HOW TO CHANGE YOUR OIL ON A MERCEDES-BENZ E350(W212 CHASSIS)

Today I show you how to change your oil on a Mercedes E350(W212) enjoy!
Tools used in this video.
Oil filter cup- amzn.to/3OA1Owh
Ratchet- amzn.to/3Ofurzl
Bonded gasket- amzn.to/3XcQkDd
As a amazon associate I do earn a commission on qualifying sales if you use the link.
I'm not sponsored everything shown here is purchased with my own money and are used by me in everyday work.
Disclaimer:
Due to factors beyond the control of The Enthusiast Mechanic, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. The Enthusiast Mechanic assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. The Enthusiast Mechanic recommends safe practices when working with tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of The Enthusiast Mechanic, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained.

[@SeiskaTie]

The oil drain plug has long thread because the oilpan is aluminium and you don't want to thigten the plug too much. Long threads spread the load better and helps the sealing on low tightening torques

[@TheEnthusiastMechanic]

That’s good to know I never knew that thanks for sharing/educating me on this!

[@blixtkrig]

I was going to write the same

[@kamilkazmierczak2842]

GERMAN TECHNOLOGY!- overcomplicated to the max

[@richardmorse5307]

Job clearly explained and well done.

[@robertkeefer1552]

I like that filter location. Easily accessible. On my RAV4 it's underneath by the oil pan. It's easy to get to. I do my oil changes since some people like to Gorilla tighten the filter housing and drain plugs. I also use the Toyota aluminum housing instead of the plastic one.

[@TheEnthusiastMechanic]

Those Rav4's are easy to do an oil change as well!

[@moisesperez4659]

That filter looks super clean. 18 fp for cap and 22 fp for plug.

[@TheEnthusiastMechanic]

This particular customer who owns this car really takes care of it. He changes the oil every three months, no matter what the mileage on it.

[@PinkCougar]

Excellent video. I have few remarks. I have MB e350 coupe V6 2010. Last time I changed the engine oil, they changed it from the dipstick hole using a suction pump. I was surprised as I used to see them doing the classic oil drain from underneath. I was skeptical that not all the oil drained so I asked them to open the underneath drain to check for any residual oil. To my surprise, it did not drain any oil meaning that the suction method via the dipstick hole is very effective in addition of being much simpler. I noticed the oil filter has one rubber ring. My car model looks a bit different and has 3 rubber rings. Finally, the car manual says it takes 8.4 L not 6. Thank you for the video.

[@TheEnthusiastMechanic]

I believe your car might have the older variant V6, around the year where the new body style came out. I know that they had a switch over that would explain the differences between the oil filter and how much oil it takes. As far as the suction method I’ve done it in the past however, I’m old-school I still prefer to drain it. I feel I can get more out of the car that way, but that’s just personal preference. Not an actual fact I’m just old school

[@moisesperez4659]

Different engine.

[@grumpyoldgit8254]

@@TheEnthusiastMechanic you also get to see if there any nasties on the sump plug if you fit a magnetic one

[@TheOcelot17]

Most mechs pull the oil out the dipstick tube. Really don't want to be messing around with those fragile threads on that aluminum oil pan. @@TheEnthusiastMechanic

[@TheEnthusiastMechanic]

@@TheOcelot17 I''m a risk-taker when it comes to this 😂😂

[@williambrandt9254]

I think you have the V6 that succeeded my M272 in my 2011 E350 Nicely presented I have always used a suction device through the dipstick tube eliminating lifting the car up and removing panels and opening drain plugs The recent Mercedes at least from the 80s of all designed the oil pan to be at the deepest point right where the dipstick tube comes in But each to their own - no criticism implied or intended I've always bought my oil at the dealer which is the 5W 40 and was told it was the mobil one. I didn't realize you could buy it under their own label in this country as I've never seen it but I'll look for it

[@TheEnthusiastMechanic]

Thank you! You are correct this is the M276 engine on this model. I’ve always drained them from the pan it’s just how I was taught both the drain and suction work just depends on what you prefer. Here in the states Mobil 1 is very common and easily found at most stores (At least here where I live in Chicago,IL) otherwise calling the dealer gets you the same oil just in a Mercedes bottle.

