Did Mercedes change their oil filters?

[86560SEL]

The last oil filter I bought from the dealer (in December 05') looked like this:
http://img.eautopartscatalog.com/live/A600030750BOS.JPG

When I went on Thursday for another oil filter and while it was in the exact same looking package, the filter this time looked like this:
http://img.eautopartscatalog.com/live/A600211688HEN.JPG
I had to pay $10.00 + tax for it... I would have ordered here, but I needed it right away, as I have added "Auto-RX" to my engine in hopes to clear out the oil tubes, which I have heard may be causing my lifter chatter.

However, it does not have the "movable" handle you can pull it out with, but instead a stationary looking clip on it that you have to snag it with to pull it out.

I think it says "Hengst" on it, (as well as "Mercedes" stamped on the top) which is a filter that can also be bought here. I think my last one (like the one on the first link) was a Bosch.

I need a good filter to collect all of the dirt/sludge that this treatment is supposed to break loose. Is this filter as good? Thanks in advance!

[sokoloff]

AFAIK Bosch is not an OE supplier of oil filters for Mercedes - Mann, Henst and Knecht/Mahle are.

Len

[shailey]

86560SEL,

What is the Auto RX product that you're using? I have a W210 with noisy lifters that quiet down about a minute after a cold start. I wonder if your sludge treatment might help.

[Kestas]

If you go to the Bob-Is-The-Oil-Guy site, you'll find lots of discussion on Auto-RX. It's supposed to treat the engine for sludge in a gentle way, without harming the seals. I haven't used it, but I think it's a 1500 mile treatment, used just before an oil change.

[86560SEL]

Huh? I have never even heard of an E550..... Must be a new model? Not sure how you change the oil.

Originally Posted by Peter Fearing

How do you change oil on this new car? Is there no longer a drainn plug? If so, what or where do I get the "vacuum" type oil change device?

[86560SEL]

Thanks for the info on the oil filters..... I guess I have the "Hengst" now.

ELLINGTON AND SHAILEY : Like Kestas mentioned, "Auto-RX" is an internal engine cleaner that is supposed to increase oil flow and remove sludge in engines and is supposed to be extremely safe. You change your oil filter, our in auto-rx (I had to add 16 oz., because I have a 8.5 qt oil engine), drive for 1000-1500 miles, then change your oil/filter. Engines over 100K are recommeded a "second" application.

I have read countless reviews, which applaud the product. It can be used in the engine, transmission, differential, power steering, etc. Same bottle works for all.

I am not concerned about using this in my engine, as I do not think anything would hurt it anyway... heck, it has nearly 270K. The lifters stay noisy on my car, as well as that 1500-1900 rpm knock, so I had to do something. If it breaks it, "so what - I will junk it" is how I am looking at it.

Someone on the Toyota forum has a Tundra with a funny acting tranny.... he added in auto-rx (only 6 oz. for a tranny needed) and it stopped acting up instantly. On the tranny use, you have to have it flushed afterward, with a T-tech.

I started my car today to move it and the engine already sounded quieter. Some people have reported instant results.

It is also supposed to stop leaks and oil burning, but my car does not have either of those problems.... at least not yet.

Here is their website:
http://www.auto-rx.com/index.html

Originally Posted by shailey

86560SEL,

What is the Auto RX product that you're using? I have a W210 with noisy lifters that quiet down about a minute after a cold start. I wonder if your sludge treatment might help.

[Kestas]

Originally Posted by 86560SEL

Huh? I have never even heard of an E550..... Must be a new model? Not sure how you change the oil.

Yes, they exist. It's probably one of the new models without a drain plug.

Peter, please search old posts using the keyword "MightyVac".

[davestlouis]

The last filters I bought in a genuine MB box were Gud brand, apparently a South African company...seems odd to ship from SA to Missouri, but who knows?

[Peter Fearing]

FYI: The new '07 E class has a bigger engine, thus it is now the E550. There is an oil drain plug. The oil is removed by removing a panel under the motor. Some mechanics claim you are able to remove all the "spent" oil with a vacuum device from the top side, but the factory says this way does not get all the old oil out. Mercedes wants their cars to last at least 100K miles before an owner buys a Lexas. On the other hand, one should be able to drive a new Benz 200K miles without any real problems or unusal maintenance. These cars are really very maintenace free. What say you shade tree mechanics?

[EricSilver]

Originally Posted by 86560SEL

I started my car today to move it and the engine already sounded quieter. Some people have reported instant results.

Interesting. After reading the Auto-RX testimonials over the past month or so, and realizing it can do no harm, I started it this past Friday.

Looking under the oil filler cap, my engine is clean and silver-bright. I am doing the Auto-RX cleanings, and subsequent maintenance, because I want it to stay that way. The product is supposed to work slowly, over the course of 3,000 miles. I am just 200 miles into the first cleaning phase, however, and already have made some observations:

1.) Substantial increase in fuel economy. On the first quarter-tank of gas I normally get 95-100 miles, in combined city/highway driving. After Auto-RX, I got 120 miles (mostly highway.) **HOWEVER** This I attribute mostly to my switch back to 10W-30 from the 15W-40 (Delvac & Castrol Tection) I began using in the summer. The thinner 10W-30 is easier on the engine, especially in cold weather, and is probably responsible for most, if not all, of the mileage increase at this stage.

