What is the oil type of the 2012 Mercedes Benz E 350?
By
Vroomouk
In this blog, we find out the recommended oil type for the 2012 Mercedes Benz E350 model and answer the following questions: what is the meaning of engine oil grade? What happens if you don’t change the engine oil? What is the engine oil capacity in the 2012 E350? Lastly, we take a look at the procedure to change the engine oil.
What is the oil type of the 2012 Mercedes Benz E 350?
The recommended oil type for the 2012 Mercedes Benz E 350 is 0 W 40 and in some countries, 5 W 40 is also used. In cold countries, 0 w 40 is recommended as the engine oil should be viscous enough so that it can circulate in the engine despite the cold temperature. 0 W 40-grade engine oil where W stands for winter can stay can easily circulate in the engine during cold starts.
Mercedes Benz launched the fourth generation of the E Class in 2009 and the production continued till 2016. The E Class also got a midlife facelift, Mercedes Benz always introduces a facelift model with some upgrades to the vehicle exterior and onboard components. The E class is the most popular and highest selling Class in the Mercedes Benz lineup.
It is also very reliable and can stand the test of time provided the periodic maintenance is performed regularly. Mercedes Benz also provided a standard warranty of 3-5 years based on where the model is being sold. There are also extended warranty plans valid for up to 6 years regardless of mileage.
More than 13 million E Class models were sold by the end of 2015 including in domestic as well as international markets. The fifth generation of the E Class was launched in 2016 with the model series W213 and later a facelift model with updated front and rear bumpers were also launched to keep the E class lineup updated with the latest technologies and emissions regulations. E class is also a popular choice for taxis and special purpose vehicles due to its durable built quality and vast network of authorised dealerships.
What is the meaning of engine oil grade?
The means of the engine oil grade is a measure of engine oil performance under different operating temperatures. In Mercedes Benz, 0W 40 or 5W 40 is recommended across all the model ranges but other manufacturers can specify different engine oil grades according to the operating temperatures of the engine.
Mercedes Benz Engine oil Mercedes AMG high-performance engine oil
The definition of viscosity is the measure of resistance given by the liquid when it is on a flat surface. It is also known as the viscosity index, the viscosity index of the engine oil is very important as it is circulated in the engine via an oil pump.
In any oil grade, W stands for winter and the number in front of W is the viscosity index of oil when it is at a cold temperature. Likewise, the number after the letter is the viscosity index of oil when the temperature is hot i.e operating temperature
All the engine oils undergo testing before they are graded. This data is then compiled in MB sheet numbers. The MB sheet numbers start from MB226.5 and go till MB 229.7, depending on the engine in the vehicle the correct MB sheet number oil is used.
What is the engine oil capacity of the 2012 Mercedes Benz E 350?
The 2012 Mercedes Benz E 350 requires 8 to 8.5 litres of engine oil. If the drain quantity is less than 8 litres then it is usually an indication of external or internal oil leaks. The E 350 was powered by a massive 3.5 litres V 6 cylinder engine M272. The power output of the M272 engine in the E 350 is 268 bhp and 350 Nm of torque. M272 was a naturally aspirated engine and in the facelift model, M276 was used in a similar naturally aspirated state. Both the engines had a vacuum-operated variable intake manifold, the air inside the manifold could be diverted to either follow a longer path or a shorter path based on the engine speed and load.
The M272 variable intake manifold compensated for the lack of forced air induction by turbochargers by improving the cylinder charging. A resonating pulse was generated as intake valves opened and pressure dropped inside the combustion changer, this negative pressure along with the vacuum resulted in greater suction for the intake stroke. The fuel injection was either port or directly based on the engine variant.
Other key highlights of the V 6 engine were the use of camshaft adjustment or variable valve timing. Camshaft adjustment can advance or delay the opening and closing of the valves according to the engine speed. This greatly improves the torque curve and the 2012 Mercedes E 350 had maximum torque from as early as 2500 rotations per minute.
What happens if you don’t change the engine oil in the 2012 E 350?
The engine oil and oil filter of the 2012 Mercedes Benz E 350is scheduled for renewal at every service. According to Mercedes Benz, the periodic maintenance interval is at 15000 km/ 10,000 miles or once every year. It has been determined that the engine oil can lose its properties over time which can affect its viscosity. Hence, if engine oil is not renewed according to the service interval then it can cause irreparable damage to the
The M272 and M276 engines used in the E 350 have engine oil heat exchangers to cool down the engine oil and maintain the oil viscosity.
The engine oil level sensor is constantly monitoring the engine oil quality and its level in the engine. It is located on the lower section of the oil sump. Therefore, if the engine oil level warning is displayed on the instrument cluster and the vehicle is continuously used, it will create premature wear of the moving parts and Mercedes Benz will reject any warranty claims.
How is the engine oil replaced in the Mercedes Benz 2012 E350?
The engine oil of the 2012 Mercedes Benz E 350 is either drained from the drain bolt located on the bottom section of the oil pan or is suctioned off from an engine oil extractor. Before replacing the engine oil, the engine is brought to operating temperature and the engine oil level is checked.
Following is the process to replace the engine oil
- Lift the vehicle on a lift and remove underbody panels.
- Turn off the engine and open the oil filler cap. Slightly pull the dipstick up.
- Replace the engine oil filter and corresponding O-rings.
- Open the drain screw and collect the engine oil in the proper container, use oil spill kits in case there is a spill.
- An alternate way is to use an Oil extractor and suck the old engine oil from the oil dipstick.
- If the oil is removed from the drain plug then Install the new drain plug and torque it to specification.
- Clean the area around the drain plug.
- Pour new engine oil slowly through the oil filler neck.
- Lastly, screw the engine oil filter cap and oil filler cap.
Other articles about Mercedes Benz you may be interested in
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Is the Mercedes Benz S class reliable?
What is a Mercedes Benz AMG kit?
Conclusion
The engine oil change can cost 150 to 200 USD for a 2012 Mercedes Benz E 350. The cost is slightly higher compared to other manufacturers where the only engine oil is not replaced, the engine oil filter and drain bolt also add up to the cost. The labour rates are also high as it requires removing the underbody panels and performing a visual inspection for any oil leaks.