[@andrewa.3304]

Good video! No nonsense talk! How much oil do you put inside the housing? Thanks for this video

[@TheEnthusiastMechanic]

Depending on the year, it’ll vary because they do change engines on a few models. They’re not all the same I would look up your specific car. This particular car takes about 7 quarts.

[@stevecooper6069]

here in the UK MB dealers change the engine oil by using a suction pump via the oil dipstick hole , works fine. One small observation during this video, was the fact that the oil drain plug that had a copper washer was replaced with s steel washer that had a rubber insert to seal it....not too sure about the longivity of this seal as rubber & oil dont mix.

[@TheEnthusiastMechanic]

We do that here too it’s becoming more common nowadays… yes you observed well and you are correct I used this due to not having the copper ones in stock at the time but I did switch it out this is a regular car I maintain

[@ikeudechukwu5018]

This is the M276 engine which i consider one of the best engines Mercedes ever made. It came in 3.0 liter and 3.5 liter versions naturally aspirated. The 3.0 liter engines were twin turboed and thrown into C400, C450, E400, E450, C43 AMG, E53 AMG, etc. This is the only Mercedes Benz engine i know that was used in the W204 and W205 chassis, abd i think it was used in some W206 chassis too. This engine can take a beating as long as you change your oil regularly. By regularly, i mean a minimum of three times a year. Ignore Mercedes 10,000 miles recomnendation. The M272/273 which it replaced had too many issues and was too sensitive. M276 was built like a Japanese engine. Do not baby this engine so long as you change your oil regularly. Babying it can cause carbon build up inside. It needs to be pushed. Change your spark plugs at 60,000 miles. If you can do it at 50,000 miles, that woukd be even better. You will get a check engine light if you do not change the spark plugs. Use only Mercedes spark plugs, and use the specified torque because the plugs are indexed.

[@pg41226]

As a diy car mechanic, non native English speaker, what do you mean with ‘the sparks are indexed’? Does it mean that the torque valua has been specified? 😊

[@ikeudechukwu5018]

@@pg41226It means you have to install it using very specific torque which i think is about 17lb/ft of torque

[@abdul-kabiralegbe5660]

​​@@ikeudechukwu5018 Also, the reason for the indexing is because the bent negative electrode at the lower end of the plug needs to face a certain direction relative to other components in the combustion chamber like the injector. Edit: Good to see a fellow auto enthusiast from this side of the world who knows what he's talking about.

[@chazmuska]

Actually, I have the M272 engine (2011 E350) and it's solid, has no issues, and is currently at 125,000 miles. You just have to make sure the intake manifold is updated because of a weak plastic part that breaks but it's nothing with the internals of the engine. The M272 is slightly down on "peak" HP but also, from what I read and experienced, a quieter engine than the M276. Since the M272 engine is port-injected, it's also self-cleaning, unlike the M276 because it sprays the air-fuel mixture before the valves. There are pros and cons to both, but you can't go wrong with either one. Way better than the 4cylinder turbo crap engines they're putting in today's cars with more parts to break. Even with Hybrids. Less is more!

[@ikeudechukwu5018]

@@chazmuska Many 2006 and 2007 C230 had drive shaft problems in their M272 engine. Mercedes fixed it and returned them back to their earlier W204 chassis. I think they also updated the worst intake manifold I have ever seen with plastic moving parts that breaks within 10 years. I replaced mine as well. M276 is a sports car compared to M272. M276 has higher horsepower and is more responsive. M276 is direct injected and it loves to be pushed. I love the growl it makes. As long as you change the spark plugs every 60,000 miles, you are good. I get headaches when i think about the M272. M272 was pure German technology. M276 appears to have been built like a Japanese car. M272 cannot take the beating and abuse the M276 can handle without breaking. I have immense confidence in the M276 which I never had with the M272.

