What oil does a 2010 Mercedes Benz ML350 3.0L Diesel take?
The 2010 Mercedes Benz ML350 with the 3.0L 6-cylinder engine (Code 642.980 J) requires an oil capacity of 9 quarts (with filter). The recommended oil viscosities are 0W-30 or 5W-30. For this application, AMSOIL recommends AMSOIL 0W-30 MS 100% Synthetic European Motor Oil and a MANN-FILTERS Oil Filter (HU821X-EA).
AMSOIL product recommendations
The following AMSOIL products are specifically listed for the 2010 Mercedes Benz ML350 3.0L Diesel engine and associated systems:
Engine Oil & Filter
| Product Name | Viscosity | Part Code |
|---|---|---|
| AMSOIL 0W-30 MS 100% Synthetic European Motor Oil | 0W-30, 5W-30 | EOTQT-EA |
| Filter Type | Part Code |
|---|---|
| MANN-FILTERS Oil Filter | HU821X-EA |
Coolant & Transmission Fluids
| Component | Product Name | Part Code |
|---|---|---|
| Engine Coolant | AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant | ANTPC1G-EA |
| Engine Coolant (Concentrate) | AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant | ANT1G-EA |
| Automatic Transmission | AMSOIL Signature Series Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic ATF | ATLPK-EA |
| Automatic Transmission (OE) | AMSOIL OE Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic ATF | OTLQT-EA |
Transfer Case Lubricant
| Component | Product Name | Part Code |
|---|---|---|
| Transfer Case | AMSOIL Signature Series Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic ATF | ATLPK-EA |
Engine Oil Specifications & Details
For the 3.0L 6-cylinder engine (Code 642.980 J), proper lubrication is critical for maintaining diesel performance and emissions compliance.
Oil Viscosity & Capacity
| Detail | Specification |
|---|---|
| AMSOIL lookup oil grade | SEO55 |
| Viscosity Range | 0W-30, 5W-30 (All TEMPS) |
| Oil Capacity | 9 quarts (with filter) |
Note: After refilling, always check the oil level.
Service Torque Specs
| Component | Torque Value |
|---|---|
| Oil Drain Plug | 22 ft/lbs |
| Transfer Case Drain Plug | 18 ft/lbs |
Maintenance Overview
Engine & Cooling System
- Oil Filter: MANN-FILTERS HU821X-EA offers premium media to help reduce engine wear and provides OEM drain intervals.
- Coolant Capacity: 10 quarts.
- Coolant Options: AMSOIL offers a 50/50 pre-mix (ANTPC1G-EA) or a concentrated propylene glycol version (ANT1G-EA) that requires mixing with distilled or high-quality water.
Transmission & Drivetrain
The vehicle utilizes the 722.9 automatic transmission. Note that fluid color may vary based on your specific datacard:
- Without code A89 (Reduced-Friction): Fluid is Red in color. Total fill capacity is 9.5 quarts.
- With A89 code (Reduced-Friction): Fluid is Blue in color. Total fill capacity is 9.5 quarts.
The transfer case (U/K TRC….SL055) has a capacity of 1.1 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emissions System Integrity | Diesel engines use complex NOx reduction systems. | EOTQT-EA | Designed to provide protection without harming emissions systems. | Diagnosis required if system fails. |
| Engine Wear | High-pressure common rail injection increases component stress. | HU821X-EA | Premium media helps reduce engine wear. | Does not repair existing wear. |
| Transmission Heat/Stress | Heavy towing or terrain can stress the 722.9 transmission. | ATLPK-EA | Withstands rigors of heavy towing and elevated temperatures. | Does not fix mechanical leaks. |
Diesel maintenance notes for this vehicle
The OM642 engine is a 3.0L V6 diesel with an aluminum block and head construction. Maintenance should focus on the following areas:
- Emissions Management: This BlueTEC vehicle incorporates advanced NOx reduction systems. Owners should monitor the integrity of the particulate filter and urea injection systems.
- Turbocharger Health: As a turbo diesel, maintaining clean oil is vital for turbocharger longevity.
- Fuel System: The common rail direct injection system is highly sensitive to fuel quality and cleanliness.
Recall, TSB, and manufacturer communication notes
NHTSA research indicates the following recall information for the 2010 Mercedes Benz ML350:
- Air Bag Recall (Campaign 16V081000): Certain models may have driver’s frontal air bag inflator modules that could rupture upon deployment due to excessive internal pressure. This could result in metal fragments striking occupants.
- Brake Booster Recall (Campaign 22V315000): Moisture accumulation in the brake booster housing unit may cause corrosion, potentially leading to reduced brake performance or failure.
Important: These are summaries of official records. Owners should verify open recalls by contacting a Mercedes-Benz dealer or checking their specific VIN at NHTSA.gov.
About this vehicle
The 2010 Mercedes-Benz ML350 is equipped with the OM642 engine family, a significant component in the Mercedes-Benz diesel lineup. This 3.0L V6 diesel features a 72-degree V configuration and utilizes aluminum block and head construction for optimized weight and thermal management.
As part of the BlueTEC technology suite, this vehicle incorporates advanced NOx reduction systems designed to meet stringent emissions standards. Depending on the specific application, these systems may utilize Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) with Diesel Exhaust Fluid (AdBlue) or a NOx storage catalyst combined with a particulate filter.
The OM642 engine is engineered for refinement, featuring a counter-rotating balance shaft to mitigate the inherent vibrations of its V6 design. It employs high-pressure common rail direct injection and a variable nozzle turbocharger to manage power delivery. While this engine family is known for robust performance in luxury SUVs, owners should be aware of the complexities involved in managing modern diesel emissions components.
Maintenance focus typically centers on the diesel fuel system, turbocharger health, and the integrity of the BlueTEC emissions components. Because these engines are highly sensitive to oil viscosity and additive requirements, using the correct synthetic lubricants is essential for long-term reliability.
Common questions about this vehicle’s diesel oil and maintenance
How much oil does my ML350 3.0L Diesel take?
The engine requires 9 quarts of oil when performing a service that includes a filter change.
What is the correct oil viscosity for the 2010 ML350 diesel?
The AMSOIL lookup lists 0W-30 and 5W-30 as suitable viscosities for all temperatures.
Can I use any antifreeze in my Mercedes BlueTEC?
AMSOIL offers a poly-organic acid (OAT) formulation that is compatible with all other antifreeze and coolant colors, but always verify compatibility with your specific cooling system requirements.
Does the transmission fluid color matter?
Yes. Depending on whether your vehicle has the A89 (Reduced-Friction) code, you may require Red or Blue colored fluid for the 722.9 transmission.
What is the torque spec for my oil drain plug?
The confirmed torque value for the oil drain plug is 22 ft/lbs.
How often should I check my BlueTEC components?
While specific intervals vary, maintenance focus should include regular checks of the turbocharger and emissions management systems like the particulate filter.
Disclaimer: Not all information is confirmed from source data. Always verify fluid capacities, specifications, and torque values against your official vehicle owner’s manual or a Mercedes-Benz service database before performing maintenance.