Can anyone tell me if the oil pan comes out easily? I've seen other vehicles that say so but it takes a magician. I need to change the gasket.

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1991 350 SDL
183,000 miles

1982 240D
130,000 miles

Chris:

There is no gasket on the oil pan, nor is there a lower pan like the older cars. Seal is RTV between two very flat surfaces and "never" leaks unless separated and not resealed when reassembled.

You cannot remove the pan with the engine in the car.

Check for a front seal leak, or other engine leak that allows oil to run down the block (oil passages at the front are rear of the head are trouble spots) -- the oil may be pooling at the edge of the pan, making it appear that it is leaking.

Peter

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1972 220D ?? miles
1988 300E 200,012
1987 300D Turbo killed 9/25/07, 275,000 miles
1985 Volvo 740 GLE Turobodiesel 218,000
1972 280 SE 4.5 165, 000 - It runs!

Peter, there is a oil pan gasket on the S-350. Very hard to replace. Have to loosen the engine mount on one side and lift the engine up a little to get to all the bolts. I bought the gasket for mine at fastlane but when I talked to the dealer as to what was involved to replace it, I decided to wait and let them do it when it gets bad enough to spot my garage.

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1995 S-350
370K + SOLD
1952 220B Cabriolet
39K kilometers + SOLD
1998 E300D
310K +
2012 E350 BlueTec
120K

You are correct, there is a lateral pan. I missed it when I changed the oil on my 603, assumed it was a one-piece like the gas engines.

Peter

__________________
1972 220D ?? miles
1988 300E 200,012
1987 300D Turbo killed 9/25/07, 275,000 miles
1985 Volvo 740 GLE Turobodiesel 218,000
1972 280 SE 4.5 165, 000 - It runs!