Oil filter location on 97 SL 320 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

henryk1 · #1 07-13-2004, 11:03 PM

I changed the oil on my car, and CAN'T find the oil filter!!!!!!!!! I have the service DVD, and the pictures show a cannister type change...........however, I can't tell if it is the RF or the LR corner of the engine. The picture isn't very clear.

Do I have to remove the main engine cover, in order to get at the cannister lid?

Thanks.

PHAEDRUS242 · #2 07-14-2004, 09:03 AM

If the hood is open and you are looking at the engine from the front of the vehicle, the filter is located inside of the cylindrical housing on the front right of the engine. You will need a special oil filter wrench from the MB dealer to take the plactic black cover off the top of it to access the filter.

henryk1 · #3 07-14-2004, 09:40 PM

Thanks for the reply.

When you say the "front right" of the engine, I am assuming that you mean looking at it from the front........is that right?.........and NOT the side the air cleaner is on?

If so, the right front, looking from the front of the engine, has the thermostat housing there...........I still can't find the filter!!!!!!!

Thanks

bwheitman · #4 07-20-2004, 04:22 PM

On my 96 SL320 the oil filter is located behind the intake manifold. It would be the opposite side of the air filter system. So it is between the primary firewall and the intake manifold on the drivers side. It is a black plastic lid and can usually be easily removed. once you remove it you snap the new filter into the cap, Be sure to replace that seal in the cap too because if not it will leak and makes a mess! Good luck!
Regards,
Brian

bwheitman · #5 07-20-2004, 04:36 PM

oh forgot to mention, it is the rear part of the engine, closer to the transmission than the radiator! Sorry!
Brian

Gilly · #6 07-20-2004, 09:07 PM

Between the engine intake manifold and firewall on the drivers side, big plastic cap, can't miss it. The filter will come out when you pull the cap up, it'll surprise you. Have an area ready to set it all down, maybe an old cardboard box with old newspapers in it.

Gilly

henryk1 · #7 07-20-2004, 11:19 PM

Thanks guys. I did find it...........had a hard time at first, because I was concentrating on the front of the engine, never considered the back of it.