flander,

Most of the stuff that car needs is the same as the rest of our Diesels. The oil should be a brand and viscosity rating approved by MB. I use Mobil Delvac 1 for all my cars now, including two Diesels, a 1982 240D and a 1998 E300D TurboDiesel. When I owned my 1991 350SD I was unaware of Mobil Delvac 1, and used Mobil 15W-50, with oil changes every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. I doubt Delvac 1 would have spared the bent rod syndrome from striking me though. If synthetic oils are more than you want to spend there are some "dino" oils specifically rated for Diesels that are also very good (Mobil Delvac 1300, Chevron's Delo and Shell's Rotella). Change the oil, oil filter and fuel filters, just so you know where you stand.

When you go to the local dealership, they will most likely have some old owner's manuals. I know my dealership keeps them when they take a bum car in on trade and give them away to those requesting replacements. While you are there you can ask for the approved list of lubricants and fluids. I would change them all, antifreeze (use the MB stuff), power steering, automatic transmission, differential and brakes, right off the bat to know when the clock should start ticking for these items too. It is not that unusual to find no one has changed any of these fluids on some cars, especially if they do not leak.

Good luck, Jim

__________________
Own:
1986 Euro 190E 2.3-16 (291,000 miles),
1998 E300D TurboDiesel, 231,000 miles -purchased with 45,000,
1988 300E 5-speed 252,000 miles,
1983 240D 4-speed, purchased w/136,000, now with 222,000 miles.
2009 ML320CDI Bluetec, 89,000 miles

Owned:
1971 220D (250,000 miles plus, sold to father-in-law),
1975 240D (245,000 miles - died of body rot),
1991 350SD (176,560 miles, weakest Benz I have owned),
1999 C230 Sport (45,400 miles),
1982 240D (321,000 miles, put to sleep)