Could someone tell me what tools (type and size) are needed to drain and refill the trans and diff on an '86 300E. If they're something out of the ordinary, where can I buy them, either locally in the L.A./Pasadena area or else online?

Thanks

Diff: 14mm allen wrench or allen socket for both drain and filling
Trans (auto) 5mm allen wrench or socket for draining, filling is done through the dipstick
Trans (manual) same as diff.

__________________
1990 190e 2.6 - The only one I can really call "My Car".

1987 190e 2.3 - The donor car's up and running, only mods are Euros and a Sony headunit. My Dad's runabout now.

1990 300e 2.6 - The parents' ride.

Phalcon,

If you have not done diff before, plugs will be pretty "set" normally and you may well need a breaker bar to loosen them. Most importantly, loosen fill (upper) diff plug first; this way if you cannot free it up, you have not already drained fluid (by removing drain plug first) and gotten yourself into a pickle.

Finally, try to catch all the fluid in your drain pan and do not let it get on your garage floor - the smell will linger in your garage for quite a while if you do - and it is most pungent!

The most economical 14mm allen head socket is at Auto Zone. They sell a 3 or 4 piece set(forget the count) and the 14mm is included.

Sears doesn't carry this size, nor does Home Depot; Lowes, etc.

Other than Auto Zone, you may have to go see the guys in the high $$$ trucks...ie..Snap On.

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Mike Murrell
1991 300-SEL - Model 126
M103 - SOHC
"Fräulein"

I got two sets of hex head sockets in a case that have every size you could possibly ever need on ebay for something like $15 total, and I turned around and sold one of them and got most of the money back.

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2005 Mercedes C230k sport sedan, 6 speed
1987 Porsche 924S - 968-engined track car

Are there any clearance limitations? I found a set of 3, including the 14mm, at AutoZone, but the tool is about 2.5" long and when attached to my breaker bar will be about 3.25" long. Will this present a problem at all?

you may be OK w/ the diff, you should have good access to the filler plug.

You won't be able to use that socket w/ the manual trans (if you have one); you'd have to either get a different tool, or unbolt the driveshaft and trans crossmember.

__________________
1990 190e 2.6 - The only one I can really call "My Car".

1987 190e 2.3 - The donor car's up and running, only mods are Euros and a Sony headunit. My Dad's runabout now.

1990 300e 2.6 - The parents' ride.

I've got an auto trans, so I'm ok there. Thanks for the info.