2.) Small Oil Leak Stopped. Delvac & Tection have strong detergent properties. After I began using them, I gradually developed a small oil leak at the front timing cover, I assume because it cleaned out a false seal. Three days after switching back to 10W-30 (with Auto-RX) there is no discernable leakage. (This does not mean it has completely gone away; I am just not seeing the usual dime to nickel-sized spot under the car.) Again, this could be attributable to my return to non-detergent 10W-30.

3.) Lifter Tapping Stopped. About 15-30 seconds of lifter tapping on the first start of a cold day is a fact of life for me. This morning I started the car, with temperatures in the 20’s, and heard … nothing. This one I do attribute entirely to Auto-RX, and I am impressed by it.

Aside from the lifter tapping, I'd say the results, at this point, are inconclusive, but promising. Please be sure to post any results you observe.

[86560SEL]

Very interesting indeed! Its great to hear you have had improvements with this product. So, it sounds like you have already had alot of engine cleaning with the 200 miles you have had it in your engine. I have not had a chance to drive my car (except start it and move it to another part of the driveway), so my cleaning process is yet to begin.

As mentioned, I do not have any leaks/oil burning.... only the lifter clacking and the knock between 1500-1900 rpms. However, it has not gotten any worse over the past 15 months I have owned it.

I will keep reporting updates as the cleaning continues.

Originally Posted by EricSilver

Interesting. After reading the Auto-RX testimonials over the past month or so, and realizing it can do no harm, I started it this past Friday.

Looking under the oil filler cap, my engine is clean and silver-bright. I am doing the Auto-RX cleanings, and subsequent maintenance, because I want it to stay that way. The product is supposed to work slowly, over the course of 3,000 miles. I am just 200 miles into the first cleaning phase, however, and already have made some observations:

1.) Substantial increase in fuel economy. On the first quarter-tank of gas I normally get 95-100 miles, in combined city/highway driving. After Auto-RX, I got 120 miles (mostly highway.) **HOWEVER** This I attribute mostly to my switch back to 10W-30 from the 15W-40 (Delvac & Castrol Tection) I began using in the summer. The thinner 10W-30 is easier on the engine, especially in cold weather, and is probably responsible for most, if not all, of the mileage increase at this stage.

2.) Small Oil Leak Stopped. Delvac & Tection have strong detergent properties. After I began using them, I gradually developed a small oil leak at the front timing cover, I assume because it cleaned out a false seal. Three days after switching back to 10W-30 (with Auto-RX) there is no discernable leakage. (This does not mean it has completely gone away; I am just not seeing the usual dime to nickel-sized spot under the car.) Again, this could be attributable to my return to non-detergent 10W-30.

3.) Lifter Tapping Stopped. About 15-30 seconds of lifter tapping on the first start of a cold day is a fact of life for me. This morning I started the car, with temperatures in the 20’s, and heard … nothing. This one I do attribute entirely to Auto-RX, and I am impressed by it.

Aside from the lifter tapping, I'd say the results, at this point, are inconclusive, but promising. Please be sure to post any results you observe.

[stephenson]

Peter,

Last I heard most dealers use suction devices to pull oil from the cranks - saves time, is cleaner and has been shown to remove as much oil as draining from the drain plug.

Do a search - several folks have use the suction devices (several different kinds) measured the oil, removed the plug, etc and find that suction works very well, indeed - leaving almost nothing. In my opinion, even if you left 1/2 quart in the pan, and add 8 more, and then do the same in 10K miles, and then repeat for 300K miles - it likely will be meaningless. Not perfect, but not enough to cause damage.

[EricSilver]

Originally Posted by 86560SEL

So, it sounds like you have already had alot of engine cleaning with the 200 miles you have had it in your engine.

Not a lot, but some. This morning, the temperature was in the teens and I am certain I heard a single tap from one lifter -- but that should be expected when it gets this cold.

The mileage increase is still continuing, but the oil leak is not completely gone. Indeed, it should get worse before it gets better, if the product behaves as it should.

After about 3000 miles I will have clearer knowledge, but so far I am pleased.

[EricSilver]

Originally Posted by 86560SEL

I have not had a chance to drive my car (except start it and move it to another part of the driveway), so my cleaning process is yet to begin.

I should add that Auto-RX appears to work best with thin oil, high pressure, and high heat. A long road trip (100+ miles) at high speed will get the process going quickly.

[86560SEL]

Huh.... high heat. I am lucky if my MB goes above 60°C. Problems, problems, problems.

Hopefully it will still work. If this stuff quietens my engine, I will gain confidence in it and I will be more apt to spend money on it. As of now, I hate to keep wasting money on it.

The engine seems to be getting quieter however. Now, if I can get rid of the miss.

Thanks for the additional info.

Originally Posted by EricSilver

I should add that Auto-RX appears to work best with thin oil, high pressure, and high heat. A long road trip (100+ miles) at high speed will get the process going quickly.