Hi...

Don't know a whole lot about fixing my 83 Mercedes 300D. I do change the
fuel filters when it's getting dirty, check the oil, etc...
I'm going to order oil from Walmart, and I've looked at the best Diesel oils,
They have the Mobil Delvac 1300, a gallon for $12.47. Trying to be economical.
Does this stuff keep?, wondering if I should order one gallon or two, or three..
free shipping, and a competitive price point....
Thanks!
Lindajane

It takes just a little less then 8 quarts (2 gallons) oil to change the oil and filter. I think that on a typical oil/filter change 7.5 quarts will do. Most oil is sold in 5 quart jugs, most, not all. It is not really difficult to change the oil and filter. You do have to get under the front bumper with wrench in hand to get the oil drain plug out and sometimes that can be difficult. Then you have to have an oil drain pan there to catch the oil. Not hard to do, but can be messy. The oil filter is changed from the top of the engine near the left rear corner of the engine. It is a big "can" looking thing with the top held on with two nuts. Not hard to change, but you have to know what you are doing and of course, it can be messy and that used diesel oil is totally the most nasty fluid in the automotive world. I would recommend that you go with your favorite oil and a new engine oil filter package to an oil change facility and get the labor and mess taken care of there. These shops love to help you spend your money on other repairs or replacements, some or all of which might be necessary. Just make sure they show you why it is necessary! Also, make sure that before they start anything, they fully understand that you are supplying the oil and filter. Make sure your oil is "diesel" rated oil.

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Junqueyardjim
Christianity, if false, is of no importance, and if true, of infinite importance. The only thing it cannot be is moderately important. C.S. Lewis



1983 Mercedes W123 240D 4 Speed 285,000 on the road with a 617 turbo, beautiful butter yellow, license plate # 83 240D INDIANA

2003 Jaguar Type X, AWD. beautiful, good mileage,
Mom's car, but I won't let her drive it!

I run Delvac 1300 in my SDL. I buy it in the 2.5 gallon (10 quart) jug at Wal-Mart for ~$20. Whatever's left gets stored and used to top up the crankcase or the yard tools. Eventually there's enough left over for a "free" oil change. Oil will keep for years, don't worry about storing it.

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Current stable:
1995 E320 149K (Nancy)
1983 500SL 120K (SLoL)

Black Sheep:
1985 524TD 167K (TotalDumpster™)

Gone but not forgotten:
1986 300SDL (RIP)
1991 350SD
1991 560SEL
1990 560SEL
1986 500SEL Euro (Rusted to nothing at 47K!)

Oil keeps near forever, the jug will rot before the oil inside goes bad.

Use whatever spec oil the manual recommends, and feel free to buy the least expensive reputable brand oil you can find that meets viscosity and spec for your area. That should be 15w-40 and whatever the current spec is should cover you just fine, but check your manual. I stock up when it comes on sale or rebate.

Filters is where I would spend the money. Hastings LF380 or Baldwin P102 are the only filters I'll install in my engine. You can search the forum and find where these were discussed, or I can do so and PM you links if you like.

I do NOT recommend taking your vintage Mercedes, or any car, to an oil change place. Take it to the same reputable mechanic you'd take your car to for any other job that will destroy your car very quickly if done wrong.

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617 swapped Toyota Pickup, 22-24 MPG, 50k miles on swap

I wouldn't worry about having enough on hand for 2-3 years of driving.

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'82 300CD
"Pearl", the very first turbo diesel 123 coupe
Totaled 11/23/18, rebuild in progress.
'85 300TD, "Artemis".
'78 300D euro, "Ol' Red", mostly retired.
'85 300D, "Gandalf".

I'd prefer the one gallon container for ease of pour and easily known measure. At most I'd get five gallons and two HIGH quality filters and one set (2) of the oil filter cap small o-rings.

Approx two gallons and a filter to change. One gallon for make-up and two more gallons and a filter for the next one, then re-order after the second change.

Consider getting a fluid evacuator to take the oil out through the dipstick. I use one and it is awesome, never have to get under the car and it gets the oil out down to the very bottom of the pan.

Good luck!!!

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"Rudeness is a weak man's imitation of strength" - Eric Hoffer

Oh Boy, Thanks Sugar Bear...the filters and cap and ring may be over my head...never
ordered. My mechanic changes oil, not sure when last done. Although I suppose I would
save money if I supplied all the parts...It's amazing how much stuff walmart has online,
good prices to boot! easy to spend $35 and get free shipping...