Mercedes C300 Oil Change DIY M264

This article will provide the necessary steps and information to change the engine oil and oil filter on a 2019, 2020, and 2021 Mercedes C300 2.0L M264 engine. We also provide information regarding the following questions: What is the best engine oil for Mercedes C300 M264 engines? What is the correct oil quality specification required for this oil change service? What is the best oil viscosity or weight to use? What is the proper oil change interval? What is the oil change fill capacity? And what are the necessary tools needed for changing the engine oil?

Mercedes C300, E350, GLC300, & GLE350 2.0T M264 Engine Oil Change Info

Although we demonstrated this DIY how-to tutorial on a 2021 Mercedes C300 with the 2.0L M264 engine, the procedures and information also apply to the following models Mercedes C300, E350, GLC300, and GLE350 models.

  • 2019, 2020, 2021 Mercedes C300 Oil Change with 2.0L M264 Engine
  • 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 Mercedes E350 Oil Change with 2.0L M264 Engine
  • 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 Mercedes GLC300 Oil Change with 2.0L M264 Engine
  • 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 Mercedes GLE350 Oil Change with 2.0L M264 Engine

The inline-mounted Mercedes C300 M264 engine may have some slight visual differences from model to model seen in the splash pan, engine covers, and subframe areas depending on the model year but the instructional DIY steps, procedures, capacities, and recommended oil specifications will apply to all models.

Parts Needed for Mercedes C300 M264 Oil Change

BLAU® oil change kits are the perfect choice for today's discriminating vehicle owners who desire only the highest quality products. Our kits are great for individuals looking to improve performance and efficiency and add to their engine's longevity. Each oil change kit conveniently includes everything necessary for an oil change. All kits include the correct amount of premium Eurol or RAVENOL oil, proper oil specification, and a MAHLE or original oil filter for your vehicle (see the product image showing what is exactly included in each kit).

BLAU® Oil Change Kits for Mercedes C300 engines feature:

  • 6 or 7 liters of fully synthetic engine oil that meets or exceeds the recommended Mercedes 229.52 oil quality specification and performance characteristics required for the M264 2.0-liter turbo engine
  • 1 Premium OEM oil filter with Filter Housing O-rings
  • 1 Drain Plug Sealing Washer

Mercedes C300 Oil Fill Capacity 2.0L M264

  • 2019 2020 2021 Mercedes C300 AWD 4Matic oil change fill capacity for the 2.0-liter M264 engine is 6.0 liters (6.34 quarts).
  • 2019 2020 2021 Mercedes C300 Rear Wheel Drive oil change fill capacity for the 2.0-liter M264 engine is 6.6 liters (6.97 quarts).

Please Note: AWD 4Matic models use a different oil pan due to the front differential shaft through the oil pan resulting in less oil capacity for AWD models. As a result, select models have different oil capacities depending on AWD or RWD.

Mercedes C300 Oil Type 2.0L M264

  • 2019 - 2021 Mercedes C300 recommends oil quality specifications MB 229.51, MB 229.52, MB 229.61, or MB 229.71 for better fuel economy.
  • 2022 onward Mercedes C300 models began solely recommending the MB 229.71 or 229.72 oil quality specifications. See viscosity type below for more information.

Mercedes C300 Oil Viscosity Type 2.0L M264

The Mercedes recommended MB 229.51, MB 229.52, and MB 229.61 oil quality specifications for the M264 engines are always associated with an SAE 0W30, 5W30, 0W40, or 5W40 viscosity. If you are a spirited driver or live in a hot climate area, one of these oil specifications may be the best choice.

The Mercedes recommended MB 229.71 oil quality specification will always be associated with an SAE 0W20 viscosity. If you are aiming for the best possible fuel economy, good cold climate lubricating protection, and are an avid user of the Mercedes ECO start stop system then this may be the oil specification choice.

Mercedes C300 Change Interval 2.0L M264

The recommended oil change interval for the M264 engine is 10,000 miles or once a year. This is typically referenced by the B0 service indicated on the gauge cluster with the vehicle on-board computer maintenance system. This is typically recommended for the first service and then it's extended to a 20,000 mile or every two year oil change interval. However, we recommend a 10,000 mile oil change interval to minimize oil shear losses and oil dilution issues which could result in engine mechanical and reliability issues.

If your Mercedes experiences spirited driving or is often under heavy load, commercial use, stop-and-go traffic, extensive idle time, and extreme temperatures, we recommend an earlier oil change interval such as 6,000 miles - 8,000 miles.

