New to me 2012 E350 first issues
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2023
Posts: 20
Likes: 3
2012 E350 Base
New to me 2012 E350 first issues
Hi all,
I just purchased a 2012 E350 Base with 73k miles.
overall I'm very please with it, but I do have a couple of issues and questions.
How do I know if I have a M272 engine or the M273?
And I'm missing the MB emblem from the engine cover, is it possible just to purchase the emblem, or do I have to get a whole new cover?
I noticed that the drivers side cat mount has oil seepage accumulation. I assume this is a leak on the back of the engine. I've read about cam expansion plugs but the ones I've found are for earlier models. Is there such a thing for the 2012? Or is it a different sort of leak? Any guidance on this would be appreciated.
Is there a particular brand oil filter that is preferred. I know on my vw tdi's the MANN was always preferred. I've seen oil change kits on fcpeuro but they don't really specify. At this point I'm tempted to get the filter from Autozone or Oreily and get my oil from walmart - Mobil 1 Eurospec 5w40.... Is there any reason I shouldn't do this?
Is there a free option for the maintenance manual available anywhere? Pdf or whatever? I typically do all of my own maintenance right up to and including things like timing belt changes, so having good manual is very helpful.
Thanks for any input
I just purchased a 2012 E350 Base with 73k miles.
overall I'm very please with it, but I do have a couple of issues and questions.
How do I know if I have a M272 engine or the M273?
And I'm missing the MB emblem from the engine cover, is it possible just to purchase the emblem, or do I have to get a whole new cover?
I noticed that the drivers side cat mount has oil seepage accumulation. I assume this is a leak on the back of the engine. I've read about cam expansion plugs but the ones I've found are for earlier models. Is there such a thing for the 2012? Or is it a different sort of leak? Any guidance on this would be appreciated.
Is there a particular brand oil filter that is preferred. I know on my vw tdi's the MANN was always preferred. I've seen oil change kits on fcpeuro but they don't really specify. At this point I'm tempted to get the filter from Autozone or Oreily and get my oil from walmart - Mobil 1 Eurospec 5w40.... Is there any reason I shouldn't do this?
Is there a free option for the maintenance manual available anywhere? Pdf or whatever? I typically do all of my own maintenance right up to and including things like timing belt changes, so having good manual is very helpful.
Thanks for any input
Last edited by jakwi; Jul 24, 2023 at 09:46 AM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 2,524
Likes: 2,041
From: US
2008 E350, 2012 ML350, 2014 E350, 2015 ML350
In reverse order:
1 - Got to Ebay and search for WIS/EPC Mercedes and you can buy the manual for ALL MB vehicles at once. WIS --> MB Bible for repairs.
2 - I would stick to the MANN, or MB filters. Avoid FRAM, and the like filters. Saving $5 and risking $4K makes no sense. Be extremely careful changing the filter, it is not the run-of-the-mill filters, and a forum member just lost an engine for incorrectly setting the filter.
3 - If the cat is getting oil seepage, very likely you have a M272 engine; however, the final word is just VIN, and use https://www.lastvin.com/
4 - Never seen the engine emblem on sale; however, there is always a junkyard.
5 - Same as 3
Welcome to the MB community. all the best and
1 - Got to Ebay and search for WIS/EPC Mercedes and you can buy the manual for ALL MB vehicles at once. WIS --> MB Bible for repairs.
2 - I would stick to the MANN, or MB filters. Avoid FRAM, and the like filters. Saving $5 and risking $4K makes no sense. Be extremely careful changing the filter, it is not the run-of-the-mill filters, and a forum member just lost an engine for incorrectly setting the filter.
3 - If the cat is getting oil seepage, very likely you have a M272 engine; however, the final word is just VIN, and use https://www.lastvin.com/
4 - Never seen the engine emblem on sale; however, there is always a junkyard.
5 - Same as 3
Welcome to the MB community. all the best and
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2023
Posts: 20
Likes: 3
2012 E350 Base
1. I will look for the WIS manual thank you!
2. FCP euro has the purflex filters with their kits, I've never heard of that brand. Locally I can get fram or wix. I'm with you on Fram. Wix has always treated me well, but I'll look for the MANN or MB filters. I did see the post, devastating. the filter housing looks almost exactly the same as the VW TDI filter housing, but I will be careful.
3. I didn't know about lastvin, but what a great website!
It lists my engine as follows, but I don't see 272 in this, is it just the last two digits?
Engine 276952 30 077472
Also what is the common cause of seepage in that area?
Thanks for taking the time to answer!
2. FCP euro has the purflex filters with their kits, I've never heard of that brand. Locally I can get fram or wix. I'm with you on Fram. Wix has always treated me well, but I'll look for the MANN or MB filters. I did see the post, devastating. the filter housing looks almost exactly the same as the VW TDI filter housing, but I will be careful.
