Help. Info for Oil Change on M104

[Fanatic]

I am mechanically incline but have never done any DIY on an Benz (except change light bulbs).

I've recently just purchased the Mityvac 7201 with the intention to start doing my own oil change on my 97 E320. I went out to the car and looked at the engine to make sure I understand where everything is. I've performed a forum search for 'E320 Oil Change' and read everything that is relavant (I think) but am still confused on how to remove the oil filter housing.

When I look at the engine, the housing is a black plastic cap with Part Number 106 184 06 08 on it and then a directional arrow showing clockwise and 25Nm (torque value). How do you remove this cap? Can it be removed by hand? There isn't a lot of room for my hand so it's difficult to get any leverage.

This is not quite like the DIY article where they used a 13mm socket and a wobble for a 95 E420. There has been mention of a special tool from the dealer in other posts. Is this what I need? If so what is the part number and what does it look like?

The part number I have for the filter element is 104 180 01 09. Is this correct and does it include the O-rings?

Thanks in advance if you can help.

[Jeff Hartmann]

If you go to Wal Mart or Advance etc. you can get a cheap stamped metal oil filter wrench. It is a 76/14 (there are many sizes) . This is used with a 3/8ths ratchet and extension. That's what I use on my 97 E320.

Jeff

[mpolli]

I looked around when I needed that for my C230 and finally bought one from www.matcotools.com

Not sure if this is the one for your car but check it out. I think freight was 8.00

Mike

Here is what they say about it:

• 74mm, 14-flat cup-style, 3/8" drive, oil filter wrench.
• Applications include: BMW K-Series Motorcycles & BMW E36 4-cylinder, Mercedes-Benz C-Class 4- and 6- cyl. (W202 Body) and E-Class 6-cyl (W210 Body).
• -VW Golf / Jetta TDI, 1.9L 4-cylinder
• -Various Mazda, Nissan, Porsche and Toyota with 74mm, 14-flat filters / filter housings
Part#: KL0122301 Price: $21.95

[Kestas]

It's a bear getting at the filter. Only one o-ring is needed for the job. Here's a link to some good discussion with illustrations of the tool you need. I got mine at the local auto supply store for $2.99.

oil filter cap wrench discussion

[Fanatic]

Thank you, thank you everyone.

This makes so much more sense. I'll have to find one from my local autoparts store tommorow.

[aTOMic]

There was a MB TSB advising reducing the REFILL to only 7 quarts NOT 7.4 to prevent rear main seal trouble. Use the search to learn more.

-Tom

[Fanatic]

I saw that someone mentioned that in my search. Now they said fill up to 7.1 liters but they didn't give a complete explaination. Obviously I'm going to follow the advice but would you have a copy of the MB TSB for the fulll explanation?

[Arthur Dalton]

Mercedes Service B. - 00-134, Ref 18/45
They also recommend refraining from topping off beyond 1/2 mark when warm/level after 2 min wait/check between oil changes.

[deanyel]

Originally Posted by aTOMic

There was a MB TSB advising reducing the REFILL to only 7 quarts NOT 7.4 to prevent rear main seal trouble.

Quarts or liters? The owner's manual on my 94 E320 says the capacity, with change of filter, is 7.9 quarts, or 7.5 liters. I hope someone can find the TSB.

[Arthur Dalton]

The capacity modification of the TSB is from 7.5 litre , changed to 7l.

These measures are hard to use in the practical sense when using an oil suction system, as they do not completely drain the system. [ and even drain plug removal does not, although better..]
So, see my previous post as to the best way to check capacity ,as it is a direct quote from the TSB.........

[aTOMic]

Alldata wants $25 for access to all this info, but I bet MB would fax a few pages to an owner for free. Sure is intriguing, all this potential free repair! Mine needs the headlamp washer system repaired, I see there is a TSB for that, too.

Alldata tsb index for 1996 W210 - see #218 & 220 regarding the oil capacity.

-Tom