For the 1983 Mercedes Benz 240D with the 2.4L 4-cylinder engine (Code 616.912 A Diesel), the oil capacity is 6.9 quarts with a filter change. Recommended viscosities include 0W-30 or 0W-40 for all temperatures, 10W-40 for temperatures above -20°C, and 5W-30, 5W-40, or 5W-50 for temperatures above -25°C. AMSOIL recommends using 5W-40 FS 100% Synthetic European Motor Oil or 0W-40 FS 100% Synthetic European Motor Oil for optimal protection.
What oil does a 1983 Mercedes Benz 240D take?
The 1983 Mercedes Benz 240D with the 616.912 A diesel engine requires specific viscosities based on operating temperatures. The AMSOIL lookup identifies an oil grade of SEO41. For all temperature ranges, 0W-30 and 0W-40 are suitable. In warmer climates (above -20°C), 10W-40 is appropriate, while for temperatures above -25°C, options include 5W-30, 5W-40, and 5W-50.
AMSOIL product recommendations
Based on the specific requirements for your 1983 Mercedes Benz 240D, AMSOIL provides high-performance synthetic options to maintain engine and transmission longevity.
| Component | AMSOIL Product Name | Product Code |
|---|---|---|
| Engine Oil | 5W-40 FS 100% Synthetic European Motor Oil | EFMQT-EA |
| Engine Oil | 0W-40 FS 100% Synthetic European Motor Oil | EFOQT-EA |
| Coolant | Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant | ANTPC1G-EA |
| Coolant | Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant | ANT1G-EA |
| Automatic Transmission | Signature Series Multi-Vehicle ATF | ATFPK-EA |
| Automatic Transmission | OE Multi-Vehicle ATF | OTFQT-EA |
| Manual Transmission | Signature Series Multi-Vehicle ATF | ATFPK-EA |
| Brake/Clutch Fluid | DOT 3 and DOT 4 Synthetic Brake Fluid | BFLVCN-EA |
| Power Steering | 100% Synthetic Multi-Vehicle Power Steering Fluid | PSFCN-EA |
Engine Oil Specifications
| Viscosity Range | Temperature Condition |
|---|---|
| 0W-30, 0W-40 | All Temperatures |
| 10W-40 | Above -20°C |
| 5W-30, 5W-40, 5W-50 | Above -25°C |
Engine Oil Capacity and Torque
When performing an oil change, ensure you have the correct amount of fluid to prevent engine damage.
| Detail | Specification |
|---|---|
| Oil Capacity (with filter) | 6.9 quarts |
| Drain Plug Torque | 30 ft/lbs |
Note: On models equipped with an oil cooler, additional oil may be required when the cooler is drained. Always allow 5 minutes after refilling or turning the engine off before checking the oil level.
Engine Oil Details
AMSOIL offers two primary synthetic options for this European diesel application:
- AMSOIL 5W-40 FS 100% Synthetic European Motor Oil (EFMQT-EA): Designed for the unique demands of gasoline, diesel, and hybrid European vehicles. It features a precise blend of synthetic base oils and premium additives to provide exceptional protection without harming emissions systems.
- AMSOIL 0W-40 FS 100% Synthetic European Motor Oil (EFOQT-EA): Also designed for European gasoline, diesel, and hybrid vehicles, providing high-level engine protection through a specialized synthetic formula.
Transmission Fluid Specifications
Proper lubrication of the transmission is vital for smooth shifting in these classic W123 models.
Automatic Transmission (722.1)
| Fill Type | Capacity |
|---|---|
| Initial Fill | 5.1 quarts |
| Total Fill (4-speed 722.1) | 6.4 quarts |
The AMSOIL lookup lists Signature Series Multi-Vehicle ATF (ATFPK-EA) and OE Multi-Vehicle ATF (OTFQT-EA) for this application.
Manual Transmission (716.005 4-SPD)
For the manual transmission, the capacity is 2.7 pints. The AMSOIL lookup recommends using GLS50 for all temperatures.
Coolant and Brake Fluid Specifications
Engine Coolant
| Capacity | Type/Notes |
|---|---|
| 10.6 quarts | Ethylene glycol 50/50 pre-mix (ANTPC1G-EA) OR Concentrated (ANT1G-EA) |
The AMSOIL lookup lists Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant (ANTPC1G-EA) and Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant (ANT1G-EA). The concentrated version requires mixing with distilled or high-quality water.
