I too will be trying to change the oil on my 300e (87) with 170k miles in it. The questions I had were, do you have to take out anything to get to the oil filter? it looks kind of tight back there behind the head. Also, where exactly is the drain plug? is it beneath that gigantic plastic shield, or is it one of those two bolts I saw exposed? I couldn't tell without lifting it up if that was the oil pan or the tranny. I was planning on putting synthetic in just because I have 5 quarts lying around, but if I have to go buy more, should I just buy some 20-50 or 10-40 dino to protect leaks? thanks.