Maintaining your 2011 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is crucial for its longevity and performance. One of the most important and routine maintenance tasks is changing the engine oil. While you can always take your C-Class to a professional mechanic, performing an oil change yourself is a straightforward process that can save you money and give you a deeper understanding of your vehicle. This guide provides a detailed, step-by-step walkthrough on how to perform a traditional oil change on your 2011 Benz C-Class, specifically the C250 model, using a drain plug method.
Tools and Materials You’ll Need
Before you begin, gather all the necessary tools and materials. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more efficient. Here’s what you will need for your 2011 Mercedes-Benz C-Class oil change:
- Special Oil Filter Wrench (14 Points, 74mm): Mercedes-Benz utilizes a cartridge-type oil filter, requiring this specific wrench for removal.
- Ramp or Jack and Jack Stands: To safely elevate your vehicle and access the undercarriage. Ramps are generally easier for oil changes, but jack stands offer more stability if you prefer.
- 8mm Socket: For removing the screws securing the underbody panels.
- 13mm Socket: For loosening and tightening the engine oil drain plug.
- Torque Wrench: Essential for properly tightening the oil filter housing and drain plug to the manufacturer’s specifications, preventing leaks and damage.
- Ratchet: To use with the sockets and oil filter wrench.
- Gloves: Protect your hands from hot oil and grease.
- Used Oil Catching Pan: To collect the old oil during draining.
- 8 Liters of Mobil 1 0W-40 European Car Formula Engine Oil: Mercedes-Benz recommends this specific oil type for optimal performance and engine protection. Always consult your owner’s manual to confirm the correct oil specification for your specific engine.
- Mann HU 718/5X Oil Filter: This is the correct oil filter for many 2011 Mercedes-Benz C-Class models. Ensure it comes with new O-rings.
- New Copper Drain Plug Washer: A new washer is crucial for preventing leaks after reinstalling the drain plug.
Step-by-Step Oil Change Procedure
Now that you have everything prepared, let’s proceed with the oil change. Follow these steps carefully for a successful DIY oil change on your 2011 Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
Step 1: Warm Up the Engine
Start your 2011 Benz C-Class and let the engine run for a few minutes. Warming up the oil makes it less viscous and easier to drain completely. After a few minutes, drive the car onto your ramps or safely lift it with a jack and secure it with jack stands. Ensure the vehicle is stable and secure before proceeding underneath.
Step 2: Access the Engine Bay and Remove Engine Cover
Open the hood of your Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Locate and remove the front section of the plastic engine cover. This will provide access to the oil filter housing.
Step 3: Remove the Underbody Panels
Locate the underbody panels beneath the engine. Using your 8mm socket, remove the approximately 12 screws that secure these panels. Carefully remove both panels to expose the oil pan and drain plug.
Step 4: Expose the Oil Pan
With the underbody panels removed, the oil pan and drain plug will be clearly visible and accessible.
Step 5: Prepare for Oil Drainage
Open the oil filler cap located on top of the engine. This will help the old oil drain out more smoothly by allowing air to enter the engine. Position your used oil catching pan beneath the oil drain plug.
Step 6: Drain the Old Engine Oil
Using your 13mm socket and ratchet, carefully loosen and remove the oil drain plug. Be prepared for the oil to drain out quickly once the plug is fully removed. Wear gloves to protect yourself from hot oil. Allow the oil to drain completely into the pan.
Step 7: Remove the Old Oil Filter
While the oil is draining, turn your attention to the oil filter housing in the engine bay. Attach the special oil filter wrench to your ratchet and use it to unscrew and remove the oil filter housing.
Step 8: Install the New Oil Filter and O-rings
Take out the old oil filter cartridge and the old O-rings from the oil filter housing. Lubricate the new O-rings with fresh engine oil and install them in their correct positions on the oil filter housing. Install the new Mann HU 718/5X oil filter cartridge into the housing.
Step 9: Reinstall the Oil Filter Housing
Carefully screw the oil filter housing back onto the engine. Use your torque wrench to tighten it to 25NM (Newton Meters). Proper torque is crucial to prevent leaks.
Step 10: Inspect the Old Oil
Take a moment to examine the drained engine oil. Its condition can provide insights into the engine’s health and the effectiveness of your oil change intervals. In this example, the oil has been used for 7481 kilometers.
Step 11: Reinstall the Drain Plug with New Washer
Once the old oil has fully drained, clean the drain plug and install the new copper washer. Screw the drain plug back into the oil pan by hand to avoid cross-threading. Then, use your torque wrench to tighten it to the manufacturer-recommended torque specification (typically around 25-30 NM, but confirm the exact value for your 2011 C-Class).
Step 12: Add New Engine Oil
Refer to your owner’s manual for the exact oil capacity of your 2011 Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Typically, it’s around 7-8 liters. Pour in about 7 liters of the new Mobil 1 0W-40 engine oil through the oil filler opening. Replace the oil filler cap.
Step 13: Check Oil Level and Top Off
Start the engine and let it run for a few minutes. This will circulate the new oil. Then, turn off the engine and let it sit for a few minutes to allow the oil to settle. Check the oil level using the dipstick. Add the remaining oil as needed to reach the correct level, ensuring you do not overfill.
Step 14: Reinstall Underbody Panels
Reinstall the underbody panels you removed earlier, securing them with the 8mm screws.
Step 15: Reset the Service Indicator
After completing the oil change, it’s important to reset the service indicator on your 2011 Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Follow these steps:
- Ensure all doors and windows are closed. Turn the ignition key to the first position (position 1 – only the airbag light should be illuminated). If a service reminder message appears, press “OK” to clear it.
- Press and hold the “accept call” button on the right side of the steering wheel. Immediately press and hold the “OK” button on the left side of the steering wheel simultaneously. Hold both buttons for approximately 5 seconds until the hidden service menu appears in the instrument cluster display.
- Use the down arrow button on the steering wheel to navigate to “ASSYST PLUS” in the service menu and press “OK”.
- Navigate down to “FULL SERVICE” and press “OK”.
- Navigate down to “CONFIRM FULL SERVICE” and press “OK”.
- Finally, navigate down to “YES” and press “OK” to confirm the service reset.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You have successfully completed a DIY oil change on your 2011 Mercedes-Benz C-Class. By following these steps, you can save money on maintenance costs and gain valuable experience working on your vehicle. Regular oil changes are essential for keeping your Benz C-Class running smoothly and efficiently for years to come. Remember to always dispose of used oil responsibly at a designated recycling center.
