Oil change on 1999 C180 (W202) - National or DIY?

[mikesh27]

I prefer allen key sockets to actual allen keys.

I've seen this CR-V 3/8 Drive 9 Piece Hex Allen key Socket Bit Set on eBay (end time 12-Mar-11 14:04:34 GMT), which is 3/8in drive, which is what I use. Any idea what size the C series cover takes?

 

[Scott_F]

I'm not sure of the allen key size or where will be cheapest.

 

[grober]

Be aware you will need at least 5 litres [ 5.8 to be exact] to change the oil. You will probably get away with 5 litres since there is usually some left in the engine. Oil level may only come up to half way between min and max but unless your car uses oil that's fine. Some oil companies offer their product in 4 litre containers=sneaky so it pays to check. A 10w40 semi-synthetic Oil is fine for your engine but if you want to extend the service intervals a bit more a move to a fully synthetic 5w40 0w30 5w50 etc will help.
I favour the Millers Oils or Fuchs brands myself.

 

[F0ul_Oli]

I changed the oil on my W202 C180 (when I had one) and was surprised by how easy it was!
Did the oil change on my new to me C220 Diesel and it was the easiest oil change ever!
So much easier than the Trooper I had before!

 

[mikesh27]

Thanks Graeme, I was going to get 6L anyway. I'll probably go for the best value branded (Castrol Magnatex or Mobil).

 

[mikesh27]

Yes, filter element is under the multi sided black roundy thing on n/side of engine towards the front. You need the tool to do it properly but it only costs a few quid. I've got a Pela oil extractor which sucks the oil through the dipstick tube and there's absolutely no crawling around underneath at all. Cost me about £70 or £80 in equipment some years ago but it lasts indefinately and I can use it on all 3 cars I have.

I've seen this Pela Oil Extractor Pump, Tools, Repair Kits & Fixings | Mailspeed Marine_

Bearing in mind will be doing my wife's Streetka and an MR2 Turbo as well, it may worthwhile or do I need to seek out something beefier?

 

[grober]

Thanks Graeme, I was going to get 6L anyway. I'll probably go for the best value branded (Castrol Magnatex or Mobil).

I have used Halfords the Mobil Super 2000 X1 10W/40 Oil 5L at £20 for 5 litres on a couple of occasions and it was fine. Note the Castrol Magnatec is supplied in 4 litre cans! Castrol was criticised in the past for the low synthetic content in their "semi-synthetic" brands but I can't comment on their rather expensive [ by volume] current product.
p.s. That pela will be fine for smaller capacity engines- they are so worth the outlay.

 

[mikesh27]

No that isn't the one - don't try to use a chain-type removal tool on a plastic housing !!

The one you need is a metal dish-type affair which fits over the end of the housing like a large socket and is then turned by your socket ratchet.

Try this URL:

Halfords | Laser Oil Filter Cup Wrench 76mm

Thanks 4 Halfords within 3 miles have these in stock at the advertised price.

 

[mikesh27]

Someone posted a thread about a week ago about Asda selling 4 litres of 10w/40 Magnatic part-synthetic for £10. I think fully synthetic was also on offer at the same price (5w/40 ?).

Approved for MB229.1 standards so should be OK for an older engine.

This offer seems to be still available, tempted to grab three at the weekend for two changes. Where is the best place to buy the plugs and filters out of:

1. Service kit on Internet - arounf £46
2. German and Swedish
3. Halfords
4. Dealer
5. Parts separately on Internet - which are the best third party makes

Thanks for all your ideas.

 

[philepo]

Harbinger of gloom here.

If you do it yourself will you be confident that you will not overtighten the sump plug / undertighten it / same for oil filter?! The have to mess around finding a perfectly flat garage to complete the oil level process. Kwikfat do mobil 1 plus filter for about 40 quid. Seems like a no brainer to me.

Although this doesn't take into account the satidfaction of pottering on cars, which is nice.

 

[mikesh27]

Philepo, it's most definately a no brainer and I'll be saving £0, but when a man's gotta tinker, a man's gotta tinker.

I'm getting an oil extractor and leaving the sump plug alone (good idea, bad idea??)

Any advice on filters (200% variation on price on net), Iridium plugs or standard?

Thanks,

Mike

 

[Scott_F]

This offer seems to be still available, tempted to grab three at the weekend for two changes. Where is the best place to buy the plugs and filters out of:

1. Service kit on Internet - arounf £46
2. German and Swedish
3. Halfords
4. Dealer
5. Parts separately on Internet - which are the best third party makes

Thanks for all your ideas.

There is a member here who opened a thread offering a 40% discount on genuine MB service parts - you can serch for the thread or it is updated fairly regulalrly too.

 

[grober]

Philepo, it's most definately a no brainer and I'll be saving £0, but when a man's gotta tinker, a man's gotta tinker.

I'm getting an oil extractor and leaving the sump plug alone (good idea, bad idea??)

Any advice on filters (200% variation on price on net), Iridium plugs or standard?

Thanks,

Mike

Filters Hengst, MAHLE or Knecht or MB [made by Knecht]

PLUGS NGK BCP6E or BCP6ES standard copper core plugs are fine.
NGK Partfinder for Cars & Light Commercial Vehicles

 

[mikesh27]

Thanks Graeme

 

[Smartchoice]

interesting stick I to 5litres