[@Atl-pu6fk]

Excellent video

[@saabreplay7553]

Great video. Thank you. It would be nice if you actually stated the size of the fasteners as you were working with them.

[@TheEnthusiastMechanic]

Thank you and I agree I have to get used to stating things like that

[@glasser2819]

it's a pretty good idea to empty the M276 oil catch-can located at the intake track.

[@04svt_twinscrew]

Where is this exactly?

[@glasser2819]

@@04svt_twinscrew right at the very front between the throttle body and the air filter... full of the oil coming back out of the intake

[@04svt_twinscrew]

@@glasser2819 thank you, about to do this service so I'll check it

[@CaptainReverendo]

Great vid would have been helpful to report the sizes of the bolts for the bottom plastic cover and all the other bits though ❤

[@TheEnthusiastMechanic]

The bolts on the plastic underneath our 8 mm and the drain plug I believe was a 12 mm. I don’t list the sizes because depending on the car sometimes someone might have changed them at some point like the drain plug on this car. I know it has been changed. It had a smaller diameter than the original one.

[@CaptainReverendo]

@@TheEnthusiastMechanic thank you that is exactly what they turned out to be 🎉🥰

[@SalmAndrew]

Great job

[@samuraisaint2360]

Thank you !

[@RF-ww5mp]

great video

[@TheEnthusiastMechanic]

Thank you!

[@Itsme-mr8xg]

Excuse my ignorance, but I watched your video and another guys as well. You are using 6qt of 5W-40 vs the other guy using 8 and a half qt of 0w-30. I typically do my oil changes at Mercedes yearly but want to do it this time myself.

[@TheEnthusiastMechanic]

The best thing I can tell you that these models came with quite a few different engines, depending on what part of the world year in. Therefore there may be some different specifications. I would call your local service center or dealership to get all the correct information on what you need for the vehicle. Here in the US the best example if you have a 2011 E350 versus a 2012 E350 it’s actually two different engines that they used as a changeover and the vehicle still look identical from the outside.

[@thomking6553]

good content

[@TheEnthusiastMechanic]

Thank you!

[@jurek7792]

Thanks !!!

[@Unknown-pc9yq]

Here's a little tip I just learned the hard way. Don't seat the oil filter gasket all the way to the top. It will leak and by leak I mean many quarts of in seconds.

[@TheEnthusiastMechanic]

It’s the second groove from the top

[@Unknown-pc9yq]

@@TheEnthusiastMechanic oh I figured that out 3.5 quarts of oil all over the car / under body / protection panels. Hopefully 5 cans of break cleaner is enough. That's all my local store had!

[@TheEnthusiastMechanic]

@@Unknown-pc9yq if not, you can use some degreaser diluted and just go ahead and clean out and rinse out the whole engine bay. Just cover up your alternator with a bag.

[@vihtoripuurola3775]

I like to use the sucky method to pull the oil out of the dipstick. Clean and simple.

[@TheEnthusiastMechanic]

I have done that before however you don't get all the dirt and grime out using the suction method

[@ralphvonfellbach9073]

I would say you cant go wrong with a Mahle or Mann filter. Wondering what you guys say. Also i like 0-w40 mobile1. Wondering whats your comments ob that.

[@TheEnthusiastMechanic]

I’d go Mann or Mahle but prefer oem if available I think oem is Mahle I’m not too sure. I use Mobil I like the 5w40 but 0w40 is fine as long as your climate temps for where you live are adequate for its use.

[@AlGolzari]

Your video is thorough for beginners however it would have been good if you focused 10-15 seconds on where the large o-ring on the oil filter housing goes. That’s important for newbies to know. It needs to go into the groove that is a little wider and close to the top but not the top. A lot of newbies put the large o ring for the oil filter housing all the way on top (innocent mistake) but you’ll get oil all over your engine. The KZbin algorithm loaded your video on my ‘next up’ list. I’ve been doing oil changes on my M:272 engine for a while now. You should also explain why you opened the oil filter housing before you drained the oil so newbies can understand that these top filters have an anti drain valve so by opening it a bit - which you properly did - old oil in the housing will also drain out. Otherwise your video is good for its purpose.

