I am new, but I have a few of questions. First, I can not find the oil filter (1985 280 SE). Where is it? This is a Euro model.....

Second, on the oil pressure guage it has a 1 2 and 3. Where should it be reading out at idle and what should it read when driving?

Third, my dip stick o-ring looks warn. Can you get a new one at any parts store?

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1985 280SE

Im not familiar with your engine... but I will answer your 2nd question.

In idle.. the oil pressure could be anywhere, but normally at around 1.5-2 at operating tempreture. However, it should peg the 3 when driving.

Thanks....that is exactly what it is doing!

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1985 280SE

And going by experience, when the oil pressure starts getting lower than normal at idle, say less than 1.5, it's time for an oil change.

So I use my oil pressure as a service indicator in addition to my 10,000km rule!

Cheers.

Hey Moo,
The 1, 2 and 3 on your oil pressure gauge represent the European measurement of pressure (Barometric pressure or BAR for short). 1 BAR = 14.7 psi (or 15 psi rounded). So, 1.5 BAR (at idle) represents roughly 22.5psi and pegged (guages reads 3 at anything over 800-900 rpm) should mean around 45 psi.

As far as the o-ring on the dipstick, I'd say you should be able to find something adequate at most parts stores. However, if you've got a dealership or a good independent mechanic around, you can pick one up there. I would guess under $1 (of course, something like that shouldn't cost more than 5 to 7 cents...)

Don't know nothin' about your oil filter though... (sorry).

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Jay Yambrovich
Scotts Valley, CA.

1993 300 CE Cabriolet (A124) 131K miles
1997 C-280 133K miles

2000 BMW R1100RT 69K miles
1989 300 E 216K miles (sold)

ONE HUNDRED FIFTEEN views, FOUR posts.
I'm wondering if your post was just a bit more specific if you could have generated more useful posts, and saved just a little precious time for those of us that care? Those of us may only be me-in which case I apologise- But JEESH! "dumb question" ???

-Mel Weaver

what could be more usefull than finding your oil filter? that must be the dual overhead cam engine always wanted to drive one......you ain't driven a Benz till youv'e driven a Euro model! welcome to this forum.....if we really valued our time we would all shoot our computers.....
William Rogers........

I'm going to take a stab at the oil filter...

Granted I have NO clue whatsoever, but if MB started designing the top-side filter orientation back in 85 (like the W124 E-class series), you should find it where you least expect it.

Instead of hunting underneath the car for the filter, look in the top of the engine bay for a small but distinctively cylindrical oil-filter-looking gizmo. It will be sitting right side up instead of upside down as typically found in other makes...and it WON'T say FRAM or be painted in some orange or day-glo color. Probably grey, black, or silver...

...hope this helps...

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2009 ML350 (106K) - Family vehicle
2001 CLK430 Cabriolet (80K) - Wife's car
2005 BMW 645CI (138K) - My daily driver
2016 Mustang (32K) - Daughter's car