For the 1980 Mercedes Benz 240D with the 2.4L 4-cylinder engine (Code 616.912 A 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 240D take?
The 1980 Mercedes Benz 240D with the 2.4L engine (Code 616.912 A Diesel) requires specific oil viscosities based on operating temperatures. The AMSOIL lookup oil grade is SEO41. Recommended viscosities include 0W-30 and 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, here are the recommended products for your 1980 Mercedes Benz 240D diesel engine and related systems.
Engine Oil Recommendations
| Product Name | Viscosity | Part Code |
|---|---|---|
| AMSOIL 5W-40 FS 100% Synthetic European Motor Oil | 5W-40 | EFMQT-EA |
| AMSOIL 0W-40 FS 100% Synthetic European Motor Oil | 0W-40 | EFOQT-EA |
Coolant & Antifreeze
| Product Name | Type | Part Code |
|---|---|---|
| AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant | OAT 50/50 Pre-mix | ANTPC1G-EA |
| AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant | Concentrated | ANT1G-EA |
Transmission & Clutch Fluids
| Component | Product Name | Part Code |
|---|---|---|
| Automatic Transmission | AMSOIL Signature Series Multi-Vehicle 100% Synthetic ATF | ATFPK-EA |
| Automatic Transmission | AMSOIL OE Multi-Vehicle 100% Synthetic ATF | OTFQT-EA |
| Manual Transmission | AMSOIL Signature Series Multi-Vehicle 100% Synthetic ATF | ATFPK-EA |
| Manual Transmission | AMSOIL OE Multi-Vehicle 100% Synthetic ATF | OTFQT-EA |
| Brake/Clutch Fluid | AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid | BFLVCN-EA |
Power Steering
| Product Name | Part Code |
|---|---|
| AMSOIL 100% Synthetic Multi-Vehicle Power Steering Fluid | PSFCN-EA |
Engine Oil Specifications & Details
Oil Viscosity Options:
- 0W-30, 0W-40 (All TEMPS)
- 10W-40 (Above -20°C)
- 5W-30, 5W-40, 5W-50 (Above -25°C)
Oil Capacity: 6.9 quarts (with filter). 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.
Drain Plug Torque: 30 ft/lbs.
How much oil does it take with a filter change?
A standard oil and filter service for the 1980 Mercedes Benz 240D requires approximately 6.9 quarts of engine oil. If your specific vehicle is equipped with an oil cooler, you should be prepared to provide additional oil to account for what remains in the cooler after it has been drained.
Transmission and Differential Fluid Specifications
Automatic Transmission
For the 4-speed 722.1 automatic transmission, the total fill capacity is 6.4 quarts, while the initial fill capacity is 5.1 quarts. The AMSOIL lookup note references the 722.1….AF3 specification for this application.
Manual Transmission
For the manual transmission (716.005 4-SPD), the capacity is 3.4 pints. The AMSOIL lookup notes reference GLS50 for all temperatures.
Transfer Case & Differential
- Transfer Case: Rear capacity is 2.3 pints.
- Differential/Transfer Case: No specific product recommendations available from source data.
Diesel maintenance notes for this vehicle
When maintaining the OM616 diesel engine, precision in fluid levels and torque is vital. For oil changes, ensure the drain plug is torqued to 30 ft/lbs. If your model includes an oil cooler, account for extra volume during service. Additionally, when checking oil levels after a refill, wait at least 5 minutes with the engine off to allow the oil to settle for an accurate reading.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cold Starts | Thick oil can cause wear during startup in low temperatures. | 0W-40 FS | Provides flow at all temperatures. | Not a substitute for proper engine warm-up. |
| Transmission Heat | High temps can degrade fluid and cause shudder. | Signature Series ATF | Withstands elevated temperatures and heavy towing. | Requires regular inspection of seals. |
| Cooling System Corrosion | Old coolant can damage metals, gaskets, and hoses. | Antifreeze & Coolant | Protects all cooling system metals and gaskets. | Must be used according to mixing instructions. |
Common maintenance concerns for this vehicle
Owners of the W123 chassis often focus on several key areas to maintain long-term reliability:
- Cooling System: Given the age of these vehicles, checking hoses and gaskets is a priority.
- Fuel Delivery: Diesel engines require clean fuel systems; monitoring fuel delivery components is recommended.
- Fluid Integrity: Regular checks for leaks in the transmission and power steering systems are advised to prevent component failure.
Recall, TSB, and manufacturer communication notes
Official NHTSA recall research for the 1980 Mercedes Benz 240d returned no recall records. Additionally, no consumer complaints were found in the NHTSA database for this specific year/make/model combination. However, owners should always verify open recalls by VIN, as applicability can depend on production date, trim, and equipment.
About this vehicle
The 1980 Mercedes-Benz 240d is a notable example of the W123 series, an executive car range produced by Mercedes-Benz between November 1975 and January 1986. The W123 generation earned a global reputation for exceptional durability and reliability, frequently utilized as taxicabs in Germany due to its ability to reach high mileages, such as 500,000 kilometers or more, with only minor mechanical attention. Because of this robust build quality, these vehicles were often exported to regions with rougher road conditions, where they remained highly esteemed for their longevity.
At the heart of this specific model is the OM616 engine. The OM616 is part of a diesel inline-four engine family that was prominent throughout the 1970s and 1980s. The name ‘OM’ stands for ‘Öl-Motor’ (Oil Motor), a naming convention Mercedes-Benz continues to use for its diesel engines today. This specific engine is a bored-out version of the earlier 2.2-litre OM615 engine. While the W123 chassis provided the structural foundation, the 240d designation specifically identifies it as a four-cylinder diesel model.
For owners and maintenance enthusiasts, this vehicle represents a classic era of Mercedes-Benz engineering where mechanical simplicity often contributed to long-term serviceability. Researching maintenance for this vehicle typically focuses on its reputation for ‘infrequent maintenance’ requirements compared to modern counterparts, though the age of the vehicle necessitates attention to cooling systems, fuel delivery, and diesel-specific components. Owners should verify exact performance specifications through official service manuals.
Common questions about this vehicle’s diesel oil and maintenance
What is the engine oil capacity for my 1980 Mercedes 240D?
The capacity is 6.9 quarts with a filter change. If your model has an oil cooler, you may need more oil.
Which AMSOIL oil is best for cold weather in a 240D?
For temperatures below -25°C, the lookup recommends 5W-30, 5W-40, or 5W-50. For all temperatures, 0W-30 and 0W-40 are also listed.
Does my Mercedes 240D need a specific transmission fluid?
The AMSOIL lookup note references the 722.1….AF3 specification for the automatic transmission. For manual, it notes GLS50 requirements.
How often should I change my coolant?
AMSOIL offers protection up to 150,000 miles or 5 years for their Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze, but you should consult your manual for specific intervals.
What torque spec is needed for the oil drain plug?
The confirmed torque specification for the oil drain plug is 30 ft/lbs.
How can I check my Mercedes recalls?
While no NHTSA records were found in this research, you should always verify open recalls by checking your specific VIN with a certified dealer or official manufacturer database.
Disclaimer: This information is derived from provided source data. Always consult your vehicle’s original owner’s manual or a certified workshop guide to ensure compatibility and correct service procedures for your specific engine and chassis.