For the 1980 Mercedes Benz 300SD with the 3.0L 5-cylinder Engine Code 617.950 C Diesel Turbo, the engine oil capacity is 7.9 quarts with a filter change. Recommended viscosities include 0W-30 and 0W-40 for all temperatures, or 10W-40 (above -20°C) and 5W-30/5W-40/5W-50 (above -25°C). AMSOIL recommends AMSOIL 5W-40 FS 100% Synthetic European Motor Oil (EFMQT-EA) for this application.
What oil does a 1980 Mercedes Benz 300SD take?
The 1980 Mercedes Benz 300SD with the OM617 engine requires specific viscosities based on operating temperatures. The AMSOIL lookup provides several options to ensure proper lubrication for this diesel turbo application.
AMSOIL product recommendations
Based on the vehicle specifications, AMSOIL offers several high-performance synthetic options to maintain your Mercedes diesel engine and its supporting systems.
Engine Oil Recommendations
| Product Name | Part 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 Recommendations
| Product Name | Part Code |
|---|---|
| AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant | ANTPC1G-EA |
| AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant | ANT1G-EA |
Transmission & Steering Fluid Recommendations
| Product Name | Part Code |
|---|---|
| AMSOIL Signature Series Multi-Vehicle ATF | ATFPK-EA |
| AMSOIL OE Multi-Vehicle ATF | OTFQT-EA |
| AMSOIL 100% Synthetic Multi-Vehicle Power Steering Fluid | PSFCN-EA |
Brake Fluid Recommendation
| Product Name | Part Code |
|---|---|
| AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid | BFLVCN-EA |
Engine Oil Viscosity Options
| Temperature Range | Recommended Viscosity |
|---|---|
| All Temperatures | 0W-30, 0W-40 |
| Above -20°C | 10W-40 |
| Above -25°C | 5W-30, 5W-40, 5W-50 |
AMSOIL lookup oil grade: SEO41
Engine Oil Capacity and Torque
| Description | Specification |
|---|---|
| Oil Capacity (with filter) | 7.9 quarts |
| Oil Drain Plug Torque | 20 ft/lbs |
Note: On models with an oil cooler, additional oil may be needed when the cooler is drained. Allow 5 minutes after refilling or turning the engine off before checking the oil level.
Engine Oil and Filter Details
Maintaining the lubrication system of the OM617 turbo diesel is critical for longevity. While AMSOIL provides high-quality synthetic oils, specific filter part numbers were not confirmed from source data.
- Oil Filter: No recommendations available from source data.
- Air Filter: No recommendations available from source data.
- Oil Vapor Filter: No recommendations available from source data.
Automatic Transmission Fluid Specifications
For the 4-speed automatic transmission (722.1), proper fluid levels and types are essential for smooth shifting and component protection.
| Fill Type | Capacity |
|---|---|
| Initial Fill | 6.6 quarts |
| Total Fill | 7.7 quarts |
The AMSOIL lookup lists ATFPK-EA and OTFQT-EA for this application.
Coolant and Brake Fluid Specifications
Proper thermal management and braking performance depend on using the correct coolant and brake fluid specifications as noted in the vehicle documentation.
Coolant Details
- Capacity: 13.2 quarts
- AMSOIL Options: ANTPC1G-EA (50/50 pre-mix) or ANT1G-EA (Concentrated).
Brake Fluid Details
The AMSOIL lookup note references the following for this application: Use DOT 4 plus, 0009895605090109 (previously 0009895605110111, 000989080701) or products approved on MB Sheet 331.0. AMSOIL recommends BFLVCN-EA.
Other Fluid Capacities
| Component | Capacity |
|---|---|
| Transfer Case (Rear) | 2.3 pints |
Note: Manual transmission, clutch fluid, and differential/transfer case lubricant recommendations were not confirmed from source data.
