Why doesn't my 300E hold the full 7 quarts? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

drbrandini · #1 11-27-2002, 06:50 PM

Just wondering if any of you have experienced this. For the last two years since I have owned my 1990 300E, when changing the oil it never holds the full 6.9 quarts as stated in the OM. I always change the filter and remove the oil cap while draining the oil. Yesterday I even pulled the drainplug and left it while I went over to the neighbors to chit chat for 45 min. I drove it around last night and this morning I check the oil level and it is absolutely to the max mark on the dipstick. 6 quarts total on level ground?

Also, I use either Mobil1 or Fram oil filter which dont come with the dipstick O ring, Do the MB filters come with the O ring?

And while were at it if anyone has any tips as to removing the oil filter without getting oil all over the motor and driveway they would be appreciated too. If there is such a way.

Gilly · #2 11-27-2002, 10:26 PM

A 1990 300E (not a CE) is a 103 motor. A 2 wheel drive 103 motor holds 6.35 quarts of oil w/filter change.
A similar year (early 90's type) 4matic holds 6.85 quarts.

Gilly

Mike Murrell · #3 11-27-2002, 11:38 PM

Brandon:

Gillybenz quoted straight from the book - 6.35 qts. Pour in 6 quarts; then pour in 11 additional ounces from the 7th quart(that's the .35).

To each his own, but I sure wouldn't use a Fram oil filter on a Benz. The drain back valve on these filters is questionable and I wonder if the burst pressure is equivalent to an OEM filter. I pulled one off an '87 Accord a few years ago that had been mounted to a well-maintained motor(mine). The oil and filter had 1000 miles on it. I sawed the filter open and found what looked like thick mud. There was no resemblance to what once was paper filtering. There are alot of horror stories on the WEB about Fram oil filters. I believe them. The only reason(I think) that they are still alive is Wal-Mart. If Wal-Mart quit selling them, they'd fold.

Here are the names/filter numbers for OEM MB oil filters for an M103 SOHC engine:

Dealer filter - 102-184-01-01
Mahle-Knecht - OC-110
Mann - W719/13
Hengst - H14W06

#4 11-28-2002, 12:06 AM

Fram filters are crap! Do a Google search on the Web for filter tests. Buy filters from a dealer or Bosch, Mann or other replacement filters.

Overfilling is worse than underfilling. The crankshaft will beat the oil into foam.

Add six quarts after draining than carefully fill to the upper mark on the dip stick. Since various filters have slightly different capacities, it's best to check the level.

You have to order the dip stick seal seperately. I just bought one from an Internet supplier for $.13.

haasman · #5 11-28-2002, 12:19 AM

Bud,

Whats the link for the O-ring supplier?

Haasman

#6 11-28-2002, 01:10 AM

You can get the o-ring right here on FastLane or here....

http://www.***************/

drbrandini · #7 11-28-2002, 08:41 AM

Bud,

Thanks for your reply I have only used Fram twice in the past due to the inavailability of Mobil1 filters...I agree crap...

Also, I am glad that I posted this topic because according to you guys my owners manual has a misprint... I am looking at it now, and it reads: Engine with filter 300E 2.6, 300E, 300E 4-Matic.....6.5 liters or 6.9 US qt..

I have NEVER put that much in, and would never overfill her.

400E · #8 11-28-2002, 09:17 AM

Actually, filling up to the top of the "full" mark is discouraged by the factory now. Proper oil level is halfway between the marks. This is measured with when the oil is HOT and about 5 minutes after engine shutdown, as I recall.

Oil consumption tends to rise in many MB engines if you try to maintain it at the "full" mark ...

Gilly · #9 11-28-2002, 09:43 AM

It sounds like the oil capacity being quoted in the owners manual is the proper level just for the 4matic. I use 6.85 quarts, 1/2 a quart more than the 2 wheel drive motor, the pans are different due to the front differential being integrated into the pan.
The proper capacity for the regular 103 motor I believe equals 6L, which converts to 6.35 quarts. From my observation, putting in the factory recommended amounts does in fact put you between the high and low marks on the dipstick, not at the max level. As 400E mentioned, MB does NOT want the engine at/above the max line any more than they want it below the minimum.
I also agree with 400E on the oil consumption increasing if the oil is maintained near the MAX mark on the dipstick. It's hard to explain (in fact I don't know if I CAN explain it!) but it seems like MB engines will burn off the excess oil until it reaches the level it "wants" to be at, then it will stay there. I beleve that in some cases, this is what some of the problems are with the 112 engine everyone is talking about. To add to the problem, the engines (112's) are getting to the bottom of the operating range (near the min mark), then the oil level sensor is making the "low oil" warnings come on, when they're not even in need of it yet. If the owners would wait 5-10 minutes, then check the oil, they would see they are actually above the min mark on the stick, and may in fact be exactly where the engine "wants" to be for oil level.
(There, my "manifesto" for what's really wrong with the 112 engines ((in some cases))

Gilly