[@TheEnthusiastMechanic]

I’ll agree with you I should have shown that O-ring a little bit more thoroughly, but as far as the drain back, I did mention to takeoff the filter for the air gap that was my way of explaining it I didn’t wanna get to critical and make this seem too tedious.

[@AlGolzari]

@@TheEnthusiastMechanicFair enough! 🙂

[@kevinsanderson8755]

i made that exact newbie mistake, what a mess!

[@RickGrossmanAttorney]

Where is the ATF dipstick for this particular model

[@TheEnthusiastMechanic]

These don’t use a transmission dipstick they have a overflow style design that tells you when their property filled

[@kamilkazmierczak2842]

GERMAN TECHNOLOGY!- overcomplicated to the max

[@mightymouse5233]

what about changing the transmission fluid with no dip stick

[@TheEnthusiastMechanic]

I haven’t done one yet, that has that but those require a pump and a scanner to get the correct level.

[@AlexCristobal-y8b]

I have a 2012 Mercedes Benz E350 blueefficiency, what type of oil do you recommend I use?

[@TheEnthusiastMechanic]

I believe for that year there’s four different grades that Mercedes recommends depends on the climate where you live. I actually would use 5W-40 that’s been the common one for years

[@wingandwang5634]

does the filter cup have to be sprayed down? can i use wheel cleaner instead of brake cleaner? thanks

[@TheEnthusiastMechanic]

It’s good to clean it out gets out any debris and wheel cleaner isn’t the same as brake cleaner I wouldn’t use anything but brake cleaner

[@korenestokke64]

Informative video, thank you! Can I put 5W-30 in my 2012 E550 (v8)?

[@TheEnthusiastMechanic]

I would have to look up the specs there are a few oils that you can interchange with them however, 5W 40 is usually the standard

[@korenestokke64]

I see. Is it bad to mix oils?

[@TheEnthusiastMechanic]

I would not mix oils always use the same type and weight

[@ZBYCHU__]

You should use oil with 229.3/229.5 norm

[@AntonioKiloz]

Any tips on how to screw on oil filter housing? I followed the video step by step and oil would spill through the top of engine through oil filter hole due to the gasket getting pinched every time when I screw on oil filter housing

[@TheEnthusiastMechanic]

The gasket shouldn't pinch if you installed it in the right grooves i would chack the opkacement of the oring and possibly replace it

[@JMP350]

I see you have a link but what size bonded oil plug gasket do you use ?

[@TheEnthusiastMechanic]

I forget which one off the top of my head, but that is a kit there’s a variety of sizes

[@maxagent86]

Do you have a link to those crush washers? Good video.

[@TheEnthusiastMechanic]

amzn.to/3XcQkDd

[@GetErrDun]

I live in Denver and have a 2010 e350 4 matic what oil do u recommend and does my high altitude factor in the kind i use???

[@TheEnthusiastMechanic]

It depends on how cold it is most of the days up there here in Illinois I always use 5W-40. You may want to use something like 5W-30 if your climate is colder throughout the year as far as altitude I don’t think that is anything to do with oil.

[@darkskinwhite]

I don't believe altitude has much to do with oil, just temperature. I live in wisconsin, unless you're way up in the mountains I doubt your winter is much colder than mine (probably get more snow though lol) thinner air will change how your engine runs but that's what all your sensors and whatnot are for so as long as your car isnt choking out you should good.

[@knguyen3348]

How.maynquart of oil does it takes

[@TheEnthusiastMechanic]

This particular car took about 7 quarts.

[@amyblair9899]

Where is the link to the filter housing tool?

