Oil Priming

I HAVE READ QUITE A BIT OF DISCUSSION ON THIS SITE ABOUT THE NECESSITY OF PRIMING THE OIL FILTER HOUSING IN THE COURSE OF PERFORMING AN OIL & FILTER CHANGE ON V8 CARS. ALL OF MY PREVIOUS BENZES HAVE BEEN STRAIGHT AND V SIXES AND THEREFORE I HAVE NEVER TAKEN THIS ADDITIONAL STEP. I NOW OWN A 99 S500 (W140, 119 ENGINE). I HAVE DONE TWO OIL AND FILTER CHANGES WITHOUT PRIMING AND HAVE NOT NOTICED ANY PROBLEMS. OIL PRESSURE RISES WITHIN 3-5 SECONDS UPON STARTING. I WOULD LIKE FEEDBACK ON WETHER PRIMING IS NECESSARY ON THE 119 ENGINE OR DOES THIS STEP ONLY APPLY TO OLDER BENZ V8 ENGINES? AM I RISKING ANY INTERNAL DAMAGE TO BEARINGS, CAMS, OR ANYTHING ELSE BY NOT PRIMING? IF YOU ARE A BENZ MECHANIC, PLEASE TELL ME WHAT YOUR PERSONAL PRACTICES INCLUDE REGARDING OIL AND FILTER CHANGES WITH THIS ENGINE.

[Kestas]

In the grand scheme of things it's not all that important. There's too many people making mountains out of molehills. In a small way it does help pressurize the oil a fraction of a second quicker. This only applies to oil filters that are installed cup end upwards. If you forget to do it, or are unable to do it, or simply choose to ignore this practise, don't fret. You're not creating excessive damage to your engine. The important thing is that you are properly taking care of your engine by changing the oil regularly.

Of the seven cars I take care of, only my 71 Cutlass has the oil filter installed cup end upwards where I can practise this technique.

You must be new to posting on the internet. Don't type with all capital letters. It's not polite.

Thanks for the response. Yes, I am new to posting on the internet and was therefore unaware of my poor etiquette.