schurmann

Changed oil for the first time in my '89 300SE, engine is the gas 3L inline 6.
Removed the plastic cowling from under the oil pan, screws took a 8mm socket.
I was very happy that the drain plug is in perfect condition, at the lowest level on the oilpan, drivers side. mine was a perfect fit with a 1/2 inch socket. Use a 6-sided socket, and be gentle when reinstalling- nudge tight just past fingertight a 16th of a turn- that all that needed.
Jumping ahead to filling oil:
The oil capacity of this engine is technically 6.3 quarts, but that is for a dry engine, not wet. Oil changes are wet capacity.
I put in 5 quarts and idled engine to fill the new filter. parked on level area and rechecked level after awhile and the oil was at 4/5 of full (well in safe area)
This is where I like to run the oil, so with 5 quarts it got me to where I like to be. So don't put in all 6 quarts, start with 5 and see how it levels-out for you.
Working on these older engines is really a treat, thoroughly enjoyed it.

liveoak

When changing filters that are screwd on stright up you should add oil to filter before installing it on your motor.

ohlord

it a over a quart low?
you are not racing it and don't need to worry about windage as an issue and the engine lasts longer with the proper amount of oil.
Can't figure out the foolish ideas people come up with

waybomb

Makes no sense in any way to run the oil at the bottom of the range. Talk about taking a risk!

Can you explain yourself?

liveoak

this came to me and i said nothing about runing an engine one quart low of oil!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I said when changeing oil and filter if the filter screws on with the open end up it works better to fill the oil filter up before u put it on!

liveoak

And I also agree makes no sense to run an engine low of oil!!!!!!!!

schurmann

No it is not over a quart low. As I said in my post 6.3 is DRY CAPACITY, as in a totally dry engine from the factory.
Wet capacity is much less, and seems to be alittle above 5 quarts. So no Ohlord, I am not running the engine at more than a quart low. I filled the engine to 4/5th of the Safe capacity, or if you like- 1/5 from maximum, which is completely fine. There is nothing wrong with doing this. And no Waybomb, I am not running the oil at the bottom of the range, I am running at 4/5th of the range, as i said in the post.

Also, Liveoak, my oilfilter is facing straight down, so filling it with oil before installing it will not work out well on this I-6, as it will pour out all over the engine.

liveoak

Just thought it was good information to have when changing oil on ones that installed in the open end up position. have a blessed nite and weekend

hineywineries

This is the most bizarre thread I have ever seen in many years of posting. I try not to flaunt my bio, but I served my apprentice ship with Mercedes Benz 30 years ago and have continued my career as a professional mechanic. If someone really wants to know how to change oil, just ask, and I'll explain it.

liveoak

you go brother i've been changing oil myself for forty years

hineywineries

That's cool that you've been changing oil for 40 years, but why do you put oil in the filter?

Lester Lugnut

Especially one that you must then turn over and point downward to install?

The oil will spill out as it has not been absorbed by the filtering material!

In order for this to work on an M103 motor - you would have to pickup the car and turn it over - then screw on the filter.

I wonder what that special MB tool costs?

In agreement - some really bad ideas put forth by the OP.