Common diesel oil-related concerns and how AMSOIL products may help
| Concern | Why it matters | AMSOIL product | How it may help | Limitation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Injector Deposits | Dirty injectors can cause poor performance and smoke. | ADFPCN-EA | Cleans dirty injectors and lubricates pumps. | Diagnosis may be required for mechanical failure. |
| Cold Weather Starting | Diesel fuel can gel in extreme cold. | ADDCN-EA | Lowers cold filter-plugging point (CFPP). | Does not replace proper fuel storage. |
| Engine Storage | Internal components can rust during inactivity. | FOGSC-EA | Provides rust prevention for internal components. | Designed for storage, not active use. |
| Low Cetane/Power Loss | Lower cetane can affect combustion and idle. | ACBCN-EA | Increases cetane up to 8 points for better startability. | Does not repair damaged injectors. |
Diesel maintenance notes for this vehicle
Owners of the OM617 engine should prioritize the following based on historical diesel maintenance contexts:
- Turbocharger Health: Because this vehicle utilizes a turbocharger, monitoring turbo health and ensuring high-quality lubrication is essential.
- Fuel System Integrity: Frequent inspection of fuel filters is recommended to prevent contamination in the injection system.
- Thermal Management: Ensure the cooling system is maintained to support high-pressure diesel operation.
Common maintenance concerns for this vehicle
Based on research into vintage Mercedes diesels, owners should consider these practical checks:
- Glow Plug Functionality: Essential for reliable cold starts in older diesel engines.
- Injection Pump Calibration: Maintaining the mechanical robustness of the inline injection pump is a key area of interest.
- Turbocharger Performance: Monitoring for any signs of turbocharger wear or oil consumption.
About this vehicle
The 1980 Mercedes-Benz 300SD represents a significant era in the evolution of luxury diesel vehicles. This model is associated with the ‘Sonderklasse’ (Special Class) lineage, which eventually became known as the S-Class. While the W116 series was the first to officially carry the S-Class designation until 1980, the 300SD specifically appears in historical records within the context of turbodiesel luxury sedans and coupes produced during this period.
At the heart of this vehicle is the OM617 engine family. The 5-cylinder OM617 served as a reliable foundation for subsequent Mercedes-Benz diesel developments, such as the later OM603 straight-6 engine. Owners of these vintage diesel engines often focus on the mechanical robustness of the inline injection pump and the pre-combustion chamber fuel injection system.
Because this vehicle utilizes a turbocharger, maintenance attention is typically directed toward turbocharger health and the integrity of the cooling and lubrication systems essential for high-pressure diesel operation. It is highly recommended that owners verify their specific chassis code (e.g., W116 or W126) via the vehicle’s VIN before purchasing specialized parts.
Recall, TSB, and manufacturer communication notes
Official recall/TSB research was not included in this draft yet. Owners should verify current open recalls by checking their specific VIN through official Mercedes-Benz channels or the NHTSA website.
Common questions about this vehicle’s diesel oil and maintenance
How much oil does my 1980 300SD take?
The engine requires 7.9 quarts of oil when performing a service that includes the filter. If your model has an oil cooler, you may need additional oil when draining the cooler.
What is the correct oil viscosity for my Mercedes diesel?
Depending on your temperature, AMSOIL lists 0W-30 or 0W-40 for all temperatures. For warmer climates (above -20°C), 10W-40 is suitable; above -25°C, you can use 5W-30, 5W-40, or 5W-50.
What should I use for my automatic transmission?
The AMSOIL lookup lists ATFPK-EA or OTFQT-EA for the 722.1 transmission.
How can I improve diesel fuel performance?
Additives like ADFPCN-EA can help clean injectors, while ACBCN-EA can increase cetane levels for better combustion.
What is the drain plug torque for the oil pan?
The oil drain plug should be torqued to 20 ft/lbs.
How do I check my oil level correctly?
After refilling or turning the engine off, allow at least 5 minutes before checking the oil level to ensure an accurate reading.
Disclaimer: Always verify all capacities, specifications, and torque values with your specific vehicle’s workshop manual or VIN-specific documentation before performing maintenance.