Brake Fluid
The AMSOIL lookup note for brake fluid specifies: Use DOT 4 plus, 0009895605090109 (previously 0009895605110111, 000989080701) or products approved on MB Sheet 331.0. For this application, the AMSOIL lookup lists DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid (BFLVCN-EA).
Diesel maintenance notes for this vehicle
- Oil Level Verification: Always allow 5 minutes after refilling or turning the engine off before checking the oil level to ensure an accurate reading.
- Cooling System: When draining the oil cooler, be aware that additional oil may be required beyond the standard 6.9-quart capacity.
- Brake/Clutch Fluid: For hydraulic brake applications (HB), use DOT 3 as noted in the lookup.
- Transfer Case: The rear transfer case has a capacity of 2.3 pints.
Common diesel oil-related concerns and how AMSOIL products may help
| Concern | Why it matters | AMSOIL product from this lookup | How it may help | Important limitation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Wear | High-mileage diesel engines require robust lubrication. | EFMQT-EA | Provides exceptional engine protection via synthetic base oils. | Does not repair existing mechanical wear. |
| Transmission Heat | Heat can degrade fluid and cause shuddering. | ATFPK-EA | Withstands elevated temperatures and heavy use. | Diagnosis may be required for mechanical failure. |
| Coolant Corrosion | Protects metals, gaskets, and hoses. | ANTPC1G-EA | Protects all cooling system metals and gaskets. | Does not fix existing leaks. |
Common maintenance concerns for this vehicle
Owners of the OM616 engine should focus on traditional diesel maintenance protocols. Key areas include fuel system integrity, cooling system health, and regular oil change intervals to maintain the longevity for which the W123 chassis is famous. Because this is a mechanical diesel, it lacks modern BlueTEC systems (SCR/DEF), meaning maintenance focuses on mechanical resilience rather than complex emissions reductant management.
Recall, TSB, and manufacturer communication notes
Official NHTSA recall research for the 1983 Mercedes Benz 240d returned no recall records. Additionally, no consumer complaints were found in the NHTSA database for this specific year/make/model combination. However, owners should always verify open recalls by VIN, as applicability can depend on production date and specific equipment.
About this vehicle
The 1983 Mercedes-Benz 240d is a cornerstone of the legendary W123 series, produced between 1975 and 1986. This model features the OM616 engine, an inline-four diesel family that was developed as a bored-out version of the previous 2.2-litre OM615 engine. In Mercedes-Benz nomenclature, ‘OM’ stands for ‘Öl-Motor’ (Oil Motor), highlighting its diesel operation.
The W123 chassis is globally recognized for exceptional durability and reliability. Historically, these vehicles were frequently utilized as taxicabs in Germany due to their ability to reach high mileages—often exceeding 500,000 kilometers—with only minor mechanical issues. Because of this robust build quality, many W123 models were exported to regions like Africa for use on rough roads where infrequent maintenance and mechanical resilience are critical.
It is important to distinguish this vehicle from modern Mercedes-Benz diesel engines. This 1983 model utilizes mechanical diesel technology that predates ‘BlueTEC’ systems. BlueTEC refers to much later technologies involving Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) and Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF). Consequently, maintenance for the OM616 differs significantly from contemporary diesels as it lacks complex particulate filters and chemical reductant systems.
Owners should verify specific part compatibility for the 1983 European-spec version against a dedicated workshop manual to ensure accuracy in all service procedures.
Common questions about this vehicle’s diesel oil and maintenance
What is the engine oil capacity for my 1983 Mercedes 240d?
The capacity is 6.9 quarts when including a filter change. If your model has an oil cooler, you may need additional oil.
What viscosity should I use in cold weather?
For temperatures above -25°C, AMSOIL lists 5W-30, 5W-40, or 5W-50. For all other temperatures, 0W-30 and 0W-40 are recommended.
How much transmission fluid does the automatic transmission take?
The initial fill for the 4-speed 722.1 transmission is 5.1 quarts, while the total fill capacity is 6.4 quarts.
Does this vehicle require BlueTEC maintenance?
No. This mechanical diesel predates BlueTEC technology and does not use Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) or SCR systems.
What torque spec is needed for the oil drain plug?
The oil drain plug should be torqued to 30 ft/lbs.
How can I verify if there are any open recalls on my Mercedes?
While no NHTSA records were found in this research, you should always verify open recalls by checking your specific VIN with a dealer or official manufacturer database.
Disclaimer: Not all information provided is from the original manufacturer. Always verify fluid capacities, viscosities, and torque specifications against your vehicle’s owner manual or a professional workshop manual before performing maintenance.