BenzVince

I have a 96' E320. I am doing an oil change myself for the first time. I'm having difficulty trying to turn the oil filter cap off and it won't turn. Which direction does it suppose to turn, counterclockwise? Since the cap marked with an arrow showing clockwise with 2mm marking on it.

Gregs210

Hi, Vince.
It's a normal thread pattern, so it turns left. However, it can be on there pretty tight (people tend to overtighten too much), so be sure you have the proper wrench; don't try one of those universal band or compression-type wrenches or you're likely to damage the cover/cap.

Good luck and enjoy the ride,
Greg

Dvinn

Recently changed my oil filter, it's counter clockwise to loosen. I would buy a filter wrench at local store for that as it is almost impossible to turn it by hand.

It's also good idea to change it when engine is cold or you'll need a lot of towls to catch the oil runoffs as you change the filter out.

Kestas

I believe if (after startng the crankcase drain) you only loosen the oil filter cap, most of the oil will drain from the filter before removing it completely, thus significantly minimizing the mess.

Steve Clark

I loosen the oil filter cover first,giving it more time to drain.
After sucking the crankcase out, the filter hasn't as much oil left in it to droll when removed. You still need to have a wad of paper towels handy.

lkirchner

As my wife once said "Righty Tighty-Lefty Loosey"