We have a 1996 C220. I would like to chnage the oil myself. I've search through the forums, and couldn't find the answer to my questions.
1) what type of oil should i use, thinking of switching to mobil 1, the car currently has 140k km on it. Will switching to synthetic now cause a leak? What viscosity? The manual doesnt' say. I live in Canada so climate is around -22 celsius to 35 degrees celsius in the summer.
2) What is the special tool i need to get to unscrew the oil filter like? I will likely purchase the filter from the dealer.
Mobil 1 0W-40 is the oil recommended by Benz - The 0W spec is important in minus temps -- Altho' synthetic has a reputation for finding leaks, it shouldn't be a problem and the sooner you change to synthetic the better -- frequent changes are the cheapest insurance you'll ever get -- If your car has been stretched to 15k oil changes on ordinary oil you could consider a flush additive to your old oil 10 mins before you drain it - will dissolve some deposits/varnish and get them out of there. Mobil 1 has enough cleaning action to keep your engine clean from then on.
Then consider changes every 5-10k max - with filters cheap and a suction pump, you could do it in 15 min.
Special tool is a 76/14 socket (76mm - 14 flats) Other members have bought a Walmart univ wrench $5 or Pep boys/Autozone.
Buy quality filters Hengst etc - very cheap (fleece filters are the best - don't know if you can get them for your model) - they come with a new O ring.
On earlier models, the filter remains in the housing and is lifted out by the handle provided.
Don't overtighten -25Nm or 18ft/lbs is specified.
The extractor is not only easy but it removes slightly more old oil than dropping the plug - Benzs are designed for suction removal. If you have yet to buy the extractor, search the R170 site for "Fluid extractor, my new best friend" - good tips on diff. models.
(NOTE - if you do remove the sump plug, it is important to use a six sided socket - the plug is intentionally made of soft metal and an ordinary socket/ring spanner will strip the facets)
Exactly what Oberoi said except I would not add a flush additive. A couple of oil changes with Mobil1 0W-40 will clean things up.
Use Mann or Hengst oil filters.
Now you can think about tranny change if it hasn't been done!
The car currently has 120k km. Kinda afraid this might ruin the tranny though. It shifts fine. I did a search on the forum, found a few articles. Is there an easy to follow DIY instructions for a C220 or similar transmission?
The car currently has 120k km. Kinda afraid this might ruin the tranny though. It shifts fine. I did a search on the forum, found a few articles. Is there an easy to follow DIY instructions for a C220 or similar transmission?
I urgently recommend changing the tranny and torque converter - I drained my C180 5 speed at 110k and it was very dirty - wish I had done it at 50k. My independant reckons that the red Benz synthetic fluid turns brown and then a khaki green when becoming terminal! I also understand that Benz have rescinded the "lifetime oil" feature and recommend changes.
There is an unsubstantiated school of thought that new fluid will dissolve some of the deposits so I think Sergio's suggestion of putting a flushing agent in before draining would be good.
There is a great site with pics that somebody did.
Use only Benz ATF and get a dipstick suitable for your tranny - Many of the tranny's use the same dipstick but you need to be sure - post your tranny code and we should be able to check
be careful when you are removing the oil filter. the vacuum lines for the car run directly above that. if you lose fuction of headrests or door locks you have dislodged these lines
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