E-Class (W212) 2010 - 2016: E 350, E 550
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by: CARiD

Power steering fluid

Old May 8, 2026 | 07:55 PM
  #1  
donny79's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
Photogenic
 
Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 184
Likes: 16
e350
Power steering fluid

Can I just add power steering fluid? I noticed a whine when turning and I looked and there is barely any fluid, can I just add it or do I have to siphon the little that’s in there and what kind of fluid do you recommend? Thank you
Reply
Old May 8, 2026 | 09:37 PM
  #2  
Sunnyslope48's Avatar
Senior Member
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 457
Likes: 151
From: Phoenix, AZ
2016 E350 Sport 2WD
I'm guessing your fluid is in poor condition. I would start by removing (a turkey baster is the cheapest tool to do this) as much fluid from the cannister as you can, and then add new fluid. See if the whine is gone or ar least improved. If improved, do a complete changeout of the fluid. Make sure you yse the correct fluid.
Reply
Old May 9, 2026 | 03:09 PM
  #3  
TimC300's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
Community Builder
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Aug 2023
Posts: 3,689
Likes: 1,111
From: MA Coast
W204 2010 C300 4matic Sport M272
To answer the question yes just add fluid. With engine off turn steering wheel side to side several times seeing if the level goes down. Add fluid as needed. Then start the car and see if the level goes down, add fluid as needed. then turn steering wheel side to side again and watch fluid level.

Fluid I use Pentosin CHF 11S which meets the MB spec and is commonly available.

Reply
Old May 9, 2026 | 07:24 PM
  #4  
streborx's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
5 Year Member
Photogenic
Community Builder
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 5,152
Likes: 1,766
From: Colorado
G550
Why is your fluid level low?
Reply
Old May 9, 2026 | 07:59 PM
  #5  
Arrie's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Liked
 
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 5,141
Likes: 1,293
From: Southern US
2010 E550, 273 Engine: 2012 S550, 278 Engine
Originally Posted by TimC300
To answer the question yes just add fluid. With engine off turn steering wheel side to side several times seeing if the level goes down. Add fluid as needed. Then start the car and see if the level goes down, add fluid as needed. then turn steering wheel side to side again and watch fluid level.

Fluid I use Pentosin CHF 11S which meets the MB spec and is commonly available.
Why would you turn wheel side to side with engine off?

I would never try doing that with hydraulic power steering system.

For the fluid it is best to go to MB dealer and get the correct fluid from them. It may cost a buck or two more than some other stuff but at least you can stop guessing what to use. It is very small reservoir do it should not be an issue to get it from the dealer.
Reply
Old May 9, 2026 | 08:57 PM
  #6  
TimC300's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
Community Builder
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Aug 2023
Posts: 3,689
Likes: 1,111
From: MA Coast
W204 2010 C300 4matic Sport M272
Glad to answer any question.

My reasoning is OP states barely any fluid in the reservoir. The most likely cause is there is a leak somewhere, leaking or seeping. May be air in the system if the level is so low. So to add more power steering fluid I would follow the MB procedures for filling and bleeding the system. I'll post it below.

I always and only use fluids that meet the MB specs. The fluids I use have the MB spec printed right on them that takes the guess work out. For power steering fluid the Pentosin CHF 11S is even listed in the manual. I recently picked up a container of the Pentosin for $20 on sale at a local store. I just looked and my dealer has the MB fluid for $40. I see no reason to spend more if it meets spec. The only Genuine MB fluid I buy is the Dot4+ brake fluid since I cant find a cheaper brand, I can find it on eBay for less than $20.
























Reply
Old May 9, 2026 | 09:17 PM
  #7  
TimC300's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
Community Builder
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Aug 2023
Posts: 3,689
Likes: 1,111
From: MA Coast
W204 2010 C300 4matic Sport M272
The fluids pictured are for my 2010 W204. Your model may use different MB spec #'s. Always check for your car here https://operatingfluids.mercedes-benz.com/


Mobil 1 0W40 engine oil:




Front/Rear differential fluid- Febi SAE 75W-85 GL-5



Coolant- Zerex G48 50/50 pre-mix.




Transmission fluid- early 722.9 transmission Red fluid. Shell ATF134



Reply

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 

Thread Tools
Search this Thread
Rate This Thread
Rate This Thread:
You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 11:44 PM.

story-0
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-1
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-2
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.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE
story-4
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

Slideshow: The 190E Evolution II shows how a homologation necessity became a six-figure collector icon.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:53:47


VIEW MORE
story-5
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes is turning one of its core nameplates electric, and the details show just how serious this shift is.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:58:06


VIEW MORE
story-6
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

Slideshow: Faster charging, longer range, and a controversial steer-by-wire system define the latest evolution of Mercedes-Benz EQS.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-15 10:35:34


VIEW MORE
story-7
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

Slideshow: These overlooked Mercedes-Benz models never got the spotlight, but they quietly delivered more than most remember.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-13 19:35:45


VIEW MORE
story-8
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

Slideshow: A well-used 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300D with more than one million miles is now looking for a new owner, and it still appears ready for more.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-10 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

Slideshow: From bulletproof sedans to surprisingly tough SUVs, these Mercedes models proved that the three-pointed star can go the distance.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-08 09:55:49


VIEW MORE