 Cabriolet, 108K
I typically crack the filter canister after starting the pan drain. This allows the oil filter to drain into the engine. After a while you can remove the canister and filter without too much mess.
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2004
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From: Richmond, Va.
1991 300E
I've never had a problem with the filter driping oil onto the engine if you first drain the pan and open the filter just a little. They make a filter wrench for these, I think it's 74mm or soemthing like that. If you have the filter wrench and an extension drive you don't have to take off the air cleaner. Lots easier than trying to twist the filter off by hand.
Super Member
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 696
Likes: 4
From: Motor City
95 E320 Cabriolet, 108K
Here's a link to discussion on the proper oil wrench to use (plus pictures):
http://www.mbnz.org/forums/forums/th...&posts=9&hl=76
http://www.mbnz.org/forums/forums/th...&posts=9&hl=76
