[Mike Wevrick]

Seems like something pretty obvious that should be in the manual but I can't find it anywhere. What viscousities are recommended? Conventional or synthetic? Any particular brands better than others? How hard is a DIY oil change? How do you reset the service reminder?

Oh, and how come there is no technical forum for this kind of stuff?

 

[asianml]

FULL SYNTHETIC ONLY. Mercedes uses Mobil 1 here. Here's a list of approved oils:
Mercedes-Benz Engine Oil Recommendations

Personally I us 0W-40, because thats what's been used for all of the MLs life. I haven't changed the oil in an S-Class, but from what others have said, it's very easy, and with a MityVac takes at most 20 minutes.

You can do a search on how to reset the service reminder and I bet there are threads on how to change the oil.

 

[BlackCab996]

My local indy mechanic, who only works on MB (and has been in business for over 20 years) puts Synthetic 5w40 in my S500

 

[Mike Wevrick]

OK, I found the page in the manual for resetting the reminder.

Can't figure out where the oil filter is though ... any particular filter brand recommendations?

with a MityVac

Does this mean there is no oil drain plug? Or is it just a pain to get at?

Also my car (by design) has no dipstick although there is a tube for it. Is there any reason for this? Can I put one in?

 

[asianml]

There is an oil drain plug, but it might be easier, quicker, and cleaner for you. I'm not familiar with the M113 and the locations of things. The only thing I can go off of is that it's based on the M112.

Not sure about the dipstick, you'll have to wait for others to chime in. For the oil filter, remember to use fleece filters, not paper filters. I just get mine from the dealer. Some of the members got the from Autohauz. Take a look at this thread:
http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w220-s-class/1320110-oil-change.html

This should be the oil filter if I remembered correctly when one of the dealer's tech's was changing the oil in an ML500. I'm also pretty sure it's shown in the manual too.

 

[Mike Wevrick]

^^Thanks! I saw that black thing and thought it might be the filter.

Why fleece instead of paper? The link you posted earlier says paper is fine for FSS cars. Although for $16 I may as well get the better one ...

 

[bcfos]

The day I bought my 55 I drove it to my mechanic and had him change all the oils to Royal Purple (My company sells it so I get freebies and discounts). I use 5w30 and I just buy the filters from the dealership. I never really bought into one synthetic being better than another till our RP sales rep came in and showed us. Now even my lawnmower gets that brand.

 

[My04230k]

^^Thanks! I saw that black thing and thought it might be the filter.

Why fleece instead of paper? The link you posted earlier says paper is fine for FSS cars. Although for $16 I may as well get the better one ...

Actually that is just the filter cover.. the filter is attached to the tube that is attached to that cover. There are also three or four "O" ring seals that get replaced on the tube with the filter.

I don't know anything about any fleece filter.. I buy brand name filters like Fram and Purolator.. just like Mercedes does ( Fram knockoffs ). People think there is such a thing as an OEM filter when the truth is that the only thing OEM about it is the Mercedes Stamp, and the Fees that gets paid to the filter manufacturers for rebranding. Otherwise, I would love to visit the mercedes Filter and brake factories..LOL

 

[Mike Wevrick]

^^I'm sure you are right that Mercedes does not actually make the filters, but they may have them custom-made to certain specs. I know that for Subarus, there are a number of different filters available that will fit, but only the official OEM one has the optimum bypass valve opening pressure.

Do the ring seals come with the filter when you buy one or are they a separate item?

 

[finntexan]

Seals usually come with the filter.

Paper filter is good enough says MB but fleece is more reliable for extended oil change intervals.

You need a special tool for removing the cap on top of oil filter, be sure to count the # of sides(flutes) before you buy...:tool:

 

[Mike Wevrick]

Why a special tool? It looks like an oil filter wrench (possibly with a little padding added) would work fine.

 

[H-TownBenzoboy]

I buy brand name filters like Fram and Purolator.. just like Mercedes does ( Fram knockoffs ).

MB approves and uses only four brands of oil filters. They're Mann, Knecht, Hengst, and Mahle brand oil filters. Fram and Purolator don't meet their oil filter specs.