Ronaldwf

Hi, I'm new to the forum, and I have enjoyed reading the interesting posts.
I have a 1999 E 320 with about 45K miles on it. I'm considering chnging the oil myself. Does anyone know if it's more difficult than with US cars? How do you reset the FSS indiactor?
Any advice appreciated.......Ron

mallard

I tried changing the oil myself on my 97 E420 a couple of weekends ago. I couldn't find the oil filter and assumed it was under the car so I took it to a garage. I watched the mechanic and discovered that the filter is accessed through the top of the engine as I had hoped. I will explain where mine is and hope your car is similar enough.

To the left of the engine block is your air filter which is encased in a plastic container latched on with fasteners. Release the fasteners, remove the air filer, then remove the bottom of the container the air filter sits in. When I tried this for the first time I did not go so far as to remove the air filter box all the way. The filter is just underneath that box on the engine block and can be easily accessed from the top.

To remove the oil, I recommend getting a canister with a pump mechanism (called a TopSider) so you can remove the oil from the top. You may want to check at a marine supply store to get one large enough to hold all the oil. This has worked for me on other cars and is great for the lawn mower too. You'll need 8.5 quarts to fill 'er back up.

I don't know what the FSS indicator is or how to reset it. My car doesn't have anything that tells me it's time for an oil change.

Good luck, let me know how it goes.

phungpho

Ronaldwf,
It should be very easy, same as regular cars, nothing special (almost !!!). Just 2 things: to remove the oil filter, you need a special tool from Mercedes... and also you need to buy the oil filter from Mercedes.
To reset the FSS, there's a button (check your manual). One suggestion: use synthetic oil such as Mobil1, castrol...... Good luck.
Note: You only change the filter and not the cover.

E55 KEV

The oil change for a 97 E-Class is not the same for the 99. The new/currant engine came on all 98 models. My neighbor changes his oil in his 98 E320 and the oil filter is on the top/right/front. Guess what that Oil filter can be removed completely by hand.

For a Do-it-yourself (DIY) oil change (98 and up) go here:

http://www.mercedesshop.com/diy_oil_change2.htm

see where the wrench is using the special oil filter wrench:




This one is for a 95 E420, however, the engine is the same in 97 E420. For a DIY oil change for the 97 E420 engine go here:

http://www.mercedesshop.com/diy_oil_change.htm

FSS can also be reset at home. I will post once I find it.

phungpho

E55 KEV,

'The oil change for a 97 E-Class is not the same for the 99. The new/currant engine came on all 98 models'

Is it because the 97 E320 a straight 6 and the later model (98 and up) is V6 ???

nice digital camera... :p

E55 KEV

phungpho,

The 98 E320 (V6) & E430 are the newer twin spark plug 3-valve per cylinder modular engines. The 96-97 E320 is the straight 6 cylinder carried over from the W124 chassis.

Darkmann

Great stuff E55 KEV. I've always wanted to do in-between oil changes on my '01 E430 but couldn't find the appropriate instructions. Now I have it. Now I can do it in between oil changes as I do with my 300ZXT. Anyway, a few questions on the "oil_change2.htm" page. 1) fourth picture down where you have th filter shaft and cover assembly. Do you push the filter through the shaft first then put on the O-rings or do you put on the O-rings first? 2) 7th pic down; I was thinking of replacing the OEM air filter with a K&N version. Any comments? 3) 8th Pic down; Is it really easier to pour the new oil down the oil filter housing than through the oil filler?

Of course, you're not liable to any damage I cause to my vehicle if I use any of the procedures in your response. Thanks.

E55 KEV

Darkmann, I hope those photos and instructions are helful. I would recommend doing exactly as they suggest. That forum is run to ASC certified mechanics and Mercedes enthusiants.

It states to oil the rubber gaskets, put them on and then put the oil filter on after the gaskets.

I wanted a K&N filter for my 98 E430 and they took to long to produce it. I traded it. I am going to change to E55 filters to K&N because they are better and reuseable.

My neigbor has always change his 98 E320 oil. I have not done my one. I ask to borrow his oil removal tool and the removed the top mounted oil filter housing by hand - NO TOOLS. No kidding.

Darkmann

Man, it sure helps. Like I said earlier, I have been wanting to do the in-between oil change myself and after the post yesterday, I opened the hood to do a visual inspection and couldn't believe how easy it is to change the oil & filter. Today, I went looking for the "topsider" contraption to suck out the oil from top - couldn't find any anywhere. Local auto shops didn't know what I was talking about. Any idea where I can get one? Thanks. the tool I may be able to get from MB.

phungpho

I went looking for the "topsider" contraption to suck out the oil from top

Darkmann,
If you can't get the 'Topsider' contraption, then you still can do it by removing the oil drain bolt from the bottom of the engine. It's very easy, but may be not very convenient ... To do it:
1. The car should be raised (with the jack,...)
2. Remove the black plastic cover underneath the engine. No big deal.
3. Remove the oil drain bolt... That's it !

I prefer that classic way better than the 'Topsider' way ...

OK, if too much work for you, another option is: Go to a gas station, bring in with you the oil, oil filter and the special Mercedes oil filter wrench and they can do it for you. They charge me 10$ for the labor... very cheap and you don't have to wait...

So far, the first time, I did it by myself (at 1500 miles), the second time at the gas station (too lazy, at 4500 miles, after 1 year), and the last time at the dealer (schedule A, at 6500 miles, almost after 2 years !!!).
I didn't reset the FSS in between the oil changes.... Try it.....

E55 KEV

The topsider is available mail/internet order. Do a web search.

Another type is sold at www.GriotsGarage.com.

http://www.griotsgarage.com/catalog.jsp?&SKU=10122

Darkmann

Thanks for the advice. I really want to do it and I'll get the Topsider - I'll do a net search 'till I find one. 6,500 miles in 2 yrs??? You don't like driving or what??? Or is it that the E is driven on Mondays, 9-3, then you take the Ferrari out for the rest of the day, the Hummer on Tueaday AM, then the Rolls in the PM hours, then may be the M5 on Wednesday AM, etc, etc. That's very low mileage. I have 16K on my E430 and it's not even a year yet!!!

E55 KEV

This procedure is from www.mercedesshop.com:

"FSS reset procedure

It should be in your owner's manual. On my 1998 E 430 the process is clearly explained on page-93.

Make sure your doors are closed.

1) Insert key into ignition and turn to position 2.

2) Within 4 seconds push button "0" and release.(this is the odometer reset button)

3) Within 10 seconds turn key to position 0.

4) Press and hold button "0" while turning the key back to position 2. Continue to hold button "0".

5) After approx 10 seconds a signal sounds and the display will show 10000 miles or 15000 km. Release the button"