For the 2008 Mercedes Benz R320 with the 3.0L 6-cylinder Engine Code 642.950 H Diesel Turbo, the engine oil capacity is 9 quarts (including filter replacement). 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) and the MANN-FILTERS HU821X-EA oil filter.
What oil does a 2008 Mercedes Benz R320 take?
The 2008 Mercedes Benz R320 with the 642.950 H diesel engine requires specific oil viscosities to ensure proper lubrication of the turbocharger and internal components. The AMSOIL lookup provides several viscosity options depending on your operating environment.
AMSOIL product recommendations
Based on the AMSOIL lookup for your 2008 Mercedes Benz R320, here are the recommended fluids and filters to maintain your diesel engine and drivetrain.
Engine Oil & Filter
| Product Name | Code |
|---|---|
| AMSOIL 0W-30 MS 100% Synthetic European Motor Oil | EOTQT-EA |
| MANN-FILTERS Oil Filter | HU821X-EA |
Coolant & Brake Fluid
| Product Name | Code |
|---|---|
| AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant | ANTPC1G-EA |
| AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant | ANT1G-EA |
| AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid | BFLVCN-EA |
Transmission & Transfer Case
| Product Name | Code |
|---|---|
| AMSOIL Signature Series Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic ATF | ATLPK-EA |
| AMSOIL OE Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic ATF | OTLQT-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 Capacities & Torque
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Oil Capacity (with filter) | 9 quarts |
| Oil Drain Plug Torque | 22 ft/lbs |
Note: After refilling, always check the oil level.
How much fluid does it take for a full service?
A complete service for the R320 involves more than just engine oil; you must also consider the coolant and transmission systems to maintain the vehicle’s BlueTEC diesel technology and smooth shifting.
Coolant Capacity
| Component | Capacity |
|---|---|
| Engine Coolant | 10 quarts |
The AMSOIL lookup notes that the Propylene Glycol Antifreeze is concentrated and requires mixing with distilled or high-quality water.
Automatic Transmission Capacity
| Transmission Type | Total Fill (7-speed 722.9) |
|---|---|
| Standard/Reduced Friction | 9.5 quarts |
Important Note on Transmission Fluid Color:
• Without code A89 (Reduced-Friction) on datacard: Fluid is Red in color.
• With A89 code (Reduced-Friction) on datacard: Fluid is Blue in color.
Transfer Case Capacity
| Component | Capacity |
|---|---|
| U/K TRC | 1.1 pints |
| Rear | 2.3 pints |
| Front | 2.3 pints |
Transfer Case Drain Plug Torque: 18 ft/lbs
Diesel maintenance notes for this vehicle
- Emissions Systems: This vehicle utilizes Mercedes BlueTEC technology. Maintenance of the diesel emission control systems is critical for long-term reliability.
- Oil Level Verification: Always check the oil level after refilling to ensure accuracy.
- Coolant Compatibility: AMSOIL offers OAT (poly-organic acid) formulations that are compatible with all other antifreeze and coolant colors.
Common diesel oil-related concerns and how AMSOIL products may help
Diesel engines face unique stresses such as soot loading and high operating temperatures. Proper lubrication is essential for protecting the turbocharger and fuel system.
| Concern | Why it matters | AMSOIL Product | How it may help | Limitation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emissions System Health | Diesel particulate filters and NOx systems are sensitive to oil additives. | EOTQT-EA | Designed for exceptional protection without harming emissions systems. | Does not replace mechanical repair of failed components. |
| Heavy Towing/Terrain | High heat and load stress the transmission fluid. | ATLPK-EA | Withstands rigors of heavy towing and elevated temperatures. | Requires proper fluid level maintenance. |
| Cold Weather Starts | Thick oil can cause wear during startup in low temps. | EOTQT-EA | Provides 0W viscosity for better flow in cold conditions. | Verify specific temperature requirements for your region. |
Common maintenance concerns for this vehicle
Owners of the Mercedes R-Class should monitor several key areas to ensure longevity:
- Brake System: Monitoring brake performance is vital, especially given historical manufacturer communications regarding brake booster housing.
- Emissions Integrity: Because BlueTEC technology relies on specialized components like particulate filters and NOx adsorbers, monitoring exhaust fluid levels (if equipped with SCR) is critical.
- Transmission Smoothness: Ensuring the correct ATF color (Red vs. Blue based on A89 code) is used to prevent shudder or improper shifting.
Recall, TSB, and manufacturer communication notes
NHTSA research indicates two significant recall campaigns for the 2006-2012 R-Class regarding the hydraulic power assist vacuum:
Action Required: Owners are advised to contact a Mercedes-Benz dealer for inspection. Dealers will inspect/replace the brake booster free of charge if applicable. Always verify open recalls by your specific VIN through official Mercedes-Benz or NHTSA channels.
About this vehicle
The 2008 Mercedes-Benz R320 is a luxury MPV (Multi-Purpose Vehicle) belonging to the R-Class family. This model year falls within the production era of the R-Class, which was originally introduced for the 2006 model year and shared its underlying platform with other Mercedes models like the M-Class and GL-Class. In North American markets, these vehicles were typically sold in long wheelbase configurations.
At the heart of this specific vehicle is the OM642 engine, a 3.0L V6 diesel engine characterized by its aluminum block and heads. This engine family is notable for utilizing common rail direct injection and a variable nozzle turbocharger. The OM642 design incorporates a counter-rotating balance shaft to mitigate vibrations inherent in its 72-degree V6 configuration.
As part of the Mercedes BlueTEC technology suite, this vehicle utilizes advanced NOx reduction systems. Depending on the specific application, BlueTEC technology may involve selective catalytic reduction (SCR) using AdBlue urea injection or NOx storage catalysts combined with a particulate filter to manage emissions and maintain ULEV certification. Because these systems are complex, owners should stay informed about any manufacturer recalls or official service bulletins related to emissions software or hardware retrofits.
Common questions about this vehicle’s diesel oil and maintenance
What is the engine oil capacity for my R320?
The 2008 Mercedes Benz R320 3.0L Diesel requires 9 quarts of oil when performing a service that includes a filter change.
Which AMSOIL oil is best for the OM642 engine?
For this application, the AMSOIL lookup lists AMSOIL 0W-30 MS 100% Synthetic European Motor Oil (EOTQT-EA).
What should I do about the brake booster recall?
NHTSA has identified recalls (Campaign 22V315000 and 24V298000) regarding moisture in the brake booster housing. You should contact a Mercedes-Benz dealer to have your vehicle inspected for free.
Does my R320 need special transmission fluid?
Yes, the 7-speed 722.9 transmission requires specific fluids. The color of the fluid (Red or Blue) depends on whether your vehicle has the A89 Reduced-Friction code on the datacard. AMSOIL offers Signature Series and OE Fuel-Efficient options.
Can I use any antifreeze in my Mercedes diesel?
It is recommended to use a compatible coolant. The AMSOIL lookup lists AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant, which is phosphate-, nitrate-, nitrite-, silicate-, borate-, and amine-free.
How much torque is needed for the oil drain plug?
The oil drain plug for this vehicle should be torqued to 22 ft/lbs.
Disclaimer: While we strive for accuracy, please verify all capacities, specifications, and torque values against your official Mercedes-Benz workshop manual before performing maintenance.