How to change oil on Mercedes-Benz C E 220 Diesel Engine

This guide will show you how to replace the engine oil on a Mercedes-Benz C-Class and E-Class equipped with a diesel engine.  Pictures were taken on a Mercedes-Benz OM611 engine, but the same instructions should apply to Mercedes-Benz models such as OM604 and OM611.

Changing the oil and oil filter at recommended intervals is very important for your car. 

To change the oil on your car you will need a new oil filter, the recommended oil type, an oil filter wrench, and a socket for the oil drain plug.

Applications

Cylinders	Applications
straight-4	1998 W202 C-Class, 1998 W210 E-Class
	1998 W202 C-Class, 1998 W210 E-Class
	2000 W90x Sprinter
	2000 W90x Sprinter
	1999 W210 E-Class, 2000 W203 C-Class
	2003 W211 E-Class, 2003 W203 C-Class
	2000 W90x Sprinter
	1999 W210 E-Class for Belgium
	1999 W210 E-Class, 2000 W203 C-Class

Recommended Oil Type

• Mobil1 0W-40

Parts Required

• Mercedes-Benz CDI Oil Filter

Tools Required

	Oil filter wrench
	13 mm combination wrench
	Oil Drain Pan
	Oil Funnel

Must-Have Tools

• 8 mm socket
• 13 mm wrench

Instruction on how to change the oil on a Mercedes-Benz diesel engine.

Step 1 – Prepare 

Start by ensuring that the emergency brakes have been set. Next, locate the hood release found in the interior of the car. Pull the hood release until you hear the hood pop up. Move to the front of the car and release the latch, then lift up the hood.

 

Step 2 – Raise the vehicle

Raise the vehicle using the jack that came with your car or an aluminum jack. Once you raise up the vehicle, use jack stands to secure the car.

Step 3 – Remove the covers from under the engine

Remove the plastic undercarriage covers. The cover is held in place with several 8 mm bolts. Remove all of them and the plastic cover will easily come off. 

Step 4 – Locate Drain Plug

Locate the drain plug and remove the bolt. The bolt can be removed by turning it counterclockwise. Once you break the bolt loose, you can use your hands to remove the bolt. Make sure to have the oil drain pan located under the oil drain hole.

 

Allow at least five minutes for the old oil to drain. If time allows, let the oil drain for at least fifteen minutes. Clean the drain plug and the oil bolt using a clean, dry cloth. Reinstall the drain bolt using your hands to get the threads started. This will ensure that the bolt starts to go smoothly, and no threads get damaged. If you have a new washer for the drain bolt, make sure to install it. Tighten the oil drain plug making sure it is tight enough, and it will not leak any oil. If you have a torque wrench, tighten the bolt. You can always call your dealer to get the torque values.

Step 5  – Remove the Filter

Locate the oil filter housing. The filter can be removed by twisting it counterclockwise. Use an oil filter wrench to remove the old oil filter. Some oil may still be in the filter, so be careful as you remove the old filter to avoid spilling oil. 

Remove the old filter by pulling it away from the spindle. Remove the O-rings from the filter using a small flat screwdriver. Roll the new O-rings in place by hand. Avoid damaging the new O-rings. Wet the rubber seal on the new filter with oil. This will help create a better seal and also helps the rubber O-rings not become brittle over time. Screw the filter into the housing by hand to ensure that you get a few threads engaged. Tighten the oil filter further with an oil wrench another half to one full turn to ensure that you will not have any leaks coming from the new oil filter.

Step 7 – Fill the Engine with Oil

Remove the oil filler cap on top of the engine. The oil filter cap should be labeled and usually has the recommended oil type stamped on top. Remove the cap by unscrewing it counterclockwise. Insert a funnel into the oil filler hole. Slowly pour the oil into the engine. Add the required quarts as indicated in your owner’s manual. Once you add the recommended amount of engine oil, reinstall the filler cap.

 

Step 8  –  Check Engine Oil Level

 

Allow a few minutes for the oil to drain into the engine oil pan. Check the engine oil level. If you are overfilled with oil, remove the excess oil to bring the level to the recommended range. Once you complete the oil change on your Mercedes-Benz 220 CDI (Compressed Diesel Injection), remember to reset the oil interval service reminder.

Notes:

Remember to recycle the oil and filter properly. Your local auto parts store will take your used oil. Generally, you don’t need to pay for this service. Alternatively, your City’s recycling will also accept your old motor oil.