"How to" question re: E320 oil change - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

85 DSEL · #16 02-28-2010, 03:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RichardM98

..............fleece filter.

As for availability, Mobil 1 European Car Formula 0W-40 (229.5) is available from amazon ($7/qt) but may also be available at PepBoys, Kragen (in the west), O'Reilly's, Autozone, etc. Okay you get the idea.

Good luck whatever you decide.

Do you know what brand filters have the fleece 'guts'?
I was looking at Walmart last evening and found that they had the quart sizes only of the European Car Formula of the M1 - didn't ask if they carry the 4 qrt jug.
My mind has pretty much been made up - I will switch!

Quote:

Originally Posted by bsmuwk

Mind you, if you switch to synthetic you can expect oil leaks in places there were none before. The detergents in the synthetics will clean out that engine and any oil seals that have gummed up enough will expose any holes or cracks in the seals that have formed over time. Synthetics are better oils, but they do have their downsides.

This is something I've read and would be concerned about as I just can't tolerate oil leaks!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ferdman

85 DSEL, MB dealers sell the oil filter housing wrench with a male hex head to accept a socket wrench. As you have probably discoverd by now the oil filter housing is between the back of the engine and the firewall.

Any idea the cost? I have one of this style wrenches that I purchased for another vehicle sometime along the way but no luck of it fitting!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ferdman

It's easier to suction the old oil out through the dipstick tube than draining it from the oil pan drain hole. That's how the MB dealers do it. Consider purchasing a Griot's Garage oil/liquid extractor. I have been using one for 12 years, and it simplifies oil changes.

As for oil I use Mobil 1 15W50 in our 1995 E320. A changeover to synthetic oil at 80,000 miles should be uneventful. I switched ours over at 130,000 miles and at 165,000 miles the engine is still bone dry.

You guys have convinced me...I will start doing a top-side oil change! You have shown me how much my life is worth. I now realize that my family will be much better off with me here rather than, well, you get the point! I will check out the oil extractor you mentioned. I have seen the MityVac 7300 online for as low as $79.
I hope that I have no issues at all with switching just as your experience has been.

RichardM98 · #17 02-28-2010, 08:56 PM

I think most of us buy quarts. My local PepBoys told me that the 1 gal containers of oils are exactly 4 times the price of a quart of the same oil so no savings. Although you can use them to recycle your old oil which is a little more convenient than a old milk or bleach bottle.

As far as leaks I don't think you have anything to worry about. When detergent oils replaced non-detergent oils in the late 1950's there was a lot of anguish about leaks. Everyone knew about the 'problem' but no one actually knew someone who's car developed a leak. Now some are saying the same problem will happen if you switch to synthetic oil from crude based.

As for the filter check out the 'parts dept' here. Click 'Buy Parts' at the top. Actually I misspoke on the fleece filter. It's not made for the M104 engine. Sorry. Mann or Bosch cartridge is fine. Follow owners manual or service booklet for your car for service cycles.

Good luck.

85 DSEL · #18 02-28-2010, 10:19 PM

Thanks for all the replies! You guys know your stuff

and are so willing to share it!

I guess we can put this thread 'to bed' - that's where I'm going soon!

babymog · #19 03-01-2010, 11:00 AM

I bought a traditional oil-filter end-type wrench at Autozone for my M104 / E320 filter. Fits and works great (with a 3/8" extension / ratchet).

Syn oil doesn't create leaks, might exploiit existing leaks more as regular oil thickens a good deal more when cold/parked.

I bought gallons of Mobil 1 Turbo Diesel & Truck (5W-40?) at Meijer last week for $16 regular price, a class IV synthetic that meets all S/gasoline requirements. Many of us with gasser Mercedes use this (as well as the diesel crowd) and it's popular with the VW/Audi crowd also. Good price.

Ferdman · #20 03-01-2010, 02:27 PM

Suggest you call the Parts Department at your local MB dealer for a price on the tool. I recall paying around $8 some 10 years ago.

85 DSEL · #21 03-09-2010, 09:48 PM

WELL -

Today the UPS truck delivered my new MityVac Fluid Evacuator Plus model 7201 AND 3 cases (18 qrt) of M1 0W40 European Car Formula oil!

I was pumped and wanting to do my first oil change this evening I discovered that ADVANCE AUTO (online order) forgot to send my 2 BOSCH oil filters. ARGH!

Guess I could just pick one up locally but then I'd have to pay full price instead of the great deal I got by purchasing online. They had a sale where I was able to save 15% when order was $100 or > plus the shipping was free since it was $75 or >!

Any tips from you veteran oil 'extractors' using a MityVac? There's nothing in the operating instruction booklet about how many times I will need to pump the tank in order to get oil flowing. I would guess 8 - 10 times?

Looking forward to switching the wagon to synthetic as well as doing my oil changes from above rather than below, on ramps, on the cold garage floor, etc. etc!