A few questions for those more experienced than myself ...

3 weeks ago I got a new (to me) 98 E300, 77k miles, black/black, Texas car, perfect body for it's age. I love it to death
This is my first MBZ, but I have had several diesel pickups in the past (92 dodge w350, 97 dodge 3500, 99 f350)

1. It will soon be very cold here in NY (-10*Fto -30*F during Dec thru Feb)- does the e300 have a block heater?
I have done some (not extensive looking) but haven't found the AC plug yet.
Or can this be added aftermarket?

2. Should the "permanent fill" of ATF be replaced? or should I just get an analysis? What exactly is "permanent", rather how many miles?

3. Also, same Q regarding the motor oil. I am going to use some brand of synthetic as my brother has Shell Syn 15W-40 in his F250 w/ 30k miles and counting. Regarding the cold weather: go with Red Cap Mobil 1 0w-40 or 15w50? estimated analysis or change frequency?

Advice is appreciated, thanks

__________________
Phil
Previously loved
variety, but I miss the 99 F350 PSD- 37k, traded, damn

Current stable
98 E-300 TurboDiesel, 253k
http://www.facebook.com/people/Philip-Underwood/762882374

1. The block heater was installed at the factory, but the cord was not. The car originally came with a coupon to have the cord installed free at the dealership. If present, you will find it behind the grille/door under the front bumper on the passenger's side. If you need to install a cord, search for my post on block heater cord routing. It even has pictures.

2. MB considers permanent to mean until the warranty runs out. The dealer techs on this site seem to agree that the fluid should be changed on a regular basis. Use only the M-B fluid. If you have a dealer do this, expect to pay $200 - $250. If you do it yourself make extra sure that you know the exact procedure for this car and that you have the dipstick/tool that did not come with the car.

3. Oil is a touchy subject on this board, and most people will tell you to do a search for information. But for this car in your climate I have no problem recommending Mobil-1 Truck and SUV oil (5W40) or Amsoil heavy duty marine and diesel oil (15W40). Do NOT use 0W anything. The regular Mobil-1 15W50 is a possibility, but does not carry the CG-4 or higher rating that is specified for this engine. I think the M-1 Truck and SUV has a yellow cap and can be found at Wal-Mart. If the Shell oil you mentioned is Rotella synthetic, it is not a "true" synthetic.

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Rick Miley
2014 Tesla Model S
2018 Tesla Model 3
2017 Nissan LEAF
Former MB: 99 E300, 86 190E 2.3, 87 300E, 80 240D, 82 204D Euro
Chain Elongation References

Any Mobil 1 15w-50 red cap or Delvac 1 5w-40 yellow cap is fine. The dealer/po tried 0w-40 in my friends E300D in the winter I don't know if it made a difference.

Now as to the trans fluid techs seem to be devided on it. Some say filled for life means just that, while others say every 100k it should be changed. Do a search and come to your on conclusions. However you cannot change it yourself. The dealer can plug the car in to determine the fluid temp, their is a sensor in their somewhere. It has to be exactly 80c to get a proper reading. This is a dealer only job.

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1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

Rick-

What is the disadvantage of 0wXX synthetic oil?
Is this a bias from the hot weather in FL or a mech/ lube concern?

__________________
Phil
Previously loved
variety, but I miss the 99 F350 PSD- 37k, traded, damn

Current stable
98 E-300 TurboDiesel, 253k
http://www.facebook.com/people/Philip-Underwood/762882374

0 is kind of thin, some people report lower oil pressure after using it. 5w is as thin as I would go, but then again MB recommends it for some of their models.

__________________
1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

M-B specifies 0 weight for their current models because they want improved fuel economy numbers, not because they want their engines to last. 0W is too thin for a diesel engine.

__________________
Rick Miley
2014 Tesla Model S
2018 Tesla Model 3
2017 Nissan LEAF
Former MB: 99 E300, 86 190E 2.3, 87 300E, 80 240D, 82 204D Euro
Chain Elongation References

Thats true not only of MB but most other makes. Now they have 0w-20 and 0w-30 oils to!

__________________
1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

Rick Miley - I searched for your thread of how the wiring of block heater cord is routed and I could not find it. Could you please post it here or provide a detailed description? I have a 99 E300 and I found the electrical cord but it is just wrapped around the air filter box, I do not know how to route it to the proper place.

__________________
2010 ML350 Bluetec
2012 Mustang Convertible

It's here.

__________________
Rick Miley
2014 Tesla Model S
2018 Tesla Model 3
2017 Nissan LEAF
Former MB: 99 E300, 86 190E 2.3, 87 300E, 80 240D, 82 204D Euro
Chain Elongation References