For the 1987 Mercedes Benz 300td with the 3.0L 6-cylinder Engine Code 603.960 6 Diesel Turbo, the engine oil capacity is 8.5 quarts (with 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 (EFMQT-EA) for this application.
What oil does a 1987 Mercedes Benz 300td take?
The 1987 Mercedes Benz 300td requires specific engine oil viscosities based on operating temperatures. The AMSOIL lookup oil grade is SEO41. For optimal performance, select a viscosity that matches your climate: 0W-30 or 0W-40 for all temperatures, 10W-40 for environments above -20°C, and 5W-30, 5W-40, or 5W-50 for environments above -25°C.
AMSOIL product recommendations
Based on the AMSOIL lookup data, the following products are recommended for your 1987 Mercedes Benz 300td maintenance needs:
| Component | Product Name | Part Code |
|---|---|---|
| Engine Oil | AMSOIL 5W-40 FS 100% Synthetic European Motor Oil | EFMQT-EA |
| Engine Oil | AMSOIL 0W-40 FS 100% Synthetic European Motor Oil | EFOQT-EA |
| Oil Filter | WIX Oil Filter | 51289-EA |
| Coolant | AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant | ANTPC1G-EA |
| Coolant | AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant | ANT1G-EA |
| Automatic Transmission Fluid | AMSOIL Signature Series Multi-Vehicle 100% Synthetic ATF | ATFPK-EA |
| Automatic Transmission Fluid | AMSOIL OE Multi-Vehicle 100% Synthetic ATF | OTFQT-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 Specifications
| Viscosity Range | Temperature Condition |
|---|---|
| 0W-30, 0W-40 | All TEMPS |
| 10W-40 | Above -20°C |
| 5W-30, 5W-40, 5W-50 | Above -25°C |
Engine Oil Capacity and Torque
When performing an oil change on this diesel engine, adhere to the following capacities and torque specifications:
- Oil Capacity: 8.5 quarts (with filter). Note: On models with an oil cooler, additional oil may be needed when the cooler is drained.
- Oil Drain Plug Torque: 20 ft/lbs.
- Maintenance Tip: Allow 5 minutes after refilling or turning the engine off before checking the oil level.
How much transmission fluid does it take?
For vehicles equipped with the 4-speed 722.3 automatic transmission, the total fill capacity is 7.7 quarts, while the initial fill requirement is 6.6 quarts. Ensure you use a high-quality synthetic fluid to maintain smooth shifting and protect against wear.
Automatic Transmission Fluid Details
| Specification/Note | Capacity |
|---|---|
| For Automatic Transmission: 722.3….AF3 | 7.7 quarts (Total Fill) |
| Initial Fill Requirement | 6.6 quarts |
Other Fluid Specifications
Coolant Capacity
The cooling system capacity is 10.6 quarts. AMSOIL offers both a pre-mix and a concentrated option for this application.
- AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant: Ethylene glycol 50/50 pre-mix formulation.
- AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant: Concentrated – requires mixing with distilled or high-quality water.
Brake Fluid
The AMSOIL lookup note for brake fluid recommends using DOT 4 plus, specifically referencing 0009895605090109 (previously 0009895605110111 or 000989080701), or products approved on MB Sheet 331.0.
Transfer Case Lubricant
For the transfer case, the rear capacity is confirmed at 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 | Diesel engines face high pressure and friction. | EFMQT-EA | Provides exceptional engine protection. | Requires regular oil changes. |
| Transmission Heat/Wear | High temperatures can degrade fluid and cause shudder. | ATFPK-EA | Withstands heavy towing and elevated temperatures. | Does not repair mechanical damage. |
| Cooling System Corrosion | Metal, gaskets, and hoses need protection from erosion. | ANTPC1G-EA | Protects all cooling system metals, gaskets and hoses. | Must be compatible with existing coolant colors. |
Diesel maintenance notes for this vehicle
Given the age and diesel nature of this 1987 Mercedes-Benz, maintenance should prioritize fuel system integrity, turbocharger health, and cooling system efficiency. Because exact service specifications can vary between chassis platforms (such as W123 or W124), owners must consult a workshop manual for specific oil viscosity and filter part numbers.
Common maintenance concerns for this vehicle
Owners of these vintage turbodiesel models should consider the following practical checks:
- Turbocharger Health: Monitor for boost leaks or unusual noises.
- Cooling System Efficiency: Ensure the radiator and hoses are in good condition to prevent overheating.
- Fuel System Integrity: Check for leaks or air ingress that could affect diesel performance.
Recall, TSB, and manufacturer communication notes
Official NHTSA recall research for the 1987 Mercedes Benz 300td returned no recall records. Additionally, no consumer complaints were found in the NHTSA complaint database for this specific year/make/model combination. However, official recall/TSB research was not included in this draft yet; owners should always verify open recalls by VIN through an authorized dealer.
About this vehicle
The 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300td represents a period of significant engineering focus for the manufacturer, specifically regarding diesel durability and executive comfort. This model is commonly associated with the W124 chassis series or potentially the late W123 series depending on specific regional production transitions.
The ‘300td’ designation identifies it as a turbodiesel variant, a configuration that was highly regarded for its ability to balance power with the legendary longevity associated with Mercedes-Benz diesel engines of this era. The 6-cylinder engine code 603 family is part of a lineage of engines frequently utilized in high-mileage applications due to their ability to handle heavy-duty use.
Typical use cases for this vehicle include long-distance cruising and heavy-duty utility. Because these vehicles are often maintained for longevity, owners frequently research compatibility with alternative fuels or specialized maintenance intervals to preserve the engine’s reputation for reliability.
Common questions about this vehicle’s diesel oil and maintenance
What is the oil capacity for my 1987 Mercedes 300td?
The capacity is 8.5 quarts when including a filter change. If your model has an oil cooler, you may need additional oil if the cooler is drained during service.
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 is needed for the 722.3 transmission?
The total fill capacity for the 4-speed 722.3 is 7.7 quarts, with an initial fill of 6.6 quarts.
What torque spec is required for the oil drain plug?
The oil drain plug should be torqued to 20 ft/lbs.
Can I use any antifreeze in my Mercedes diesel?
The AMSOIL lookup lists options like ANTPC1G-EA which is compatible with all other antifreeze and coolant colors.
How do I verify if there are any open recalls for my vehicle?
While no records were found in this research, you should always verify current recalls by checking your specific VIN through official manufacturer or NHTSA channels.
Disclaimer: This information is derived from provided source data. Always consult your owner’s manual and a certified mechanic before performing vehicle maintenance.