how do you change the F.I. oil etc....

[erickmarciano]

just got the car and waiting for the big blue book
what oil does the manual Transmission take?

and the Differential oil ?
and the F.I. Pump oil ? and how do you change it?


thanks
erick


1971 280sl
1962 VW
1954 Allstate vespa
1958 gs150 vespa
1962 gs160 vespa

[rwmastel]

Eric,

Congratulations on your purchase!  My best advice is to use the search tool for the forum, it works well.  Not only can you get answers to your questions, but you will always learn something tangential to your topic.

I don't know about particular brands:
- Manual transmission actually uses automatic transmission fluid
- F.I. pump is fed engine oil through a line - no maintenance
- Differential is 90 weight hypoid gear oil unless you have a limited-slip diff.

This is all from memory from reading other people's posts.  It sounds like you need an owners manual to go along with your BBB.  I also highly recommend the Haynes manual and most importantly the MB Spare Parts List book.  Also, depending on the version of the BBB you get, it may not have all info in it.  Some jobs were only printed in the early manuals (for the 230SL) and not included in the later version.

I hope you really enjoy the "new" car!

Rodd
1966 230SL Euro
1994 E420

[erickmarciano]

how do i know if i have a limited slip diff?
how much engine , trans , diff do i need ?
i am still waiting for my manuals

thanks Erick marciano

1971 280sl
1962 VW
1954 Allstate vespa
1958 gs150 vespa
1962 gs160 vespa

[rwmastel]

Your data card would tell you if you have a limited-slip (I don't know the option code, but it's in our database).

quote:how much engine , trans , diff do i need ?

I would say you need one of each!  

I have a 230SL, so this might be different for a 280SL, but my diff takes about 2.5 quarts of oil.  Basically, you fill it until it comes out the fill hole.  My engine takes about 6.5 quarts of oil when changing the filer too.  I have no idea how much transmission fluid you need.  Don't forget to flush/fill the brake fluid.  I have read that you can flush the power steering fluid.  There's also the coolant to change.

Thanks,

Rodd
1966 230SL Euro
1994 E420

[tuultyme]

Only fill the diff when the car is on the road wheels not with the car up on jacks or you will over fill the rear end.

Bruce; Green 1970 280SL.

[n/a]

Bruce, you mean with the car level right? Extended wheels can't change the volume of the the differential can it? How can that be?

Rudy
Los Angeles
1971 280 SL

[erickmarciano]

where do i find a data card for my car

quote:Originally posted by rwmastel

Your data card would tell you if you have a limited-slip (I don't know the option code, but it's in our database).

quote:how much engine , trans , diff do i need ?

I would say you need one of each!  

I have a 230SL, so this might be different for a 280SL, but my diff takes about 2.5 quarts of oil.  Basically, you fill it until it comes out the fill hole.  My engine takes about 6.5 quarts of oil when changing the filer too.  I have no idea how much transmission fluid you need.  Don't forget to flush/fill the brake fluid.  I have read that you can flush the power steering fluid.  There's also the coolant to change.

Thanks,

Rodd
1966 230SL Euro
1994 E420

1971 280sl
1962 VW
1954 Allstate vespa
1958 gs150 vespa
1962 gs160 vespa

[rwmastel]

I did a search for "data card", using the exact phrase, and found this thread:
http://index.php?topic=434+card

Rodd
1966 230SL Euro
1994 E420

[George Davis]

Rudy, (jumping in here for Bruce)

the differential should only be filled with the rear axles straight, not drooping, as if the car were sitting on the rear wheels.  If the axles are drooping, diff oil runs down into the axle tubes, resulting in overfilling.

I use a pair of ramps to raise the rear of the car for this, since the weight of the car stays on the wheels and the axles stay straight.

Not sure if the entire car should be level, I just raise the rear of the car.  My ramps are only 5-6 inches high, so this probably doesn't make much difference.

George Davis
'69 280 SL Euro manual

[Naj ✝︎]

Gearge,
I think the car is meant to be level when the oil is checked. If you raise the back end, it will show a lower level, resulting in overfilling??
naj

naj
'Kloines Scheisserle'
65 230SL
68 280SL

[n/a]

That is so odd George. I would never imagine a design where oil could run into the axles. These truly are amazing cars. I guess people who are more familiar with Mercedes don't find these little quirks discussed on this forum fascinating, but I do.

Rudy
Los Angeles
1971 280 SL

[n/a]

That is so odd George. I would never imagine a design where oil could run into the axles. These truly are amazing cars. I guess people who are more familiar with Mercedes don't find these little quirks discussed on this forum fascinating, but I do.

Rudy
Los Angeles
1971 280 SL

[rwmastel]

I'm assuming it's bad if oil runs down the axle?

- Why isn't there a seal?
- What bad things happen if it gets in there?

Thanks,

Rodd
1966 230SL Euro
1994 E420