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  #1  
Old 08-26-2002, 12:11 PM
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New C320 owner questions

Folks,

I recently purchased an 02 C320 w c2,c4,c6 packages. I love the car! Big step up from the "Ford". I have a few questions that you can possibly answer.

1. I see lots of info on "sucking' the oil out of the engine for oil changes. I'm assuming it's possible to drain from below as well? ...or is it a pain to do so?

2. Is there a dipstick available to check the oil after changes? Dealer item? I'm thinking that refilling the oil after a change would be a pain without one. Any suggestions?

3. Is changing the oil filter as easy as it looks? Right there on top. Just unscrew and replace the cartridge?

4. The car seems to idle pretty low (about 550-600) rpm in drive and idles rather rough. (shakes actually) The MB service manager says it's pretty normal and at about 3k miles they smooth out. Truth or bunk? (BTW, runs smooth other than idle)


Thanks,
Brian

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  #2  
Old 08-26-2002, 05:59 PM
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These cars don't have an engine Or trans dipstick!! The engine oil can be checked thru the instrument cluster & is accurate.
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  #3  
Old 08-26-2002, 06:55 PM
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Some Answers

Dip stick should be easy to identify. See your owner's manual.
Filter is very easy to change. Just loosen before you drain oil and replace before adding new oil.
C320 is V6, right. Should be very smooth at idle.
Always like to drain oil from underneath as I get to look over engin, steering, cooling and transmission for any early signs of leaks.
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  #4  
Old 08-26-2002, 07:18 PM
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MB DOC is correct this car does not come with a dip stick for the engine oil or trans fluid. The engine oil dip stick is available as a special tool from dealer but from what I've heard it is expensive ( about $130 ).This engine should take 8.5 qts of oil.
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  #5  
Old 08-26-2002, 11:15 PM
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RPM55:
There is a net message about the fill capacity on the W203 chassis, it has been reduced to 8 quarts. We were getting lots of complaints of the indicator reading "Oil Level Too High", so we were suspicious about this, sure enough they came out with a bulletin on it, please check it out.

BrianC, yes it is possible to drain it from below, pretty easy, just remember to replace the seal on the drain plug every time you do it. Most people aren't worried about all this stuff as the car comes with the Maintenance Commitment for the warranty period. If you are planning to replace the oil yourself between the FSS services, be sure to use the recommended Mobil1 oil, 0W40 if you can find it.
There are also 4 rubber o-rings on the oil filter cap assm. that comes with the filter, be sure to replace those as well.

On question 4, "bunk" I'd say.

Gilly
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Old 08-27-2002, 05:50 AM
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Gilly, thanks for the info. RPM55
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  #7  
Old 08-27-2002, 07:27 AM
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1. I found it difficult at first to get used to the idea of no dipstick, but now I rather like it. I don't have to get out in the weather or look for shop towel to wipe off the dipstick. To check the oil it is in the same menu as the main odometer. The dipstick is available as a tool and costs about $70. I decided not to bother.

2. To drain the oil out the bottom you will find two belly pans. You only need to remove the rear one to access the drain plug.

3. You can get a special tool for the oil filter housing at the MB parts counter for about $10. It works great.

4. I agree with gillybenztechs answer to number 4, except in this case I would spell bunk with all caps, i.e., "BUNK." This car is under a very good warranty program. Make them fix it or replace it.

Enjoy,
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  #8  
Old 08-27-2002, 07:58 AM
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ON the W203 chassis there is a special motor mount for excessive vibration at idle. MB part number 203-240-12-17!
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  #9  
Old 08-27-2002, 08:06 AM
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thanks for the replies - new c320 owner

Thanks all for the replies. I wasn't looking for the oil dipstick for checking on a daily basis. It was just for checking the refill level. As for the vibration at idle, I'll send the S.M. the info on the [revised] engine mounts.

Thanks again,
Brian
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  #10  
Old 08-27-2002, 02:21 PM
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As said by an earlier poster, pour in 8 quarts when changing oil and filter and you'll be right on the money.

I hope you enjoy your 203 as much as I have enjoyed mine!

Have a great day,
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  #11  
Old 09-03-2002, 05:03 PM
Clemson91
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Oil Capacity 8 quarts.

I performed an oil change on my 2002 C320, from underneath without a topsider, then refilled the crankcase with 8 US quarts of Mobil 1. When i ran the motor until it was warmed up, parked on level ground, and checked the oil level from the dash, it stated to perform the FSS Service A interval ontime, which lead me to believe, that I fooled the computer that the car was burning oil??? (I.E. it was 1/2 quart low as the capacity is 8.5 quarts) Anybody have similar issues. I can only guess that this is why the car is telling me to "perform service ontime" from the check oil level thingy.

FYI, if you don't use a Topsider, and you utilize the drain plug, there are two covers that need to be removed from the underside of the car, do a search on "Do I need a Topsider" and there is a good tip from one of the MB techs on this procedure.
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  #12  
Old 09-04-2002, 06:39 AM
LarryBible
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As I recall, the "Perform Service on Time" message is merely saying that you need not take the car in based on mileage. Everything is okay.

I'm really curious to see what tip could be involved regarding the belly pans. You merely take off the one in the rear with no need to remove the front one.

Have a great day,
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  #13  
Old 09-04-2002, 12:54 PM
Clemson91
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Larry

Larry,

That was the tip. As a matter of fact, you gave it to me. I went back and looked thru the post. You only have to remove one and not both.
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  #14  
Old 09-19-2002, 01:35 AM
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C320 OIL CHANGING

First of all, "Perform service on time" will display when the engine hasn't been shut down long enough for an accurate level check, in the opinion of the oil level sensor. I also see it when the oil temp isn't high enough.

I have changed the oil once in my '01 C320, using my Topsider down through the tube with a cap/cover at the right rear. It looks like a transmission dip stick tube. It isn't since there isn't one or at least I've never found it. The vacuum procedure gets all the oil out, verified by measurement. The next oil change (to Mobil 1 0W40) will be at the long awaited B service which looks like somewhare around 13500 miles. It was last changed at 7200 miles. Although Mobil 1 0W40 was original fill, I'm using Mobil 1 15/50 since 0W40 could not be bought at retail except at Porsche and MB dealers at a hellish price.

When the car was new I purchased the shop tool dipstick (one size fits all models, apparently) at a steep $110 which I use once in a while just to verify that the built-in system hasn't gone south on me.

Cars like this are frustrating for the car hobbyist since there is nothing mechanical to do. That's why changing the oil early is so fulfilling. I think I miss, just a little, all the warranty visits to the dealer with my past MBs. After all, I owned two 201s and we all know what that means.

Roger E./Seattle
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  #15  
Old 09-19-2002, 06:44 AM
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Yes, there is a dipstick tube for the automatic transmission. Keep looking, behind right cylinder bank down low.


Gilly

PS why are you changing your own oil when the car has the free "Maintenance Commitment" plan? Just curious.

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