3. I didn't know about lastvin, but what a great website!
It lists my engine as follows, but I don't see 272 in this, is it just the last two digits?
Engine 276952 30 077472
Also what is the common cause of seepage in that area?
Thanks for taking the time to answer!
In reverse order:
1 - Got to Ebay and search for WIS/EPC Mercedes and you can buy the manual for ALL MB vehicles at once. WIS --> MB Bible for repairs.
2 - I would stick to the MANN, or MB filters. Avoid FRAM, and the like filters. Saving $5 and risking $4K makes no sense. Be extremely careful changing the filter, it is not the run-of-the-mill filters, and a forum member just lost an engine for incorrectly setting the filter.
3 - If the cat is getting oil seepage, very likely you have a M272 engine; however, the final word is just VIN, and use https://www.lastvin.com/
4 - Never seen the engine emblem on sale; however, there is always a junkyard.
5 - Same as 3
Welcome to the MB community. all the best and
1 - Got to Ebay and search for WIS/EPC Mercedes and you can buy the manual for ALL MB vehicles at once. WIS --> MB Bible for repairs.
2 - I would stick to the MANN, or MB filters. Avoid FRAM, and the like filters. Saving $5 and risking $4K makes no sense. Be extremely careful changing the filter, it is not the run-of-the-mill filters, and a forum member just lost an engine for incorrectly setting the filter.
3 - If the cat is getting oil seepage, very likely you have a M272 engine; however, the final word is just VIN, and use https://www.lastvin.com/
4 - Never seen the engine emblem on sale; however, there is always a junkyard.
5 - Same as 3
Welcome to the MB community. all the best and
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 2,524
Likes: 2,041
From: US
2008 E350, 2012 ML350, 2014 E350, 2015 ML350
1. I will look for the WIS manual thank you!
2. FCP euro has the purflex filters with their kits, I've never heard of that brand. Locally I can get fram or wix. I'm with you on Fram. Wix has always treated me well, but I'll look for the MANN or MB filters. I did see the post, devastating. the filter housing looks almost exactly the same as the VW TDI filter housing, but I will be careful.
3. I didn't know about lastvin, but what a great website!
It lists my engine as follows, but I don't see 272 in this, is it just the last two digits?
Engine 276952 30 077472
Also what is the common cause of seepage in that area?
Thanks for taking the time to answer!
2. FCP euro has the purflex filters with their kits, I've never heard of that brand. Locally I can get fram or wix. I'm with you on Fram. Wix has always treated me well, but I'll look for the MANN or MB filters. I did see the post, devastating. the filter housing looks almost exactly the same as the VW TDI filter housing, but I will be careful.
3. I didn't know about lastvin, but what a great website!
It lists my engine as follows, but I don't see 272 in this, is it just the last two digits?
Engine 276952 30 077472
Also what is the common cause of seepage in that area?
Thanks for taking the time to answer!
Also, on the oil changes (which my Indy does):
1 - moved from 0W-40 -> 5W-40, Currently, the Motul brand but no preference on this as long as it is an MB APPROVED oil, For more info on that: https://operatingfluids.mercedes-benz.com/sheet/229.51
2 - Moved from 10K miles to 5K miles service interval. Saving a few $ and risking $4K+ makes no sense.
3 - Not yet, but I will be moving to 30K/40K miles service interval for the transmission.
Last edited by JCM_MB; Jul 24, 2023 at 11:58 AM.
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2022
Posts: 739
Likes: 328
From: WA State, USA
2014 Cummins, 2014 E250 Bluetec
In reverse order:
1 - Got to Ebay and search for WIS/EPC Mercedes and you can buy the manual for ALL MB vehicles at once. WIS --> MB Bible for repairs.
2 - I would stick to the MANN, or MB filters. Avoid FRAM, and the like filters. Saving $5 and risking $4K makes no sense. Be extremely careful changing the filter, it is not the run-of-the-mill filters, and a forum member just lost an engine for incorrectly setting the filter.
3 - If the cat is getting oil seepage, very likely you have a M272 engine; however, the final word is just VIN, and use https://www.lastvin.com/
4 - Never seen the engine emblem on sale; however, there is always a junkyard.
5 - Same as 3
Welcome to the MB community. all the best and
1 - Got to Ebay and search for WIS/EPC Mercedes and you can buy the manual for ALL MB vehicles at once. WIS --> MB Bible for repairs.
2 - I would stick to the MANN, or MB filters. Avoid FRAM, and the like filters. Saving $5 and risking $4K makes no sense. Be extremely careful changing the filter, it is not the run-of-the-mill filters, and a forum member just lost an engine for incorrectly setting the filter.
3 - If the cat is getting oil seepage, very likely you have a M272 engine; however, the final word is just VIN, and use https://www.lastvin.com/
4 - Never seen the engine emblem on sale; however, there is always a junkyard.
5 - Same as 3
Welcome to the MB community. all the best and
