How to Change the Oil in a Mercedes 1998 C280

1. Park the Mercedes C280 on a level surface and allow the engine to cool for at least half an hour. This gives the oil time to drain into the oil pan.
2. Locate the oil pan on the beneath your engine block. It is a large rectangular box covered by a plastic panel. Use the socket wrench to unbolt the panel and expose the oil drain plug --- a hex bolt towards the front of the oil pan.
3. Lay out the plastic tarp beneath the oil pan. Oil can be a disastrous water pollutant, and the tarp is an important means of preventing oil from escaping into your local water system. (See Reference 1) Position the metal catch pan on the tarp beneath the plug on the oil pan. Wear gloves to shield your hands and keep them clean.
4. Remove the oil filler cap, located on the top right-hand side of the C280's engine block. Unscrew the oil pan plug with a socket wrench, being careful not to splash hot oil on yourself. Let the oil drain from the oil pan into the catch pan.
5. Replace the oil pan plug, but do not over-torque the hex bolt.
6. Pour clean oil into to oil filler opening. According to Mercedes, your 1998 C280 should take approximately six or eight quarts of new oil, depending on the size of your engine. (See Reference 2) As you fill the oil pan check the level of the oil using your dipstick to ensure that you do not overfill; your oil level should read between the two small holes at the bottom of the dipstick.
7. Replace filler cap and oil dipstick. Close the car's hood.
8.
Improperly disposed of motor oil often ends up polluting wetlands and other natural resources.
Dispose of used oil by funneling it into the containers your new oil came in. Do this over the tarp to contain any spills. Never get rid of used motor oil by throwing it in your trash or dumping it down the drain. Instead, bring the waste oil to your local recycling center or hazardous waste disposal site. (See Reference 1)