2008 Mercedes Benz E320 3.0L Diesel Maintenance Guide: Oil & Fluid Specs

AMSOIL diesel oil guide for 2008 Mercedes Benz E320
AMSOIL diesel oil guide for trucks, vans, SUVs and diesel engines

For the 2008 Mercedes Benz E320 with the 3.0L 6-cylinder Engine Code 642.920 D Diesel Turbo, the engine oil capacity is 9 quarts (with filter). Recommended viscosities include 0W-30 or 0W-40 for all temperatures, and 5W-30, 5W-40, or 5W-50 for temperatures above -25°C. AMSOIL recommends AMSOIL 0W-30 MS 100% Synthetic European Motor Oil (EOTQT-EA) paired with a MANN-FILTERS Oil Filter (HU821X-EA).

What oil does a 2008 Mercedes Benz E320 take?

The 2008 Mercedes Benz E320 with the OM642 engine requires specific oil viscosities to ensure proper lubrication and emissions system compatibility. The AMSOIL lookup identifies several appropriate options depending on your operating temperature.

AMSOIL product recommendations

The following AMSOIL products are identified for your Mercedes Benz E320 maintenance needs based on the provided vehicle lookup data.

Component Product Name Part Code
Engine Oil AMSOIL 0W-30 MS 100% Synthetic European Motor Oil EOTQT-EA
Oil Filter MANN-FILTERS Oil Filter HU821X-EA
Coolant AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant ANTPC1G-EA
Coolant (Concentrate) AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant ANT1G-EA
Automatic Transmission Fluid AMSOIL Signature Series Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic ATF ATLPK-EA
Automatic Transmission Fluid AMSOIL OE Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic ATF OTLQT-EA
Brake Fluid AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid BFLVCN-EA
Power Steering Fluid AMSOIL 100% Synthetic Multi-Vehicle Power Steering Fluid PSFCN-EA

Engine Oil Viscosity Options

Condition Viscosity
All Temperatures 0W-30, 0W-40
Above -25°C 5W-30, 5W-40, 5W-50

AMSOIL lookup oil grade: SEO59

Engine Oil Capacity

Description Capacity
With Filter Change 9 quarts

Note: On models with an oil cooler, additional oil may be needed when the cooler is drained. Allow 5 minutes after refilling or turning the engine off before checking the oil level.

Oil Drain Plug Torque

The torque specification for the oil drain plug is 22 ft/lbs.

How much transmission fluid does it take?

For the 7-speed 722.9 automatic transmission, the total fill capacity is 9.7 quarts. The required fluid type depends on your vehicle’s specific datacard code regarding friction requirements.

Transmission Code Fluid Color Capacity
Without A89 (Reduced-Friction) Red 9.7 quarts
With A89 (Reduced-Friction) Blue 9.7 quarts

For these applications, the AMSOIL lookup lists ATLPK-EA and OTLQT-EA.

Engine Oil and Filter Details

Oil Filter Specifications

The AMSOIL lookup recommends the MANN-FILTERS Oil Filter with product code HU821X-EA. This filter is designed to offer OEM drain intervals and help reduce engine wear.

Air Filter & Oil Vapor Filter

No recommendations are available from the source data for the air filter or oil vapor filter.

Coolant and Brake Fluid Specifications

Engine Coolant

The cooling system capacity is 13.7 quarts. The AMSOIL lookup lists two primary options:

  • AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant (ANTPC1G-EA): A 50/50 pre-mix formulation.
  • AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant (ANT1G-EA): A concentrated formula requiring mixing with distilled or high-quality water.

Brake Fluid

The AMSOIL lookup note references DOT 4 plus (specifically 0009895605090109, previously 0009895605110111 or 000989080701) or products approved on MB Sheet 331.0 for this application. For this application, the AMSOIL lookup lists AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid (BFLVCN-EA).

Diesel maintenance notes for this vehicle

Owners of the OM642 diesel engine should focus on several key areas to ensure longevity:

  • Emissions Management: This BlueTEC engine utilizes components like a particulate filter and potentially AdBlue urea injection or a NOx storage catalyst. Proper maintenance of these systems is vital.
  • Turbocharger & Injection: Monitoring the health of the variable nozzle turbocharger and the common rail direct injection system (operating at 1,600 bar) is recommended.
  • Vibration Control: The engine uses a counter-rotating balance shaft to mitigate V6 architecture vibrations.
  • Fuel Quality: Maintaining high fuel quality is critical for high-pressure diesel engines.

