2016 Mercedes Benz Sprinter 3500 3.0L Diesel Maintenance Guide | Oil & Filter Specs

AMSOIL diesel oil guide for 2016 Mercedes Benz Sprinter 3500
AMSOIL diesel oil guide for trucks, vans, SUVs and diesel engines

For the 2016 Mercedes Benz Sprinter 3500 with the 3.0L 6-cylinder Engine Code 642.896 C Diesel Turbo, the engine oil capacity is 13.2 quarts (with filter). Recommended viscosities include 0W-30 or 0W-40 for all temperatures, and various options like 5W-30, 5W-40, 10W-30, 10W-40, or 15W-40 depending on ambient temperature. AMSOIL recommends AMSOIL 0W-30 MS 100% Synthetic European Motor Oil (EOTQT-EA) for this application.

What oil does a 2016 Mercedes Benz Sprinter 3500 take?

The 2016 Mercedes Benz Sprinter 3500 with the 3.0L 6-cylinder diesel engine requires specific viscosities based on operating temperatures. The AMSOIL lookup lists several options including 0W-30, 0W-40, 5W-30, 5W-40, 10W-30, 10W-40, and 15W-40. For optimal protection in European diesel engines, AMSOIL recommends the 0W-30 MS 100% Synthetic European Motor Oil.

AMSOIL product recommendations

The following AMSOIL products are recommended for your Mercedes Benz Sprinter 3500 maintenance needs based on the provided vehicle lookup data.

Engine Oil & Filter

Product Name Code
AMSOIL 0W-30 MS 100% Synthetic European Motor Oil EOTQT-EA
Filter Type Code
MANN-FILTERS Oil Filter HU821X-EA

Air & Coolant

Product Name Code
WIX Air Filter 49876-EA
AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant ANTPC1G-EA
AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant ANT1G-EA

Transmission & Transfer Case

Product Name Code
AMSOIL Signature Series Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic ATF ATLPK-EA
AMSOIL OE Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic ATF OTLQT-EA

Engine Oil Viscosity Guide

Temperature Range Recommended Viscosity
All Temperatures 0W-30, 0W-40
Above -25°C 5W-30, 5W-40
Above -20°C 10W-30, 10W-40
Above -15°C 15W-40

Engine Oil Capacity

Description Capacity
Oil capacity with filter change 13.2 quarts

Note: After refilling, always check the oil level.

How much oil does it take with a filter change?

A complete oil and filter service for this vehicle requires 13.2 quarts of engine oil. When performing the service, ensure you use the correct drain plug torque specification of 22 ft/lbs to prevent leaks or damage to the oil pan.

Engine Oil Details & Specifications

The AMSOIL lookup identifies the oil grade as SEO59. The recommended product is designed for the unique demands of gasoline, diesel, and hybrid European vehicles, featuring a precise blend of synthetic base oils and premium additives to provide engine protection without harming emissions systems.

Oil Service Specifications

Specification Value
Oil Drain Plug Torque 22 ft/lbs
Oil Grade (AMSOIL lookup) SEO59

Transmission and Transfer Case Fluids

For the automatic transmission (W5A380), a total fill capacity of 7.5 quarts is required. For the transfer case (U/K TRC), the capacity is 2.1 pints, with both the drain and fill plugs requiring 29.5 ft/lbs of torque.

Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)

Product Name Code
AMSOIL Signature Series Fuel-Efficient ATF ATLPK-EA
AMSOIL OE Fuel-Efficient ATF OTLQT-EA

Transfer Case Lubricant

Specification Value
Capacity (U/K TRC) 2.1 pints
Drain Plug Torque 29.5 ft/lbs
Fill Plug Torque 29.5 ft/lbs

Diesel maintenance notes for this vehicle

  • Emissions Systems: This vehicle is part of the Mercedes BlueTEC category. Maintenance should prioritize the health of emissions components.
  • Filter Replacement: Use premium media filters, such as the MANN-FILTERS HU821X-EA, to help reduce engine wear and maintain OEM drain intervals.
  • Air Filtration: Replacing the air filter (e.g., WIX 49876-EA) helps ensure proper airflow and protects against engine wear.
  • Coolant Maintenance: Ensure the cooling system is protected using an OAT formulation like AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze to protect metals, gaskets, and hoses.

