300DTurbo

at 3K miles on the diesel!

does it have special break-in oil?

does it have a break-in filter?

all other new cars ive had received fresh oil and a heavy duty filter at their 3k birthdays.

does the ml diesel deserve the same?

- i did do all my own work, things may change... has anyone done an oil change yet?

shortspark

I am in the process of trying to get a deal on a ML350 BlueTec. Because I do all my own service I looked into the ease of changing oil on this engine. First, I do not believe it calls for 3K oil changes, even the first one is much longer. That is an arbitrary figure and it is not recommended. Many engines have factory lubes that need to stay in the oil and engine for longer periods. After that, you have to use the special formula oils for diesel. The manual will tell you the specifications required.

The filter is in the engine compartment and has a couple O rings that are required so pay attention to those O rings and be sure they are used. The oil itself should be extracted from the dip stick opening. You can crawl under the engine and do it the old conventional way but you will have to remove the protection mat in order to get to the drain plug. Plus, you run the risk of stripping the pan threads. Get an oil extractor at Harbor Freight or some such place and pump out the oil from the top - a good extractor will get every drop as though you drained it from the bottom. This way, you never have to crawl under the engine to change your oil. And remember, the maintenance minder will tell you when to change oil and it is based on many factors, not just mileage such as 3K. Follow it and you will have no problem.

venchka

I know that all of the dealers suck the oil out, gas or diesel. One thing about that concerns me: When, if ever, do they remove and clean the magnetic drain plug? Sooner or later that plug will accumulate enough crud to stop working.
Be careful when go shopping for Mobil 1. The correct M-B spec. for diesel oil is 229.51. The names on the bottles are confusing.

Wayne

batuceper

I thought the first oil change is at 10K?

dgiturbo

Ever since new I have been changing the oil on my CDI ML at 5000 miles. Have 107,000 now and not even a hint of an oil related issue.
If (more like when) I replace it for a W166, I will follow the same trend.

Now if I was going to get rid of it within the warranty period, say as in a lease, then I would follow the extended interval of MB at 10,000 miles and spend the cash on something else.

300DTurbo

Good excuse to get this gadget!

katiesdad7

If you have a boat you already have one of them. Very easy. Just make suer you warm up the engine. But don't you still need to crawl under the car to get the filter?

I got the 5 years maintenance plan. I'm getting too old for that stuff and don't have a lift to rotate the tires easily. Well maybe not too old but lazy. :-)

NJProTech

With an oil extractor, engine warm and some basic mechanical knowledge, you can change the oil and filter very easily. Filter is located up top front of engine. Just don't forget the oil, a new engine is over $20,000.

iankayem

Not all dealers suck out the oil. I know because the drain plug gasket failed the day after a service, so I got a second oil change two days later free of charge!

300DTurbo

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