Note: The above Mercedes M264 oil change interval recommendations should only be followed when using Mercedes MB-Approved 229.51, 229.52, 229.61, 229.71 oils. These oil quality specifications should be specifically listed on the datasheet or oil bottle. Also, an OEM oil filter should be used for extended 10,000-mile oil change intervals. Using engine oils labeled without the correct Mercedes oil specification or generic aftermarket oil filters could lead to engine mechanical breakdowns and reliability issues.

Mercedes M264 Oil Change Tools Needed

  • Flat blade screwdriver or trim clip removal tool for intake ducting removal
  • 27mm socket and rachet for oil filter housing removal
  • 8mm socket and rachet for splash pan removal
  • 13mm socket and ratchet or 13mm wrench for drain plug removal
  • Torque wrench for oil filter housing and drain plug tightening
  • Waste oil drain pan container and pouring funnel
  • Protective rubber gloves, safety glasses, and rags

Mercedes C300 Oil Change Video Guide - 2.0L M264 Engine W205 Platform

Step-by-Step Mercedes Oil Change Instructions for C300, E350, GLC300, or GLE350

How To Step 1

Allow the engine to reach operating temperature. This will facilitate optimal oil drainage. Blauparts also recommends that the vehicle and engine are in a LEVEL position for optimal oil drainage.

How To Step 2

Locate the oil filter housing. This is on the front side of the engine just under the charge pipe and behind the airbox intake ducting. To gain access to the oil filter housing area remove the airbox intake ducting. This can be done by first using a trim clip removal tool or flat blade screwdriver to remove the trim clip. Prying up on the center pin and then pulling the clip upward.

How To Step 3

Disconnect the intake ducting from the radiator valance. First release the two top mounting tabs while pushing the ducting to the rear of the vehicle in a slight downward direction, allowing the hidden bottom tab to be released.

How To Step 4

Remove the intake ducting from the airbox by firmly pulling it outward to the front of the vehicle. Once removed, place the ducting out of the work area.

How To Step 5

To help absorb possible oil spills during the oil filter replacement, surround the oil filter housing area with some rags.

How To Step 6

Using a 27mm socket and ratchet loosen and remove the oil filter housing cap in a counterclockwise direction. Once completely loosened, allow 1 or 2 minutes to pass before removal. This allows the oil filter housing to drain more thoroughly into the sump, resulting in less mess during the oil filter removal.

How To Step 7

Remove the oil filter housing cap along with the oil filter. Quickly placing it into a small tray close by can minimize oil spills and dripping. Using a rag clean any possible oil spills or dripping that accrued during the oil filter removal.

How To Step 8

Separate the old oil filter from the oil filter housing cap. Using a small flathead screwdriver remove and replace the three-oil filter housing sealing o-rings. While placing the new O-rings, confirm that they are seated correctly in the grooves, as originally oriented. Lubricate the new O-rings with fresh oil. This will ensure that they are not damaged during installation, that they seal the filter housing correctly, and aid the oil filter housing cap removal during your next oil change.

How To Step 9

Install the new oil filter onto the oil filter housing cap, and confirm it seats into the base with the white rubber diaphragm facing outward as originally oriented.

How To Step 10

Install the oil filter along with the oil filter housing cap. As you align and insert the oil filter into the vehicle side of the oil filter housing the surrounding coolant hose may need to be lightly adjusted out of the way for proper oil filter alignment. As you begin to thread the oil filter housing cap in a clockwise direction. Be careful not to cross the threads while performing this step. In our case, we tightened the oil filter housing cap to 25 Newton meters or 18ft lb. torque specification. It's also noted that some oil filter caps reference 25 Newton meters and an additional 5 Newton meters. We feel the additional 5 Newton meters is unnecessary since almost all other oil filter housing caps of similar dimensions on German vehicles (VW, Audi, BMW) reference just the 25 Newton meters. It's also good to not over-tighten the oil filter housing cap as the O-ring is what's responsible for sealing the oil filter housing and not how torqued the cap gets.

How To Step 11

Clean the oil filter housing and surrounding area from any oil residue. We suggest not using any solvents to clean this area since there is a variety of plastic and rubber commenters. Typically using solvents can have a negative effect on rubbers and plastics.

How To Step 12

Re-install the airbox intake ducting. Align and re-install the airbox side, and then the radiator valance side. Confirming both ends are aligned and clipped in place. Last, re-install the trim clip.

