haoz129

Hi,

Going to replace gear oil for the rear differential of my 2003 S600 which has 75k miles.

After some research I got confused about what fluid to use,
1, Hypoid gear oil SAE 85W-90 according my user maunal, Pitcture 1;
2, 85W-90 also specified with part No. A001 989 17 03 10 meet MB Sheet 235.7 according to "Factory Approved Service Products September 2006", although it's for W221, Picture 2;
3, But when I checked MB Sheet 235.7 75W-85 is listed with part No. A001 989 33 03, Picture 3;
4, 80W-90 is recommended by local MB dealer. The dealer doesn't even stock the oil and asked me goto NAPA, . When I asked to order A001 989 17 03 10 they didn't want to.
5, Searched in the forums, Radline, Mobil and MB were all referenced and used, I don't know which to follow.

I tend to stick with MB fluid and want to use the best fit oil, is A001 989 17 03 10 or A001 989 33 03 the correct oil ?
I thought S600 is similar in differential as all W220 but parts No. for diff is not same though.
Are we using Synthetic ?
Are they 85W-90 or 75W-85, maybe the 75W-85 (A001 989 33 03) is newer fluid ?

Any idea about all the confused information ?

Thanks.

Howard

Viet_Amg408

i use generic 80w-90 gear oil...non synthetic...

Glyn M Ruck

Answer as requested in PM.

Benz only likes a single additive system for axles.

This job is done so seldom please use the genuine & approved product & just pay the money. It's not that expensive.

SAE 75W - 85 is the latest Benz spec.

haoz129

Thanks Viet_Amg.

Thanks Glyn,

Do you mean: Most of MB vehicles share same oil for differential? AMG is different, right ?

I did check with the MB dealer but they don't stock MB differential oil. Just mentioned 80W-90 oil from NAPA. Now I think A001 989 33 03 (75W-85 ) is the correct oil to use, right ?

Please advise.

Howard

Quadcammer

Howard,
I would use the 33 03 12 fluid (the 75/85).

While certain AMG vehicles come with limited slip differentials, the S600 does not (i think only the s65 gets one). The AMG ones use like a 75/140, but for your car, the 75/85 is fine.

the 17 03 is fine also, and was in your car when it was new...plus its cheaper.

use either.

haoz129

Yes, Oliver.

I prefer 33 03 (75W-85) which is newer may help fuel economy.
I went to the dealer today and they can only order 17 03 (85W-90) here, $38/liter. It will be much better than the dirty oil in the case now, .

I'll give it a try this weekend.
The drain & fill plugs are not 14mm hex/allen as mentioned in W210/W203 forum, more likely a bigger 17mm torx. Seems people in our W220 forum seldom do the diff oil.
Anyway, I'll findout and report.

Thanks.

Howard

Quadcammer

really? what gave you the impression about the drain plug tool size?

haoz129

Yeah, when I worked on the ABC Rear Valve Block. I was thinking about replace the diff oil at the same time. So I checked the plugs thought it's pretty big. I didn't measure it though.

Anyway, we'll know after I work on it.

Thanks.

Howard

Quadcammer

yup, let me know, I'm about to do it myself.

Quadcammer

This is hardly conclusive proof, but based on this post

https://mbworld.org/forums/3865523-post2.html

an 06 e320CDI has 14mm drain/fill plugs. Based on EPC, that car has drain/fill plug 352 997 00 32.

This is the same part number as whats listed on EPC for my car and your car.

haoz129

Yes, Oliver,

You are right and my bad illusion.

The plugs are 14 mm inhex, see picture.
I'm gonna to grab a 14 mm allen socket.

Thanks.

Howard

Quadcammer

ok cool, had me worried as I just ordered a 14mm hex bit from snap on.

haoz129

Sorry Oliver for the confusion.

Quadcammer

no worries. Just gotta mentally prepare myself for the awful smell of gear oil now

haoz129

Had chance changed the diff oil today.

Applied some PB Blaster and both filler and drain plugs come right off.
To my surprise I drained around 1.9 liter from differential. It's not the 1.6 liter documented on my user manual. I poured the oil into a 2 liters soft drink bottle still seems 1.9 liter, see picture.
Anyway, put drain plugs back and pumped the new fluid in, around 1.9 liter. I bought 2 bottles, 1 liter each, of the MB General Hypoid Gear Oil (85W-90). Now less than 100ml left in the bottle.

The differential is holding 1.9 liter oil and didn't drip when car is level. Seems it is really thirsty. Put the filler plug back and torque to 50nm.

Thanks.

Howard

Polar Bear

I am interested in purchasing an S600 and have read through your threads. I appreciate you taking your time to share your information.

Are you still enjoying the car as much or more than when you bought it? Sounds like you have patched up the ABC and the coil packs so maybe you will be good to go for a while.

haoz129

Thanks Polar Bear.

Wish you find a nice S600.

I am enjoying more and more of this super car.

As I mentioned to others I don't know MB 4 months ago. When I test drove it I had to ask the sales how to adjust the seat low, .
When I decided to own one I know this is a nice car only in words since I read reviews and comments in the forums.

Now as days passing by I find out all the praise come true. I am still excited everytime approching the car to find out new features one or two. You can't find a happier driver than I as I am wraped by something is really good.

As days passing by less and less issues outstanding in my treadment list. At first I had less confidence driving this car than my Volvo XC. But now I have all the confidence driving it especially for long trip.

In addition since I like working on the car. When my family go to sleep I start to enjoy the German engineering under the hood. In the morning my wife will teasing on me: did you sleep with her again ? Yes, I have to creep under but I really don't like that position, .
I have to thank my wife's who supported my decision and approved the budget, .

Kidding aside, the S600 is special and I feel lucky that my dream came true.

Best regards.

Howard