When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
hi all,
After searching the forum and I couldn't find the answer so I just post it again.
What kind of differential fluid we can use for our Benz?
Some thread said we should stick to 75W-85 from the Stealership. Other said, 75W-90 synthetic can be used..
Which one can we really use?
Thanks a lot.
There's nothing too special about the rear differential. if it's not an AMG then I believe it's an open (non-clutch/slip) unit back there.
I replaced the fluid on mine awhile back, pretty easy with drain/fill plugs in the unit. Mine was under ELW so I used the MB spec 235.7 gear oil (75W85). Ordered it online.
But my understanding is that many dealers use M1 or equivalent 75W90 gear oil without any problems.
Front diff is another story with a 4matic - very fiddly work....
But my understanding is that many dealers use M1 or equivalent 75W90 gear oil without any problems.
That what I've seen too when I did the search.
I look up Amazon for Mercedes 75W85 quart and it will be 5 days shipping but I can buy Mobile1 75W-90 at local auto part store and get it done tomorrow.
The car is a little over 90K miles and I don't think the differential fluid has been changed recently.
I change the differential fluid today with Mobil1 75W-90.
The fill plug is not that hard to reach but the drain plug is way more difficult.
I had to use the 1/2" extension and 90degree elbow to get to it. The exhaust pipe is in the way.
Overall it wasn't that bad. It takes about 1.3 quarts to fill up and start to see the fluid dripping out.
[QUOTE=2011WhiteE350;7764686]hi all,
After searching the forum and I couldn't find the answer so I just post it again.
What kind of differential fluid we can use for our Benz?
Some thread said we should stick to 75W-85 from the Stealership. Other said, 75W-90 synthetic can be used..
Which one can we really use?
Thanks a lot.[/QUOTE
Differential oil change is strange thing as my service manual does not mention it at all. I had transmission service done at 160000 miles and I asked the dealer that I would like that done too but cannot find recommendation for it in the service booklet. The technician said it is not really in the schedule but it would be good time to do it and it was done.
Receipt does not say what oil they used. it reads "001-989-17-03-10 hypoid transmis" I guess this is a MB part number for the oil.
I did a google search and an image came up for that number.
It looked like SAE 75W-90 on the label of the bottle but i didn't see it clear.
I went with 75W-90 Mobil1 and didn't see anything different.
Thanks Arrie.
I did a google search and an image came up for that number.
It looked like SAE 75W-90 on the label of the bottle but i didn't see it clear.
I went with 75W-90 Mobil1 and didn't see anything different.
Thanks Arrie.
I will need to do this pretty soon, and I've never done it. It would seem to me that pouring in the fluid could be a problem as one might not be able to raise bottle to pour entire contents. How did you do it?
I use an inexpensive hand pump that threads onto the oil container. Has a clear hose that goes into the fill hole. I've got two, one for the regular quart containers and one for the slightly taller diff fluid containers that you typically see on the shelves. Available almost anywhere.
I will need to do this pretty soon, and I've never done it. It would seem to me that pouring in the fluid could be a problem as one might not be able to raise bottle to pour entire contents. How did you do it?
You can buy the hand pump like Mud mentioned.
I use this transfer pump around $12 bucks at part store.
. The price was great and it met the required spec. The pump mercy-me posted is what I have at home and I love it. Very easy cleanup.
The old rear fluid came out very dark so it was obviously past due, and the front fluid was red No idea if it was ever changed (it was pretty clean looking) or if the fluid that came out was the right stuff or not.
I change the differential fluid today with Mobil1 75W-90.
The fill plug is not that hard to reach but the drain plug is way more difficult.
I had to use the 1/2" extension and 90degree elbow to get to it. The exhaust pipe is in the way.
Overall it wasn't that bad. It takes about 1.3 quarts to fill up and start to see the fluid dripping out.
[QUOTE=CaliBenzDriver;8910831]Drain plug is on the Bank-1 or passenger side: RWD rear end
convenient soft pouch Diff oil container
This basic service is a lot of fun... the access ports are both hard to reach
Using the Valvoline oil in a pouch helps make the fill up ultra simple.
> *** FYI ***:
The stock plug is non magnetic so the oil is loaded with contaminents waiting for your attention.
Is this process for the front differential? M24x1.5 mag plug by the "DIMPLE Products Co"
Replace stock with a $50 magnetic type is cheaper than a new diff input bearing. [/QUO
is this for the front differential?
Drain plug is on the Bank-1 or passenger side: RWD rear end
convenient soft pouch Diff oil container
This basic service is a lot of fun... the access ports are both hard to reach
Using the Valvoline oil in a pouch helps make the fill up ultra simple.
> *** FYI ***:
The stock plug is non magnetic so the oil is loaded with contaminents waiting for your attention.
Is this process for the front differential?
M24x1.5 mag plug by the "DIMPLE Products Co"
Replace stock with a $50 magnetic type is cheaper than a new diff input bearing. [/QUO
is this for the front differential?
The LOWEST one is always the drain plug.
The slightly higher one is the FILL plug.
Always loosen FILL plug first and if it can be loosen, you the proceed to loosen the DRAIN plug and drain the oil.
Often the FILL plug get seized and how would you fill up the DIFF if that FILL plug seized ?
FILL limit is when oil is at the lowest portion of FILL hole .....ready to puke out.
Last edited by S-Prihadi; Jan 21, 2024 at 12:52 AM.
Do you know how the front differential on the 4 matic needs to be drained and filled?
Have not done it yet but have read couple of different things, most say to put the right amount back in and swap the fill connector out with the plug quickly, read something about a vent but its require removal of alternator to access. I have a fumoto drain plug that I plan on installing on mine assuming there is enough room. Have had one on my trucks oil pan for 170k miles.
These nightmare plugs are not standard nuts and bolts.
The diff plug unlike engine drain plug is sealed with its clever shape: IT IS CONICAL, no crush-washer, hollow head.
Yep so not sure if it will work as I havent taken a close look at it yet but going to check it out when I get to that point. Not gonna toss the original drain plug that's for sure. Pretty much every differential I have scene have that conical thread fit.
Have not done it yet but have read couple of different things, most say to put the right amount back in and swap the fill connector out with the plug quickly, read something about a vent but its require removal of alternator to access. I have a fumoto drain plug that I plan on installing on mine assuming there is enough room. Have had one on my trucks oil pan for 170k miles.
Fumoto makes fine products. I used to have one 20 years ago on my oil pan. It's super convenient
However the diff plugs are low and very exposed to hazardous road projections.
Do they have a valve that is flush ?
With a magnetic plug 40kMi schedule is ultra conservative... no need frequent access, right?
Fumoto makes fine products. I used to have one 20 years ago on my oil pan. It's super convenient
However the diff plugs are low and very exposed to hazardous road projections.
Do they have a valve that is flush ?
With a magnetic plug 40kMi schedule is ultra conservative... no need frequent access, right?
True, that being said unfortunately my time is very limited and as much as I like working on my vehicles the schedule does not agree. That combined with when its on the road the benz will be doing about 20-25k miles a year (minimum 104m day commute to work). Not saying its the end of the world, same way I do my trucks front and rear diffs however on that one they are easily accessible and I only need to jack up the front a few inches to do the front one. I can literally do the oil, trans, transfer case, both diffs, air filter, fuel filters (2), and cabin filter in an hour. 1.5hrs if I am enjoying a brew while working on it.
You are probably correct in how Ill end up doing it in the future, just thinking of ideas for the first time I tackle it.
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.
No idea if it was ever changed (it was pretty clean looking) or if the fluid that came out was the right stuff or not.
