some novice questions
 

I have a 1996 C280 with 220K that I am going to start maintaining myself (to a limited extent).

What model chasis is this?

I work on Land Rover Discoverys so I am mechanically inclined but have no knowledge of Mercedes. I figure I can do the oil and basic fluid changes.

Going to start with the oil. Not sure if there was something in the tech section here? Can someone list the steps? I know this is not rocket science but I thought, like Rovers, there might be some quirks. thanks.

STAY with OE filters, Mann/Hengst/or Knecht. Stay away from the WIX!
Stick with 5W-30 or 0W-40 synthetic oil.

You can order OE filters & other parts HERE (PartsShop)
No quirks, rather straightforward if you have changed oil before. Best to warm up engine before changing.

ok but....
 

looked it up but ... it looks like an air filter. I am guessing there is a permanent housing that holds the filter? You unscrew the bottom of it and just replace?

With a rover i can undo the filter even when the crankcase is full and it will not leak the oil out. You have to keep the oil pimp primed so you do the crankcase 1st, re-fill with oil and then do the filter.

Same with a benz? Anyone have a list of steps? 1st time doing it - don't want to screw it up.




http://catalog.worldpac.com/mercedesshop/sophio/wizard.jsp?partner=mercedesshop&clientid=catalog.mercedesshop&baseurl=http://catalog.peachparts.com/&cookieid=2AF0LY9QS2AF0LYK29&year=1996&make=MB&model=C-280-001&category=A&part=Oil+Filter+Kit

good on the oil change procedure
 

the DIY info here is good. So now I understand my previous filter questions but where is this located on a 1996 C280 ?

Also the parts section didn't have a Topsider listed - anyone know where I can get one? thanks.

At the back of the engine compartment, behind the block. It is in a cannister with a black plastic cap. Good idea to have a Mercedes wrench to remove the cap.

BTW, you posted the same question back on July 15, 2003 and you still haven't changed the oil?

thanks
 

passenger side or driver side ?

this wrench ?
http://www.amazon.com/Dr-Oil-Filter-Wrench-Mercedes/dp/B000I1988G

Never got around to doing it myself - i have a good local mechanic and the savings were minimal.

Just bought a 2001 E320 Wagon yesterday so I need to cut down on my maintenance costs.

Oil Filter ....
 

should be located located on the driver side of the engine and back against firewall. (May be under some hoses.) Can undo the top of the filter cannister to which the filter element attaches with the proper filter wrench. I use a 3/8 drive socket rachet and a 10" exention on mine.

I also use a MitiVac evacuation/pump device which I recommend.

I'm not sure i would use synthetic oil in an M104 engine. I'd prefer regular 5-30 dino oil.

Can do job in 30 minutes after the first time thru it.

Here's a link to the Mity Vac Fluid extractor I bought. I have a diesel, so I needed the 2 gallon capacity. There are smaller versions for less money if you don't need the tank to be this large. Also, topsiders are very slow unless the oil is HOT.

http://www.amazon.com/Mityvac-7201-Fluid-Evacuator-Plus/dp/B0002SR7TC/ref=pd_bbs_1?ie=UTF8&s=automotive&qid=1201811584&sr=8-1

Yes,that wrench will work.

"96 C280 is a 104.941 engine and a 202.028 chassis