280 SL spin-on oil filter conversion

[Ferrolanoman]

It's that time again to change oil on my 280 SL and this time I want to convert the original canister set-up to easy, clean and quick spin on. I want to rid myself of the dread of doing this yearly procedure and of not being able to go to my local NAPA store to buy an ordinary filter. Where can I buy the best conversion kit? Would love to hear from those of you who have done it and are satisfied with the results.
Thanks in advance.
Ricardo

[mdsalemi]

Hello Ricardo,

Last I heard, the "spin on" adapter kit was something devised by the 190SL group, and also sold by them. I believe the innovator was Jim Villers, who is also a member here.

It's at their club store: https://www.190slstore.com/spin-on-oil-filter-adapter/

I have no personal experience with it; it was a consideration but with oil changes being only an annual thing it didn't seem to take high priority on my never shrinking list of things to do...

[Pawel66]

I would have thought oil change in a Pagoda with its filter is not more complicated than if it had a spin on filter. I think Napa could do that. You may just need to provide filter element if they cannot find it in some of their suppliers stock.

[Ferrolanoman]

Paul,
Thanks for your reply. Is this the only option? I ask because I've heard that the 190SL conversion kit needs some modification but, alas, I don't exactly know what it involves. I looked at your link and the quality and appearance of the pieces seem first rate.

[stickandrudderman]

I can't understand the need.
Changing the filter is a very simple job; are you having difficulty sourcing the filter?

[Ferrolanoman]

simple but messy, time consuming, and also inconvenient since cartridge has to be ordered and depending on purveyor more expensive and prone to supply delays. "Leave me alone, I know what I'm doing," K Raikonnen.

[hauser]

I switched couldn't be happier.

[Tomnistuff]

Me too.  I love mine.  To me the o-rings of the original were a pita and changing oil was messy.  If you think you need modifications to use it, ask Jim Villers, a member of both groups - ours and the 190SL group.  I don't remember having to make any modifications, but it has been a few years.  Mine is a 230SL.
The adapter that I bought from the 190SL group came with an good instruction sheet with three good photos and descriping the adapter's use on three different filter housings - an early housing for a wire screen filter, a tall center housing type, and the most common housing type (mine was the last of the three).  They recommend a Mobil 1 M1-208 filter and other compatible filters that match the application: 1997 Nissan Quest 3.00L.  There are two other photos of the adapter installed on the filter houlsing and one with the installed filter.

Tom Kizer

[Ferrolanoman]

Thank you to all who responded to my query. I had a look at the link posted and the kit appears to be well thought out and constructed. Now I need to get off the fence now and get it but don't know how to contact Jim Villiers or place and order with the 190 SL group since I'm not a member there. Can anyone in this forum help me in that regard? My email is <landeira AT colorado DOT edu>
Again, your recommendation is much appreciated.
Merry Christmas to all.
Ricardo

[Tomnistuff]

Google (or another search engine) 190SL group).  You should get the "190SL International group store".
Click on "technical stuff" on the left side and you will find the oil filter adapter.  I don't think you have to join to buy but it's free to register anyway.  It's cheap to join.
You should be able to contact Jim Villers.  I think he is still an officer. 
Tom Kizer

[mdsalemi]

For goodness sake, guys!  Jim Villers is a long standing member RIGHT HERE at SL113.org. Look him up!

[scoot]

I wonder if this would work on my '57 Borgward...

[Pawel66]

I, actually, enjoy oil change and filter replacement the way it is originally set up in 280SL...