[@TheEnthusiastMechanic]

It’s in the description, but here’s the link if you want it amzn.to/3OA1Owh

[@ephillips5046]

What is the size of bolts on the plastic cover at the bottom of car? What is the size of the drain plug? Rookie mistakes.

[@TheEnthusiastMechanic]

I’m here to show you the process of how to do it not to hold your hand throughout the whole process. Sometimes the bolts and drain plugs will vary on sizes depending on if someone’s been there before. Not a rookie mistake lol 😂

[@rajahparks4514]

Does the w212 e350 take 0w-40 or 5w-40?

[@TheEnthusiastMechanic]

I’ve always use 5W 40 mobile one European formula

[@moisesperez4659]

Both will do. As long as it complies with MB 229.5 which Mobil one European formula complies. Available at Walmart.

[@shanejzx1002]

What year is this car??? Someone asked me to do a oil change on a 2016 E350

[@TheEnthusiastMechanic]

This is a 2012 if it’s the 3.5 L it’s virtually identical

[@MaanSh-u9l]

How much litres of oil for this engine 3.5 please

[@TheEnthusiastMechanic]

If memory serves me correct it may be around 7 quarts which is 7 L

[@tznkillzbillgaming5828]

what oil did u use

[@TheEnthusiastMechanic]

I showed it in the video. It’s mobile one.

[@tznkillzbillgaming5828]

@@TheEnthusiastMechanic thanks for the response i was having trouble because it said to go to the owner manual and sll that showed me was what to use according to temp and it was all so confusing and the man at Walmart said 0w 40 i said thanks but i knew it didn't sound right really confusing but now i know its 5w-40

[@TheMrbob98]

is it bad if my filter doesnt have that plastic extension part with o ring at the end

[@TheEnthusiastMechanic]

So, depending on the year and the engine, you may or may not have that not all of these cars are exactly the same, but if you should have it and you’re missing it, that may be an issue

[@TheMrbob98]

@@TheEnthusiastMechanic it’s a 2010 e350 W212 with m272 engine

[@TheEnthusiastMechanic]

I believe you should have it you should use the genuine oem filter

[@TheMrbob98]

Turns out i didnt have it after all. Thanks for the video though

[@watchmanmichael2023]

😊👍

[@gonzokolos]

Very disappointed, that you didn‘t use a proper tool to achieve 25nM!

[@TheEnthusiastMechanic]

When I used to work at the Mercedes dealer, I did quite a few of these with the torque wrench that I kind of built up the feel for how tight it needs to be that’s why I particularly didn’t use the torque wrench on it.

[@pg41226]

‘Original filter’ made by purflux 😂

[@TheEnthusiastMechanic]

I don’t know who makes them, but I know they’re genuine when you buy them in a Mercedes box😂

[@marksmotorcycle375]

Go ahead go ahead go ahead, I had to turn off, could not listen to you say go ahead any longer.

[@TheEnthusiastMechanic]

👍

[@fiveneophilosophies9145]

Wrong... use a $18 electric oil plump and suck the oil out of the dip stick tube, replace the filter and refill with 5-40 synthetic oil. Add Prolong oil additive. Done in 10 minutes without raising the car. Repeat every 3k to 5k miles, not 10k miles like the dash timer or dealer says to. $40 and done in a few minutes. Your car will go over 500,000 miles if you do it this way under normal mild driving.

[@TheEnthusiastMechanic]

Even though you can use the suction method, the way I do it in the video is not the wrong way. I used to work for a franchise dealer network that had a Mercedes franchise I worked on them for years. We always drained them and to be quite honest with you your $18 oil pump doesn’t have quite enough power to get all of the oil out. If you’re going to be doing the suction method you need quite a powerful tool for suction, I’m able to suction out oil at my shop and I invested in the $500 tool to get all the oil out. The cheap pumps don’t do that unfortunately. They are actually prone to leaving oil and waste materials at the bottom of the pan where they can’t reach and overtime that builds up. To be quite honest with you when it comes to such a vital service why would anyone care about how quick they can do it. If you take 30 minutes out of your day to do it the right way your car will last a lot longer because I guarantee you doing it your way your car won’t last!

