Mercedes-Benz W124 oil change, oil grades and capacities
W124 oil change interval: how often should the oil and filter be changed?
The old manual interval is 10,000 km, and on later W124 models the factory interval is 15,000 km. The filter is changed with the oil. In cold weather condensation collects in the oil, so in Finland an interval of no more than about 10,000 km is recommended, and short trips mean more frequent changes.
What oil suits the W124?
Synthetic 5W-40 or 5W-50 oil has been recommended for the diesel. With mineral oil the change interval is halved if the car is used under severe conditions: city driving, trips under 10 km, long standing periods, heavy towing or dusty driving.
How much engine oil does the W124 take?
The OM601 engine takes 6.5 litres. The 230 E (M102) takes about 5.0 litres. The 300 TD takes about 7.5 litres.
The W124 oil pan drain plug is seized. How do I get it open?
Use a proper hex socket; a socket of the wrong size rounds off the head. A sharp blow to a ratchet or breaker bar loosens the plug better than steady force. The tightening torque is 25 Nm on M102, M103, M104 and M111 engines, and 25 or 30 Nm on 601, 602 and 603 diesels depending on plug size.