What oil does a 2012 Mercedes Benz S350 3.0L Diesel take?
The 2012 Mercedes Benz S350 with the 3.0L 6-cylinder engine (Code 642.868 K) requires an oil capacity of 8.5 quarts (including filter change). 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 (Code: EOTQT-EA) for this application.
AMSOIL product recommendations
Based on the AMSOIL lookup data, the following products are recommended for your Mercedes Benz S350 BlueTEC maintenance:
Engine Oil & Filter
| Product Name | Part Code |
|---|---|
| AMSOIL 0W-30 MS 100% Synthetic European Motor Oil | EOTQT-EA |
| MANN-FILTERS Oil Filter | HU821X-EA |
Coolant & Antifreeze
| Product Name | Part Code |
|---|---|
| AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant | ANTPC1G-EA |
| AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant | ANT1G-EA |
Automatic Transmission Fluid
| Product Name | Part Code |
|---|---|
| AMSOIL Signature Series Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic ATF | ATLPK-EA |
| AMSOIL OE Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic ATF | OTLQT-EA |
Transfer Case Lubricant
| Product Name | Part Code |
|---|---|
| AMSOIL Signature Series Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic ATF | ATLPK-EA |
| AMSOIL OE Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic ATF | OTLQT-EA |
Engine Oil Specifications & Details
Proper lubrication is vital for the OM642 diesel engine. Always verify your specific requirements against the owner’s manual.
Oil Viscosity Options
| Condition | Viscosity |
|---|---|
| All Temperatures | 0W-30, 0W-40 |
| Above -25°C | 5W-30, 5W-40, 5W-50 |
Oil Capacity & Torque Specs
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Capacity (with filter) | 8.5 quarts |
| Oil Drain Plug Torque | 33 ft/lbs (24 MM Plug) |
Note: After refilling, always check the oil level.
Transmission & Coolant Specifications
Automatic Transmission Fluid (722.9)
The transmission requirements vary based on your vehicle’s datacard code:
- Without A89 Code: Uses Red colored fluid.
- With A89 Code (Reduced-Friction): Uses Blue colored fluid.
Total Fill Capacity: 10.2 quarts for the 7-speed 722.9 transmission.
Engine Coolant
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 12 quarts |
| Formulation Type | Ethylene glycol 50/50 pre-mix (ANTPC1G-EA) or Concentrated (ANT1G-EA) |
The AMSOIL lookup note for the concentrated version states it requires mixing with distilled or high-quality water.
Diesel maintenance notes for this vehicle
- Emissions Systems: As a BlueTEC diesel, monitoring the health of the particulate filter and urea/AdBlue components is critical.
- Oil Level: Always check the oil level after refilling to ensure accuracy.
- Filter Replacement: Using premium media filters like MANN-FILTERS can help reduce engine wear and offer OEM drain intervals.
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 in turbo setups can degrade oil. | EOTQT-EA | Designed for unique European diesel demands. | Requires regular service intervals. |
| Emissions Compatibility | Incorrect oil can harm particulate filters. | EOTQT-EA | Provides protection without harming emissions systems. | Not a repair for damaged filters. |
| Transmission Heat | Heavy towing or terrain increases fluid temperature. | ATLPK-EA | Withstands rigors of heavy towing and elevated temperatures. | Diagnosis may be needed for mechanical issues. |
Common maintenance concerns for this vehicle
Owners of the W221 S-Class with the OM642 engine should consider the following:
- High-Pressure Injection System: The common rail direct injection system is a complex component that requires clean fuel and proper maintenance.
- Emissions Management: Monitoring BlueTEC components (AdBlue/Urea, NOx catalysts) is essential for long-term ownership.
- Turbocharger Setup: Proper lubrication is necessary to protect the variable nozzle turbocharger.
About this vehicle
The 2012 Mercedes-Benz S350 is part of the S-Class lineage, specifically belonging to the W221 generation (produced between August 2005 and June 2013). As a flagship luxury sedan, it is designed for high-end comfort and advanced technological features. This specific model utilizes a diesel powertrain within the BlueTEC ecosystem, a technology suite used by Mercedes-Benz to manage emissions.
The heart of this vehicle is the OM642 engine family. The OM642 is a 3.0L (2,987 cc) V6 diesel engine characterized by its 72-degree V-angle and an aluminum block and head construction. To mitigate vibrations inherent in this V6 configuration, the engine incorporates a counter-rotating balance shaft mounted between the cylinder banks. This engine utilizes common rail direct injection—operating at high pressures—and features a variable nozzle turbocharger to manage performance.
For emissions control, BlueTEC systems often employ technologies such as AdBlue urea injection or NOx storage catalysts, alongside a particulate filter to maintain ULEV certification. Given the sophistication of the W221 chassis and the OM642 engine, specialized diagnostic tools are often required for electronic and fuel system troubleshooting. Owners should note that specific performance figures like exact horsepower or torque should be verified against the specific vehicle’s build sheet or owner’s manual.
Recall, TSB, and manufacturer communication notes
Official NHTSA recall research for the 2012 Mercedes Benz S350 returned no recall records. Additionally, no complaint records were returned by the NHTSA complaints API for this year/make/model combination. However, this does not prove the vehicle has no issues; it only means the search returned no specific records. Owners should always verify open recalls by VIN, as applicability can depend on production date, trim, and equipment.
Common questions about this vehicle’s diesel oil and maintenance
What is the engine oil capacity for my S350?
The capacity is 8.5 quarts when performing an oil change with a filter replacement.
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 (Code: EOTQT-EA).
How much transmission fluid does the 722.9 gearbox take?
The total fill capacity for the 7-speed 722.9 transmission is 10.2 quarts.
Does my Mercedes S350 need special transmission fluid color?
Yes, if your datacard has the A89 (Reduced-Friction) code, the fluid is Blue in color. Without that code, the fluid is Red.
What should I do for severe service towing?
For heavy use, AMSOIL recommends Signature Series Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic ATF (ATLPK-EA), which is designed to withstand the rigors of heavy towing and elevated temperatures.
How often should I check my coolant?
While specific intervals vary, maintaining a 12-quart capacity with high-quality coolant like AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze is recommended for protection up to 150,000 miles or 5 years.
Disclaimer: Not all information provided has been verified by the manufacturer. Always consult your vehicle’s owner manual and professional service technician before performing maintenance.