How To Step 13

You will need to gain access to the bottom side of the engine to drain the motor oil. To properly perform the Mercedes C300 oil change, the vehicle will need to be elevated off the ground, with the engine in a LEVEL position. We recommend raising the vehicle using an SAE-approved automotive lift. To confirm you're lifting the vehicle correctly you can reference your factory owner’s manual for the proper vehicle lift point locations and safety procedures.

How To Step 14

Remove the splash pan. This is held in place with a total of eight 8-millimeter hex head fasteners. As you remove the last fastener on the rear, support, slide, and remove the pan to the rear of the vehicle.

How To Step 15

Locate the oil pan drain plug. This is on the driver-side left of the oil pan. Using a 13mm wrench loosen and remove the drain plug in a counterclockwise direction. As you remove the drain plug, allow the oil to drain into a drain pan.

How To Step 16

Once you’ve confirmed all the oil is drained, re-install your drain plug and sealing washer, threading it in a clockwise direction. Using a 13-millimeter socket and torque wrench, tighten the drain plug. In our case, we tightened it to a 25ft lb. torque specification. It's also a good idea to clean any excess oil from around the drain plug area as this can later help when confirming you have no oil leaks.

How To Step 17

Locate and remove the oil fill cap and begin filling the engine with the recommended Mercedes 229.52 specification engine oil. The engine oil fill capacity for an AWD/4Matic C300 is 6.0 liters and 6.6 liters for rear wheel drive models.

To learn more about the correct oil specification options and oil fill capacities for the Mercedes M264 engine see the oil specification information above.

How To Step 18

Once you’ve completed filling the engine with oil, reinstall the oil fill cap.

How To Step 19

Start the engine and allow it to idle for around 10 seconds. This will allow the engine's oil system to pressurize, giving you the opportunity to inspect and confirm that you have no oil leaks coming from the oil filter and drain plug areas.

How To Step 20

Once you’ve confirmed you have no leaks you can reinstall the splash pan. First, line up and slide the front mounting tab of the pan in place. First hand tightening the eight 8mm hex head fasteners. Last, evenly tighten all splash pan mounting hardware.

How To Step 21

Prepare for the final engine oil level check. With the vehicle in a level position and ventilated area allow the engine to idle. Using the vehicle's onboard multimedia computer system, use the left steering wheel buttons to access the service category on the gauge cluster scroll down to the engine oil level, and allow for an oil level measurement. The oil level measurement will not be available until the engine reaches full operating temperature. This may take around 10-15 minutes. Once the engine has reached operating temperature allow for an oil level measurement. The oil level is correct between the minimum and maximum oil level indicators.

How To Step 22

Turn off the engine and dispose of waste oil responsibly by taking it to a certified recycling collection center.

How To Step 23

Note in your records the current mileage at the time of oil change, as well as, when you'll need to change your oil next. For help determining the correct Mercedes oil change interval for your vehicle, see the above oil change interval and our "How driving style can affect your Mercedes oil change intervals" section. You may also wish to reset the vehicle's oil change interval system for future oil change indications. Keeping detailed service records is a must for proper vehicle maintenance and future resale value.

Why Choose Blauparts for All Your Vehicle Lubrication Needs?

BLAU® oil change kits use high-quality, synthetic* engine oils. The engine oils we offer are sourced from lubricant partners that employ sustainable efforts to improve the environment using a higher level of quality. This in turn can support the conservation of the environment through less oil changes and waste, optimize vehicle efficiency and performance, improve and maintain fuel economy, and reduce exhaust/carbon emissions.

*For most kits, check the product description.

Technical Advantages:

  • Convenient BLAU® oil change kits with the correct spec oil and quantities for your specific vehicle make and model
  • Oils feature factory OEM approvals or exceed your vehicle manufacturer's specific oil specification requirements
  • Sustainable motor oils that conserve the environment, improve fuel economy, and reduce exhaust/carbon emissions
  • High-quality oil allows for longer oil change intervals and extended service life that conserve the Earth's resources
  • Motor oils using the latest advanced oil technologies with improved lubricating properties
  • High-performance oils with better HTHS, Noak, and TBN performance levels
  • Motor oils with better cold temperature pour points and high heat flashpoints
  • Better engine protection against sludging, coking, and varnish in the piston ring and valve train areas
  • Long-life OEM oil filters for extended oil change intervals