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 Health High heat and speed can cause oil breakdown. EOTQT-EA Provides exceptional engine protection. Requires regular service intervals.
Heavy Towing/Load Increases transmission and transfer case heat. ATLPK-EA Withstands rigors of heavy towing and elevated temperatures. Diagnosis required if mechanical failure occurs.
Cold Weather Starts Thick oil can hinder lubrication during startup. EOTQT-EA 0W-30 viscosity remains fluid in low temps. Always check manufacturer specs for your region.

Common maintenance concerns for this vehicle

Owners of the Mercedes Benz Sprinter 3500 diesel should focus on several key areas to ensure longevity:

  • Fuel Filtration: Diesel engines are sensitive to fuel quality; maintaining clean fuel filtration is critical.
  • Emissions Upkeep: For BlueTEC models, monitoring the health of the emissions system and DEF/AdBlue (if applicable) is essential for compliance and performance.
  • Turbocharger Protection: Given the turbocharger’s role in this engine, maintaining high-quality lubrication is a priority to prevent wear.

About this vehicle

The 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 is a heavy-duty light commercial vehicle designed for high-capacity utility. It is available in various configurations, including large vans, chassis cabs, and minibuses. Within the Mercedes-Benz van hierarchy, the Sprinter is positioned as a larger offering compared to mid-size models like the Vito.

This specific model features a 3.0L 6-cylinder diesel engine (Engine Code 642 896 C) and falls under the Mercedes BlueTEC category. The Sprinter has historically been marketed under various nameplates, including Dodge and Freightliner in certain regions, but remains a core part of the Mercedes-Benz commercial portfolio.

Typical use cases for the Sprinter 3500 involve heavy-duty cargo transport or passenger shuttle services. Because these vehicles are often used for high-utility work, they necessitate a robust maintenance schedule focusing on diesel-specific components like turbocharger health and emissions system upkeep. Owners should be careful to distinguish between different engine families; for example, the M272 gasoline V6 is a distinct petrol engine and should not be confused with this 3.0L diesel architecture.

It is highly recommended that owners verify their specific VIN through a certified Mercedes-Benz dealer to confirm exact engine specifications and required maintenance intervals, especially regarding BlueTEC emissions systems.

Recall, TSB, and manufacturer communication notes

Official NHTSA recall research for the 2016 Mercedes Benz Sprinter 3500 returned no recall records. Additionally, no complaint records were returned by the NHTSA complaints API for this specific year, make, and model combination. However, this does not prove the vehicle has no issues; it only means no records were found in this specific search. Owners should always verify open recalls by VIN through a certified dealer.

Common questions about this vehicle’s diesel oil and maintenance

What is the engine oil capacity for my Sprinter 3500?

The capacity is 13.2 quarts when performing an oil change with a filter replacement.

Which AMSOIL oil is best for the 642 diesel engine?

AMSOIL recommends EOTQT-EA (0W-30 MS 100% Synthetic European Motor Oil) for its ability to protect European diesel engines without harming emissions systems.

What torque should I use for the oil drain plug?

The oil drain plug should be torqued to 22 ft/lbs.

How much transmission fluid does the automatic Sprinter take?

For the 5-speed W5A380 automatic transmission, the total fill capacity is 7.5 quarts.

Can I use AMSOIL for my transfer case?

Yes, the lookup lists ATLPK-EA or OTLQT-EA for the transfer case application.

How do I check for recalls on my Mercedes Sprinter?

While no records were found in this specific research, you should always verify open recalls by checking your VIN through an official Mercedes-Benz dealer or the NHTSA website.


Disclaimer: This information is derived from provided source data. Always consult your vehicle’s owner manual and a certified professional before performing maintenance.

Scroll to Top