97jagxk8

I have almost always changed my own oil and filter. However, this car scares me since the owner's manual does not even show accurately where to find the dipstick. I finally found the dipstick on the back side of the engine --towards the right, but I am wondering how difficult the oil filter removal/installation and drain plug access are. Does anyone have any photos or advice on this process and the location of the filter and drain plug? How difficult is it? Is the Mercedes oil filter the only oil filter (that is OK because I will probably use it anyway)?

benyl

The filter is easy.

To change the oil, you suck it out of the dipstick tube.

You will need something like: MV7300

http://www.mityvac.com/pages/products_fee.asp

OWLY

A DIY on this would be awesome.

Can't you drain the oil traditionally rather than using a Mityvac? I'm concerned about the leftover at the bottom of the drain pan when using a Mightyvac...

97jagxk8

Me too. I am traditional on changing oil from the bottom, particularly when you usually must change the filter anyway from the bottom.

benyl

You get more oil out by sucking it out. Also, the filter is changed from the top, not the bottom.

when you take your car in to MB, they suck the oil out.

vdubpower

u just need to remove the protection covers underneath, otherwise its no different than any other car

emericr

I just did mine. Piece of cake with a mityvac. No need to get dirty.
The oil filter is in the right front of the engine. A good ol wrench will do the trick.
Took me 15 mins

97jagxk8

Thanks for the location of the oil filter. I have a mityvac, but don't use it for oil changes yet. I will probably venture an old-fashioned oil change at about 6K miles and document it for those who still like to do it from the bottom. Thanks to everyone for their advice to me, the newbie Mercedes owner.

OWLY

Can't wait to read about your experience.

2012 merc amg

The oil filter is a spin on right or a cartridge? I don't even know? Wheres it said above it was easy to change I'd assume it's a spin on filter?

benyl

The oil filter is here. Unscrew the black cap and the filter is inside. This is the left side of the engine (when sitting in the driver's seat) just under the intake flex tube. Sorry for the crappy iPhone pic.

97jagxk8

I don't think I would have ever seen it without you photo. Thanks. Now all I have to do is drive it another 5000 miles! The bad weather is not cooperating with pleasure driving right now.

2012 merc amg

Thanks for posting. Just took my car to the dealer for a oil change today, looks pretty simple. Just thought it would be a good idea to get the whole car checked over. $120.00 well spent.

mercedes4ever

Have to disagree with this statement, draining the oil [warm oil], through the drain plug gets more out than sucking alone. If you drain it cold, yes you might not get it all out due to the thicker cold viscosity of the oil. Always do it warm - hot.

PeterUbers

What oil does this engine need?

Thanks

97jagxk8

9 quarts 0W40 synthetic. I use Mobil 1, which is a brand that is approved.

See http://bevo.mercedes-benz.com/index.php?language_id=1

PeterUbers

just checked my dipstick (blue one near firewall) and after i first pulled it out, it was dry, I placed it back in all the way seated, then pulled it out, and the oil level is now clearly between min and max. Cleaned it a couple times and re dipped it and still between min and max... weird.

Why would it be dry like that after sitting for only 2 days? I'll check again and add a few ounces of oil if necessary. 3500 miles on the ODO, fairly easily driven, not much hard driving... can't imagine I've burned through much oil.

unagi1

I don't think that is anything to worry about, it's happened to me before one a number of cars when checking cold. I like to warm up car first, shut off and then check (especially when adding fresh oil to the system while cold, it may need some more after it circulates through initially).

97jagxk8

My car showed absolutely no oil, completely dry, even to the end of the dipstick when I first checked it after driving 600 miles and picking the car up from Germany. I was shocked, as I have never seen this on any car before. After researching the no-oil-dipstick on the Internet, it seems this happens on Mercedes sometimes. As you and I found out, just put the dipstick back in and retry to get the correct oil level. I still can't figure out why or how this happens. Best of Luck!

PeterUbers

Good info guys thanks!!

It's 76 degrees out here ... Need to go out and spank some American muscle

MPR

Will this work?


MityVac MV7201

delirium

EddieK

27mm