SL-Class (R231) 2013 on: Discussion on the SL550

SL/R231: Rear diff capacity?

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Old Mar 21, 2022 | 06:25 PM
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Rear diff capacity?

Anyone know how much gear oil it takes and are there both a fill and a drain plug? Thanks.
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Old Mar 21, 2022 | 06:37 PM
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Originally Posted by rmorin49
Anyone know how much gear oil it takes and are there both a fill and a drain plug? Thanks.
ram_g posted a nice tutorial with pics. While he has a LSD, the capacity and housing are identical. Just buy 2L
You will have a internal 14mm hex instead of a bolt head for drain/fill plugs. Also your diff can take 75W-90 (without modifier) I believe Mercedes’ recommends 85W-90 (Castrol)
Yes both drain and fill plugs. Mobil 1 is easy to find and works well.


https://mbworld.org/forums/sl-class-...il-change.html

Last edited by crconsulting; Mar 21, 2022 at 07:04 PM.
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Old Mar 21, 2022 | 11:23 PM
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Originally Posted by crconsulting
ram_g posted a nice tutorial with pics. While he has a LSD, the capacity and housing are identical. Just buy 2L
You will have a internal 14mm hex instead of a bolt head for drain/fill plugs. Also your diff can take 75W-90 (without modifier) I believe Mercedes’ recommends 85W-90 (Castrol)
Yes both drain and fill plugs. Mobil 1 is easy to find and works well.


https://mbworld.org/forums/sl-class-...il-change.html
Thanks.
Any reason to install new plugs or just use the same ones? Never thought about Teflon tape.
How about Motul GL5 85W90 gear oil?
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Old Mar 22, 2022 | 12:18 AM
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Originally Posted by rmorin49
Thanks.
Any reason to install new plugs or just use the same ones? Never thought about Teflon tape.
How about Motul GL5 85W90 gear oil?
They’re tapered thread so you should be fine reusing old plugs. The Teflon pipe sealant is insurance.
The Motul GL5 should be fine. 👍

Last edited by crconsulting; Mar 22, 2022 at 12:21 AM.
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Old Mar 22, 2022 | 12:46 AM
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R231 SL63 & R129 SL500
Originally Posted by rmorin49
Thanks.
Any reason to install new plugs or just use the same ones?
See my additional post I made just now in my other diff oil change thread. While I reused the plugs in my R231 I chose to replace the plugs in my R129 because they were heavily rusted. I’d recommend taking a peek at your plugs before you decide. ‘Course my R231 is a 9 year old car that has spent its life in Texas, while my R129 is 24 years old and lived in Ohio and Indiana and who knows where else nasty place before I rescued it!
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Old Mar 23, 2022 | 01:13 PM
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Originally Posted by ram_g
See my additional post I made just now in my other diff oil change thread. While I reused the plugs in my R231 I chose to replace the plugs in my R129 because they were heavily rusted. I’d recommend taking a peek at your plugs before you decide. ‘Course my R231 is a 9 year old car that has spent its life in Texas, while my R129 is 24 years old and lived in Ohio and Indiana and who knows where else nasty place before I rescued it!
I decided to order a set of plugs just in case mine didn't look almost perfect. They are available from FCP Euro at a very decent price. Ordered enough other stuff to get free shipping.

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/mer...des-3529970032

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