First time oil change on a 2001 E320 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

RAWms · #1 09-23-2006, 08:09 PM

Thank you to host(s) of this site. This is my first visit. I'm familiar with forums such as this one. I'm an old time wrench turner but on hot rods. I will be taking over the majority of the maintenance so will be visiting here often to get more comfortable with the car. Now my issue:

I will be performing my first oil & filter change on my wifes 2001 E320. I have a lift in the garage so will be draining the oil out the drain hole (vice a TopSider). A few questions:

1. Is it necessary to loosen the oil filter if draining from below?
2. While up in the air are there any special items to check on a 45K mile car?
3. Since there is no transmission dip stick, is there a fill plug I should pull to check fluid level and appearance?
4. How do you reset the service indicator?

thx again, r

Ethan · #2 09-23-2006, 08:48 PM

loosen the oil filter and open oil filler cap, always seems to let a few more ounces free itself.

only a special computer can chk trans fluid level

if you go to mbusa.com and OWNERS ON LINE you can download owners manual with direction for resetting FSS

TMAllison · #3 09-23-2006, 10:03 PM

FSS reset: get in car, CLOSE DOOR, turn key to position 2 and press 0 (reset) button on dash twice within four seconds. turn key off, press and hold 0 button, turn key to position 2 and continue holding 0 button for 10 seconds. should beep and reset itself to 10,000 miles.

Oftentimes takes a couple of trys.

Requires Full Syn oil.

Gilly · #4 09-23-2006, 10:40 PM

These are really sensitive on the trans fluid level. On the negative side you need the special tool dipstick to check it. On the positive side, the shift quality will deteriorate if it's low or high. Best advice I have is if it's shifting OK and there are no leaks, don't sweat it.
Gilly

Peter Guenther · #5 09-24-2006, 11:29 AM

Use genuine MB filter, Mobil one sybthetic 5-40 Euro formula, and change your cabin filters( behind glove box) this time or next. No leaks or drips no problem.
There is a real discussion at my dealer between the "guys", MB evidently passed on some info that since the nature of trans fluid is gritty it really does not wear. The head technician feels that it does more good to change it at 50/60, but the fluid looks good on some they have pulled down for other issues. It was interesting to listen to their views!

TMAllison · #6 09-24-2006, 12:53 PM

FYI - Mobil 1 Euro 0-40 which I used in my Diesel is off the shelves (at least in my area) and Mobil has relabeled all their products.

Frustrating!! I went with Shell Rotella T on yesterday's oil change.

RAWms · #7 09-24-2006, 06:54 PM

Thank you very much for the responses. Great information.

It is a gasoline car and the dealer has been running Mobil 1 which I plan to continue. Very impressed with the synthetics. I wanted to run it in a solid lifter HP small block Ford but the cam manufacture did not advise it.

I have printed the reset procedure and will keep it with the cars maintenace log. Thank you for that input.

Staying with the MB genuine oil filter was going to be another question I had thought about. Thank you for getting ahead of me. I have read a couple unofficial studies and was considering NAPA Gold made by WIX which has a very reputation. However the car has the extended warranty and if something went south I would like MB to find the their product.

Thank you all again for your time responding. Glad I found this site. r

RAWms · #8 09-24-2006, 07:06 PM

I would be remiss not thanking Gilly for the transmission advice. I do not like making problems for myself. I will take your advice and if it shifts correctly and no leaks then I won't worry. If not MB can work on it. btw, if it were to leak, what color is the transmission fluid?

thx again, r

Gilly · #9 12-08-2006, 09:10 PM

2 ways to try it:
First step for either way is to get in the car and close the door.
Then the second step is always to turn the key on (so lights on dash come on).
The 3rd step is always to push the reset button twice, this should call up the miles remaining (or miles overdue). After this there are 2 variations. The one that usually works for me is:
HOLD reset button down. While doing this, turn key to OFF, then back to the "ON" position again (lights on dash on again). Just keep holding the button down, may take 5-15 seconds. You'll here the beep and fss will say 10,000.
Variation 2 is to call up the fss display as before, but don't press button. Turn key off, THEN hold down button and proceed as before, keep button down and turn the key back on, hold down for 5-15 seconds until it resets.
Gilly

RAWms · #10 12-09-2006, 12:39 AM

I tried several times again tonight. No change. I will stop by the local dealer and find out how to do this if La Suprema lets me drive her car. Thank you all for responding. r

btw, this is the reason I drive my hot rods; I understand 'em. As an old rodder from the fifties, the family thinks I can maintain their new stuff. Beyond oil changes and brakes there better be a carburetor or I'm want to know "what warranty did you get?"

Thx again, r

RAWms · #11 12-09-2006, 03:35 PM

I noticed this morning the trip meter above the mileage was zeroed. I think that also happens with "R" button. Remember I do not typically drive this car so it is alwasy a new experience for me.

After a couple more trys, what I get is the indication "Service B Due." I probably should have mentioned that. I hope I did not mislead you guys on the problem I'm trying to resolve.

Thx again, r

Gilly · #12 12-09-2006, 11:31 PM

Yeah I think the same button resets your trip meter. You DO have an owners manual, right??
You get in and close the door, then turn the key to ON, then you need to tap that R button twice, but rather quickly, this will call up the display where it says B service is due, or it will list a mileage that shows how many miles left till the next service, if it's a negative number that's how many miles you are overdue. Or it may display a time value instead of miles if you are over by time instead of mileage.
Gilly

Gilly · #13 12-09-2006, 11:32 PM

Noticed your signature, I'd think it should be more like:
"Time spent working on your ride counts about 3 times the normal time off your life clock

"
Gilly

RAWms · #14 12-10-2006, 02:11 AM

Gilly,
LOL. My signature implies working on my hot rods, not La Supremas wheels. In that case you are correct. What an interesting drill changing that oil filter was with the oil rings and long "stick." And I can't even get the computer to zero the meter.

btw, here is my love (original owner. Oct '65) and November 2007 of the Mustang calendar:

And for a serious rush 0-125 mph+...

These guys add many hours to my life clock.
thx, r

RAWms · #15 12-10-2006, 03:17 PM

IT WORKED! Thank you all for responding.

The key was I did not know what to call the function so I never looked up "FSS." I looked it up in the operator's manual and it worked the first time.

Thank you all again, r