M103 oil filter tool of choice
 

What tool do folks find works best to remove an M103 oil filter? I have a typical American car metal strap deal that doesn't work half the time. Sometimes I end up using a big screwdriver. I was thinking of getting one of those deals that clamps to the top of the filter and has a 3/8" drive socket. Is there anything better out there?

Thanks,
Sixto
91 300SE
81 300SD

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one of those deals that clamps to the top of the filter and has a 3/8" drive socket
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That works very well. You can either get from the dealer or take a filter and go to an auto parts store to get one that has a tight fit. I got mine from Advance Auto Parts and have been using ot for about 5 yrs now.

I believe the size is 74 mm.

Ditto that.

Although it doesn't have to clamp on. Just get the type that fits snugly over the end of the filter like a big socket. Always lube the o-ring of the new filter with new oil.

You can order the oil filter socket from Mercedes, it's the 74mm one which is also used on the later cars with the plastic oil filter housing caps. It's only about $10 from any dealer. Just ask your parts guy to order you the M104 oil filter socket. He'll know.

I don't care much for the MB special tool, as a socket has to be used on the 3/8" drive extension to use it.
I have a BMW motorcycle "K" bike oil filter tool. It fits the filter the same as the MB tool, but in addition to being able to use a hex socket, it has a 3/8" drive square hole in the middle of it, so all I need is this tool, an acceptable length 3/8" drive extension, and a ratchet. Any BMW cycle shop should be able to get it, or maybe even stocks it! Been using mine for years, cost is 15 to 20 bucks.
Gilly

The only advantage to the MB one is that on the top of the MB tool housing, there are threaded holes with bolts threaded into them. There are also tapped holes (2) on the sides of the cup. If the filter tool for some reason slips on the filter, or say if you need to remove an aftermarket filter without any notches, just a smooth casing, the bolts are put into the holes in the side of the tool and tightened into the filter itself, to allow removal of the filter.
I've personally never used this feature, but thought others would be interested. The tool is kind of "clunky", and I dislike having to use a socket to attach my extension to it.
The BMW tool is very thin walled, but tough, never had a problem with it. It's thinner walled because on a "K" bike, the filter is actually IN the oil sump. A plate is removed and this filter tool put up in the access hole to get to the spin-on filter. The tool is of German origin, the manufacturer name is on the tool, along with the BMW tool number.
Gilly

I bought one of the cheap ones at pep boys and it worked fine until it got stuck on the cap. It was size "B" I believe.

Last time I had the car in the shop, my mech took it off and I never got it back.

Bought a replacement, same exact one I had before, and this one was a fraction too small. figured if I could get it on I would leave it there. it was so cheap the square hole for the ratchet broke off of it. LOL

I used a pair of huge vise grips and a towel on it to stop it from damaging the top in order to knock it loose then untwisted it by hand. Worked for me in a pinch.

I'd rather get the mb factory tool, or the one gilly mentioned.

Alon

Gilly,

Good point about the connection, I will point out that you will need a 22mm to adapt the socket to your extension. The screws on the side are a blessing in some instances when cars come in after having their oil changed by Jiffy Lube or the equivalent. One thing I always like to do on the M103 filter is take a long phillips screwdriver and punch a hole in the top of the filter (at a slight angle), this punctures the drain-back valve and makes for a cleaner filter removal.

I guess I've been lucky, I was born wih the only tool I've ever needed for my 300E oil filter, my right hand.

How tight are you putting that filter on? It only needs about a 1/2 turn after the gasket makes contact. Also, always coat the seal with a thin coat of oil and clean the sealing surface of the oil filter mount before screwing it on. Do this and you won't need a tool.

Good luck,

Wal-Mart sells one that fits over the top of the filter. Costs is about $2. Even has the MB M103 oil filter number on the back of the package. Perfect fit.

With my skinny arm and oily latex glove, I'm pretty sure I don't give the new filter a half turn beofre I can't give it any more. Still a bear at oil change time. I put oil on the o-ring, but not on the mount. I'll try that next time.

Sixto
91 300SE
81 300SD

Ditto Larry's comment. If you put in on right, lubed with oil, you shouldn't need a tool to take it off. I usually use a rough leather glove on my right hand to get a good grip and provide friction and it comes off quite easily.

the M104 has a housing the filter resides in. Its not a simple twist off kinda deal. :) hehe Either way, I say the right tool for the job is always best, unless you are the Macguyver type who can make things in a pinch.. hehe

Alon

After buying my first oil filter for my 1994 E320 from F@stLane, the only thing I needed was to get the filter off. I called my MB dealer in the burbs of Detroit, they said that they do not sell oil filter wrenches. They recommended that I call Snap-On, thanks for nothing.

I searched the F@STLANE where I bought the filter....no luck.

I then called the local Import Auto Parts store and they only sell strap wrenchs. There no room to fit a strap wrench on my car. I was ready to pay anyone $30 -$40 if I could only find the #%^& thing. During this time I am racking up the miles this oil change.

I got out my digital calipers and measured the filter cap and counted the "flats" on the filter cap. 74mm and 15 flats.

Your right Ashman, its a size "B" at Murray's Autoparts, thanks.

If anyone else is looking for a filter wrench, Ritefit is the manufacturer and its size "B". It's only $3 and it has a lifetime warranty.

Also, know I understand why you all use Topsiders. I had to remove six screws to get the bottom engine cover off. Takes way to long. Too bad MB doen't have a little access panel down there for us who like to check-out down below while we are servicing the vehicle.

Thanks, John