Thanks for the tips. I will recheck for the 6th time, always high, and consider draining it myself or going to jiffy lube.

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1993 Benz-190E-2.6 liter

Unless you do want to risk a vice grip in place of the correct wrench, I would not go to Jiffy Lube. I have not been, but previous owners probably have. You should see what my oil drain plug looks like. I've never seen a fitting so destroyed.

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David
1986 300E Anthracite + ECodes + MB Mileage Award

What is the correct tool to use to remove our drain plugs? I havent even seen mine yet. Thanks!

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1993 Benz-190E-2.6 liter

one that fits. Wrench, socket.

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David
1986 300E Anthracite + ECodes + MB Mileage Award

Why don't you replace the plug? They cost what, a dollar? the heads are rather soft on these bolts so they round off before you stip the threads in the pan.

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'90 300SE 298k
-300K and it gets put into retirement.
'80 300D 255k Purchased new by family in 1980.

Had a:
1973 220 (gas)
1980 300SD
1992 400E

You are right; they are $1.69 at PartsShop, and there are two gaskets, which are 20 cents for the aftermarket Oil Drain Plug Gasket 14 X 20 X 1.5 mm and if you want to splurge, 23 cents for the presumably OEM
I had to check, and was amazed how cheap.
After spending almost $700 in parts and labor for work on my SD (valve adjust, voltage reg, belts, oil, ATF, brake fluid, rear end fluid, fix heat) it's reassuring to see something so reasonably priced...

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Bob Roe
Lehigh Valley PA USA
1973 Olds 88, 1972 MB 280SE, 1978 Datsun 280Z, 1971 Ford T-Bird, 1972 Olds 88, 1983 Nissan Sentra, 1985 Sentra, 1973 230.6, 1990 Acura Integra, 1991 Volvo 940GLE wagon, 1983 300SD, 1984 300SD, 1995 Subaru Legacy L wagon, 2002 Mountaineer, 1991 300TE wagon, 2008 Murano, 2007 R320CDI 4Matic 52K, some Hyundai, 2008 BMW 535xi wagon, all gone... currently
2007 Honda Odyssey Touring, 2014 E350 4matic

Two other things:

1. If you're just draining some fluid to adjust the level, the easiest and cleanest way is to use a Topsider to remove it from the dipstick tube.

2. The most accurate way to check the transmission fluid level is to make sure the transmission fluid is HOT. This is not the same as making sure the engine coolant is hot. The transmission needs about 15 + miles of driving to reach operating temp.

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Steve
'93 400E

What is a top sider? where are they sold? Thanks

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1993 Benz-190E-2.6 liter

The tranny pan drain should be a 5mm allen, located on the bottom of the pan (same size as the torque converter drain). On the left side of the transmission is the vacuum modulator, this will have a white vacuum line coming off of it which will go up to the engine. The other end of this line should attach to the manifold. Check the condition of the rubber connectors at both end of this line, if cracked or hardened replace them. You can use some generic vacuum line to create your own connectors.

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Mike Tangas
'73 280SEL 4.5 (9/72)- RIP
Only 8,173 units built from 5/71 thru 11/72

'02 CLK320 Cabriolet - wifey's mid-life crisis

2012 VW Jetta Sportwagon TDI...at least its a diesel

Non illegitemae carborundum.

Thanks Mike I can barely see the vaccum modulator nevermind check the vaccum hose. What maifold is it connected to and is it a white hose where it connects? Thanks

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1993 Benz-190E-2.6 liter

Well, you're gonna hafta get under there and check that connector. They do get hard and brittle after years of use, due to the heat. The line should be white all the way up, unless it has been changed out with a different color by the PO. The engine end of the line should be connected somewhere on the intake manifold.

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Mike Tangas
'73 280SEL 4.5 (9/72)- RIP
Only 8,173 units built from 5/71 thru 11/72

'02 CLK320 Cabriolet - wifey's mid-life crisis

2012 VW Jetta Sportwagon TDI...at least its a diesel

Non illegitemae carborundum.

A Topsider is a simple device intended for draining oil from marine engines. It has a plastic tube that goes down the dipstick tube (either the oil or transmission dipstick tube) and sucks up the appropriate fluid into a metal can. They can be found in marine supply stores. (There is an ongoing debate on this and other MB lists about the merits of changing oil via a Topsider vs. gravity draining.)

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Steve
'93 400E

Thanks steve. Approximate cost I should look to pay for a topsider?

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1993 Benz-190E-2.6 liter

There is something similar on Ebay for $35.
I think topsiders are around $40USD.

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Bob Roe
Lehigh Valley PA USA
1973 Olds 88, 1972 MB 280SE, 1978 Datsun 280Z, 1971 Ford T-Bird, 1972 Olds 88, 1983 Nissan Sentra, 1985 Sentra, 1973 230.6, 1990 Acura Integra, 1991 Volvo 940GLE wagon, 1983 300SD, 1984 300SD, 1995 Subaru Legacy L wagon, 2002 Mountaineer, 1991 300TE wagon, 2008 Murano, 2007 R320CDI 4Matic 52K, some Hyundai, 2008 BMW 535xi wagon, all gone... currently
2007 Honda Odyssey Touring, 2014 E350 4matic

West Marine (www.westmarine.com) has 'em for $55.

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Steve
'93 400E