ML 320 Oil and Filter Change

[Smith007]

Recently purchased a 2002 ML 320 my First Merc ever WOW!!
Apparently the certifying engineer/mechanic changed oil to synthetic

Can someone please respond and/or comment on the following:

* Can someone please tell me what (a) synthetic & (b) conventional oil and viscosity should I use and why that specific oil eg. you have used the specific oil mentioned on 20 occasions over km 80 000 or you are a mechanic etc. Any pictures?
(PS same questions above also apply to transmission filter change if you have the time)

*Someone was kind and diligent enough to post the entire ML 320 oil change procedure with pictures on this site (Thats what you call a Merc Man)
Can someone send me the weblink, I am to dumb to find same.

* What oil filter will I need and where will I purchase one on line. Does Fram, motorcraft etc manufacture them - perhaps then I can purchase one at walmart etc. And why this specific one, have you opened one up before and looked inside (i.e. determined its filter materials and compared it with another) If you have a picture of one or model no.

* Where, how much and how extensive - ML320 workshop manual

*Any pictures or Diy advise on rear ball joint replacement?


Please and Thank you