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
Turbocharger Protection High heat and speed can degrade oil. EOTQT-EA Designed for unique European diesel demands. Diagnosis required if turbo fails.
Diesel Injector Deposits Can affect spray pattern and efficiency. Not confirmed from source data (Additives listed in links but not specific to this engine’s table). May help maintain injector health. Does not repair mechanical failure.
Emissions System Health Soot can clog DPF/BlueTEC systems. EOTQT-EA Provides protection without harming emissions systems. Does not clean a clogged DPF.

Common maintenance concerns for this vehicle

Based on the engine profile, owners should consider the following:

  • Emissions Components: The BlueTEC system introduces specific maintenance requirements related to NOx reduction and soot management.
  • Cooling System Integrity: Maintaining the cooling system is vital for high-pressure diesel engines to prevent overheating.
  • Turbocharger Longevity: Ensuring consistent lubrication is essential for the variable nozzle turbocharger.

Recall, TSB, and manufacturer communication notes

NHTSA research indicates several recalls related to the 2008 Mercedes Benz E320 regarding the Sun/Moon Roof Assembly:

  • Glass Panel Detachment: Multiple campaigns (19V918000, 22V954000, 24V874000) have addressed concerns where the bonding between the glass panel and the sliding roof frame may deteriorate, potentially causing the panel to detach.
  • Remedy: Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) advises that dealers will inspect and replace the sunroof/glass panel as necessary, free of charge.

Note: Always verify open recalls by using your specific VIN through official Mercedes-Benz or NHTSA channels.

About this vehicle

The 2008 Mercedes-Benz E320 is powered by the OM642 engine, a 3.0L V6 diesel powerplant. This engine marked a significant engineering shift for Mercedes-Benz, moving from straight-line configurations to a 72-degree V6 design. The OM642 features an aluminum block and heads, utilizing common rail direct injection operating at high pressure (1,600 bar) and a variable nozzle turbocharger.

As part of the Mercedes BlueTEC technology family, this vehicle is engineered to meet stringent emissions standards. This often involves complex systems such as particulate filters or AdBlue urea injection for NOx reduction. While these technologies improve environmental performance, they require attentive maintenance of the emissions ecosystem. The E-Class platform itself is recognized for its durability and has historically been used in various roles ranging from luxury transport to high-mileage service vehicles.

Maintenance context for this platform typically focuses on the longevity of the turbocharger, the health of the common rail injection system, and the management of emissions control components like the DPF. It is important to note that while these systems are robust, specific oil specifications (such as MB 229.31 or MB 228.31) may be required for proper particulate filter protection; owners should always verify the exact approved specification in their workshop manual.

Common questions about this vehicle’s diesel oil and maintenance

What is the engine oil capacity for my E320?

The capacity is 9 quarts when performing an oil change with a filter. If your model has an oil cooler that was drained, you may need additional oil.

Which AMSOIL oil is best for the OM642 engine?

AMSOIL recommends EOTQT-EA, which is designed for the unique demands of European diesel vehicles and provides protection without harming emissions systems.

What torque should I use for the oil drain plug?

The specified torque for the oil drain plug is 22 ft/lbs.

Does my transmission need different fluid based on its code?

Yes. If your datacard has the A89 (Reduced-Friction) code, the fluid is blue. Without that code, the fluid is red. Both require a 7-speed 722.9 total fill of 9.7 quarts.

How often should I service the cooling system?

While specific intervals vary, AMSOIL offers protection for up to 150,000 miles or 5 years for their antifreeze products.

Is there a recall on my 2008 E320?

NHTSA has recorded recalls regarding the sunroof glass panel potentially detaching. You should contact a dealer or check your VIN to confirm if your specific vehicle is affected.


Disclaimer: This information is derived from provided source data. Always consult your vehicle’s owner manual and verify all specifications, torque values, and capacities before performing maintenance.

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