differential fluid change
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
From: Lexington, MA 02421
2014 GL450
differential fluid change
I have a 2000 S430 and would like to replace the differential fluid as routine maintenance.
I plan to use Mobil 1 synthetic gear lube. Has anyone done this on their own? If so, could you please oblige by posting the instructions and any tips on replacing the differential fluid.
Thanks in advance
I plan to use Mobil 1 synthetic gear lube. Has anyone done this on their own? If so, could you please oblige by posting the instructions and any tips on replacing the differential fluid.
Thanks in advance
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,717
Likes: 17
From: San Jose, CA
2007 E63 w/P30 and Eurotech CF Diffuser
I think the oil you selected will be just fine. I have used it in the past.
I have changed the diff oil on my E63 with limited slip diff. It requires a special Synthetic gear lube Castrol SAF-XJ 75W-140. Litterally $50/qt at the Mercedes dealer. Fortunately the only other source in the US for this oil, BMW dealerships only charge $15/qt, but you have to bring your own container.
Annnyway.....
The most difficult thing to do is breaking free the drain and fill plugs for the first time. They are VERY difficult. I needed a 2ft breaker bar. On my car they require a 14mm hex. I had to go to sears to find one and it uses a 1/2inch socket. I think if I could have had the car in the air, I could have broken these free more easily.
After that I just drained the oil and cleaned the plugs while waiting for the oil to drain. Then I screwed in the drain plug to about 40ftlb. These are tapered threaded plugs, they do not seat like an engine drain plug.
I added the oil until it started to come out the fill hole and then I screwed in the fill plug.
In the end, a sense of accomplishement.
I have changed the diff oil on my E63 with limited slip diff. It requires a special Synthetic gear lube Castrol SAF-XJ 75W-140. Litterally $50/qt at the Mercedes dealer. Fortunately the only other source in the US for this oil, BMW dealerships only charge $15/qt, but you have to bring your own container.
Annnyway.....
The most difficult thing to do is breaking free the drain and fill plugs for the first time. They are VERY difficult. I needed a 2ft breaker bar. On my car they require a 14mm hex. I had to go to sears to find one and it uses a 1/2inch socket. I think if I could have had the car in the air, I could have broken these free more easily.
After that I just drained the oil and cleaned the plugs while waiting for the oil to drain. Then I screwed in the drain plug to about 40ftlb. These are tapered threaded plugs, they do not seat like an engine drain plug.
I added the oil until it started to come out the fill hole and then I screwed in the fill plug.
In the end, a sense of accomplishement.
