Oil filter cap removal on 98 C280
 

It is 8:40PM and I have just finished "topsiding" the oil from my 98 C280. It was a breeze. I have my Mann oil filter with gaskets and my oil ready. When I tried to remove the oil filter cover, it wouldn't budge! I do not have the special tool and it will NOT remove by hand. Any ingenious ideas on how I can do this at this time of night? I have searched through the forums and found that the dealers have a special "socket" for removing them, but I will be unable to get one for a few days. HELP!

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Maybe a standard oil filter wrench might work, or you could try getting some rubbing gloves and getting both hands on there and turning real hard.

Try a strap type wrench. You may have to place some duct tape or thin rubber inside the metal strap to improve the grip on the filter housing.

Per the last two replies, I tried it all! That darn filter cover must have been put on with an air wrench! I finally decided to go ahead and change the oil, leave the old filter intact, then I will try and locate a cap socket today. One of the endearing traits of this MB is that the filter is topside, so I don't lose much oil when I take it off to replace it.

What size cap socket is needed?

Thanks guys!

Get the wrench from the dealer. It's only abobut $10-15 and it's a perfect fit. Besides, I like that some of my tools have The Star on them...

The oil filter housing also holds probably at least 1/2 quart of oil that will not drain out until you remove the cap and filter. This portion of dirty oil probably remained when you changed the oil.