For the 1980 Mercedes Benz 300D with the 3.0L 5-cylinder engine (Code 616.912 B Diesel), the oil capacity is 6.9 quarts when performing a change with a filter. 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 AMSOIL 5W-40 FS 100% Synthetic European Motor Oil or AMSOIL 0W-40 FS 100% Synthetic European Motor Oil for this application.
What oil does a 1980 Mercedes Benz 300d take?
The 1980 Mercedes Benz 300D with the 616.912 B diesel engine requires specific viscosities based on operating temperatures. The AMSOIL lookup lists several options including 0W-30 and 0W-40 for all temperature ranges, as well as 10W-40 (above -20°C) and 5W-30, 5W-40, or 5W-50 (above -25°C). The AMSOIL lookup oil grade is SEO41.
The engine oil capacity is 6.9 quarts with a filter change. Note that 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 off the engine before checking the oil level.
AMSOIL product recommendations
Based on the AMSOIL lookup data, the following products are recommended for your 1980 Mercedes Benz 300D maintenance needs:
Engine Oil
| Product Name | Code |
|---|---|
| AMSOIL 5W-40 FS 100% Synthetic European Motor Oil | EFMQT-EA |
| AMSOIL 0W-40 FS 100% Synthetic European Motor Oil | EFOQT-EA |
Coolant & Antifreeze
| Product Name | Code |
|---|---|
| AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant | ANTPC1G-EA |
| AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant | ANT1G-EA |
Transmission Fluid
| Product Name | Code |
|---|---|
| AMSOIL Signature Series Multi-Vehicle 100% Synthetic ATF | ATFPK-EA |
| AMSOIL OE Multi-Vehicle 100% Synthetic ATF | OTFQT-EA |
Brake & Steering Fluids
| Product Name | Code |
|---|---|
| AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid | BFLVCN-EA |
| AMSOIL 100% Synthetic Multi-Vehicle Power Steering Fluid | PSFCN-EA |
Engine Oil Specifications
| Viscosity | Temperature Range |
|---|---|
| 0W-30, 0W-40 | All TEMPS |
| 10W-40 | Above -20°C |
| 5W-30, 5W-40, 5W-50 | Above -25°C |
Engine Oil Capacity & Torque
- Oil Drain Plug Torque: 20 ft/lbs
How much oil does it take with a filter change?
For this vehicle, a standard oil and filter service requires 6.9 quarts of oil. If your specific model includes an oil cooler that is being drained during the service, you may need additional oil beyond this amount to reach the proper level.
Transmission & Differential Specifications
Automatic Transmission
For the automatic transmission (722.1….AF3), the capacities are as follows:
- Total Fill Capacity: 6.4 quarts
- Initial Fill Capacity: 5.1 quarts
Transfer Case
The rear transfer case capacity is 2.3 pints.
Diesel maintenance notes for this vehicle
- Oil Level Check: After refilling or turning the engine off, wait at least 5 minutes before checking the oil level to ensure an accurate reading.
- Cooling System: Maintain cooling system integrity; the AMSOIL lookup lists various antifreeze options including a concentrated propylene glycol version that requires mixing with distilled or high-quality water.
- Brake Fluid: The AMSOIL lookup note references using DOT 4 plus (specifically part numbers 0009895605090109, 0009895605110111, or 000989080701) or products approved on MB Sheet 331.0.
- Fuel System: For diesel engines of this era, maintaining fuel system cleanliness is essential for proper injection performance.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diesel Injector Deposits | Dirty injectors can reduce performance and increase smoke. | Diesel Injector Clean | Cleans dirty injectors and lubricates pumps to reduce wear. | Treat rate varies by bottle size. |
| Cold Weather Starting | Diesel fuel can gel in extreme cold, affecting startability. | Diesel Cold Flow Fuel Additive | Lowers cold filter-plugging point (CFPP) by up to 40°F. | Not a replacement for proper fuel storage. |
| Engine Storage Rust | Long periods of inactivity can lead to internal engine rust. | Engine Fogging Oil | Provides a highly-effective rust preventive for internal components. | Designed for storage/inactivity only. |
| Low Cetane / Poor Combustion | Lower cetane numbers can lead to rough idling and less power. | Diesel Cetane Boost | Increases cetane up to 8 points and improves startability. | Does not change fuel grade. |
Common maintenance concerns for this vehicle
Owners of the W123 chassis series often prioritize long-term mechanical preservation. Key areas of focus include:
- Cooling System Integrity: Given the age of these vehicles, monitoring hoses and gaskets is vital.
- Fuel System Cleanliness: Essential for maintaining the longevity of diesel injection components.
- Suspension Components: Regular checks are recommended due to the high-mileage nature of many W123 models.
Recall, TSB, and manufacturer communication notes
Official NHTSA recall research for the 1980 Mercedes Benz 300d returned no recall records at this time. However, owners should always verify open recalls by VIN, as applicability depends on specific production dates and equipment. Official complaint research also returned no records via the NHTSA API; please note that a lack of reported complaints does not prove a vehicle has no issues.
About this vehicle
The 1980 Mercedes-Benz 300D is part of the legendary W123 chassis series, which was produced between late 1975 and early 1986. This model line earned a global reputation for extreme durability and reliability. In many parts of the world, particularly in Germany where they were frequently used as taxicabs, these vehicles were esteemed for their ability to reach exceptionally high mileages with only minor mechanical issues.
This specific vehicle is equipped with a 3.0L 5-cylinder engine, identified by the engine code 616.912 B. The W123 lineage is distinct from earlier Mercedes flagship models like the W189 ‘Adenauer’. Because these vehicles were often utilized in demanding environments and rougher road conditions globally, they are considered robust examples of diesel engineering. Maintenance for this era of Mercedes-Benz typically focuses on preserving the mechanical integrity of the engine and fuel systems to ensure continued longevity.
Common questions about this vehicle’s diesel oil and maintenance
What is the oil capacity for my 1980 Mercedes 300d?
The capacity is 6.9 quarts when including a filter change. If your model has an oil cooler that was drained, you may need more.
Which AMSOIL engine oil is best for cold weather?
For temperatures below -25°C, the AMSOIL lookup suggests 5W-30, 5W-40, or 5W-50. For all other temperatures, 0W-30 and 0W-40 are also options.
How much transmission fluid does the 722.1 automatic transmission take?
The total fill capacity is 6.4 quarts, while the initial fill is 5.1 quarts.
What should I use for brake fluid?
The AMSOIL lookup note references using DOT 4 plus or products approved on MB Sheet 331.0. AMSOIL offers DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid.
Does my Mercedes need a fuel additive?
While not required, AMSOIL offers products like Diesel Injector Clean to help clean injectors and lubricate pumps.
How do I check my oil level correctly?
After refilling or turning the engine off, allow at least 5 minutes for the oil to settle before checking the level on the dipstick.
Disclaimer: Always consult your original factory service manual or an official Mercedes-Benz parts catalog to verify all technical specifications and maintenance requirements.