Got a new R350, how to change oil?
 

08 r350, no manual came with it. What viscosities and ratings of oil are approved?

Also, I just bought a dealer filter. Where is the housing located?

MB suggests 5W-30 synthetic oil.
Some 10W-40's are approved as well.

MB rating for that oil is 229.50

Recommend buying an Owner's Manual for your R350 from your local MB dealer.

Recommended oil viscosity
 

Is 5W30 a change for 2012? Oils certified as 229.5 (Mobil 1) were only 0W40 or 5W40 before. I wasn't aware that there were oils certified as 229.5 in the viscosities of 5W30 and 10W40.

The filter for the M272 engine is up front, topside, under a cap just like on the predecessor M112. You may need to remove the engine cover to see it. Fachartikel: Der neue V6-Ottomotor M 272 von Mercedes-Benz | MTZ - Motortechnische Zeitschrift - ATZ online

Thanks everyone, I forgot to update my post. After doing a more thorough search I ended up changing with Mobil 1 European Forumula 0W40 and a dealer filter. It's an '08 with only 21K on the clock, but I didn't get any records with it. So I changed the oil just to be safe.

As for the manual, I ended up searching and finding that free online at MBUSA.com. I've been studying it to figure out how to use the NAV, iPod connector, etc.

Thanks everyone for your help!

Hmmm, this has me wondering as well. I searched pretty extensively, and it seemed universally known that 0W40 Mobil 1 was the oil to use. I'm not trying to start an oil thread here, just want to ensure I follow MB instructions exactly as specified.

Change oil every 6,500 miles - the M272 is known for balance shaft/timing chain failures. Changing the oil every 13,000 miles is skirting with disaster.

I plan to do it every 5k like all my other cars.

PM me the VIN. I'll see if the balance shaft has been done.

PM sent. Thanks - that would be helpful. Would MBZ cover this for a second owner?

You're confusing Mercedes NA with Mercedes. Mercedes NA recommends Mobil 1 0w-40 because that's what Mobil tells them to say and pays them to say. It's not really an objective oil recommendation so much as puppetry or prostitution. It's convenient for them to recommend and sell one viscosity all over the country but more viscosity modifiers equals less lubricants.

Go here: http://www.startekinfo.com

You can find
list of recommended fluids
ability to subscribe (for fee) to read/download all shop procedures
ability to subscribe (free) to entire USA Mercedes spare parts system
how to reset service reminders
rebuilt parts catalog
on and on

Too bad, as that's bad for your engine.

See The Effect of Oil Drain Interval on Valvetrain Friction and Wear

Hey, it's the 21st century and oil isn't the same thing it was in 1956. Why would you treat it like it is?

Interesting info. I've always wanted to try Blackstone Labs - I think it might be time to start.