Yesterday I finally took delivery of my E320 CDI, it was shipped all the way from Indiana to Cali. First things first, the car has 85k miles on it, looks like it's been taken care of but I do not have any prior maintenance records.
As far as I know car has no issiues so far.
Display indicates that service "C" is 3000 miles overdue, so I guess it's time to service atleast the engine oil and filters. I am pretty mechanically savy and I do enjoy doing some of the work on my cars instead of taking it to the dealler.
Before I get started would like to find out what it is involved in taking off bottom engine cover to drain the oil. I do not like using an extractor cause it usually leaves quite a bit of old oil behind.
Now about the oil filter, I know it uses a special one that looks white, this is the place I buy all of my car parts, does this look like the right oil filter for my car?
http://www.autohausaz.com/search/pro...Oil Filter Kit

If not where I can get one besides the dealler?

 

You might consider checking the maint records by using the VIN number at the dealer to see what has been done.

The e500 is easy to remove the lower shield. I think 10 mm socket (maybe 8 don't remember what I used) to remove the shield then the drain plug will be easy accessable.

I use only Mercedes filters due to the fleece requirment for the extended oil changes. I don't use after market filters, but this doesn't mean it they won't work. The filter on your post looks like the correct filter but doesn't have the fleece on it. The fleece would be white completely wrapped around the paper element. The O rings are for the filter cap and seal.

 

That may be the correct filter for diesels. I don't believe they use a fleece filter.

I checked the places I get parts from and they show the same filter. Mann is one of the suppliers for Mercedes.

I do agree with vettdvr that you should get the maintenance records for the car.

 

If I can get prior maintenance record from the dealler using the vin # it would be great! Will they give me a print out of everything that has been done to the car?

 

Well, they can but it's up to the dealer. Just give it a try.

 

"Diesel, I ain't got no stinkin Diesel" Sorry for Bogie movie modified.

The fleece filter is for the gasoline engine with the extended oil change frequency. If yours in not running extended (13,000 miles between changes) you might not need the fleece filter. Just go to the dealer and buy the first filter and chalk this up to learning. Then find out what is recommended for you engine.