[@fiveneophilosophies9145]

Wrong again. Oil changing pumps are all the same. Any cheap pump will remove 99% of the dirty oil. I have been doing it for 10 years. Draining from the tiny pan hole plug also leaves the same 1% dirty oil in the pan. There is also dirty oil in the engine that remains. I have the same engine in the car you show. My car has 240K miles and runs perfectly with nearly full power because I change the oil at about 4k miles each time. How a person get's 99% of the oil out is totally up to them. Even the dealer sucks the oil out with a pump. That's why they put the filter on the top of the engine. They do not take extra hours in the day to remove lower engine shields from dozens of clients cars and drain oil under the car. @@TheEnthusiastMechanic

[@TheEnthusiastMechanic]

@@fiveneophilosophies9145 Clearly you don’t know what you’re talking about so let me educate you here for a second. First of all not all pumps are created equal most shops use a vacuum system style pump or a plug-in pump that has a lot more suctioning power than your cheap 12 V pumps. If I have a car that requires this in my shop I have a vacuum air pump that does the job it’s specifically made for suctioning oil like this! Secondly, most dipstick tubes you’re only gonna be able to fit about a 1/4 in plastic hard line to get the oil out. The oil pan drain on most cars is at minimum about a 1/2 in opening which gets more oil out and sediment. Thirdly, when you’re using a suction tool to change your oil you’re fighting against gravity, so any big sediment pieces or anything heavy that tends to stay at the bottom of the pan will not come out versus if you drain it gravity is working to help you. It basically shoots the oil out at a higher rate, and can get more sediment out. The fourth point that I want to mention Mercedes did not engineer this engine to have a filter up top just so you can suction out the oil for oil changes. When’s the last time in engineering company cared about how easy they make it for you or mechanics to service? Lmao The last and final point I never said you were wrong doing it the way you’re doing it both methods work and right now we both have our opinions. However, I made my opinion and didn’t go out and say that the way you’re doing it is wrong I just stated facts your commenting on here and possibly trolling saying that I’m wrong not once, but twice thinking your opinion is a truth. I’ve been in the automotive field for over 15 years. I think I would know some things about what I’m saying I just showed you the more common method that people have been doing since the creation of vehicles and oil changes and like the old saying goes if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, I’ll just leave you with that next time you come here commenting make sure you come with facts not just opinions of yours that you interpret to be factual, but are quite the contrary!

[@fiveneophilosophies9145]

wrong again... Wrong wrong wrong. I have been doing the vacuum method for 10+ years and 170K miles with the exact engine you are showing. The dealer does the same method. How oil is drawn out of the Mercedes dip stick is not rocket science as long as a person get's 7+ quarts of dirty oil out of the engine, which even a cheap $20 pump does in a few minutes. You are wasting my time and dead wrong.@@TheEnthusiastMechanic

[@TheEnthusiastMechanic]

Lmfao 🤣 🤣🤣🤣 wasting your time you have nothing better to do guy…… you can do a lot of things for a long time doesn’t mean you’re doing it correctly. You can shred carrots with a hammer technically if you wanted but just because you can do it that way. It doesn’t mean it’s the best way come on guy you should know better lol. 😂 by the way, I really am starting to think you own one of these cheap 12 V pump companies since you’re so adamant about them. Haha

[@trashtrash406]

You forgot to show how to clear or reset the oil change in the dashboard.

[@TheEnthusiastMechanic]

This video was just specifically on how to do the service not how to reset it. I left that out intentionally because it could vary from year to year on these models.

[@AlexCristobal-y8b]

I have a 2012 Mercedes Benz E350 blueefficiency, what type of oil do you recommend I use?

[@TheEnthusiastMechanic]

Mercedes has four different grades of Oil. I believe you could use on this vehicle. It just depends on climate and where you live but I’ve always trusted in the 5W-40.