The inspected March 2004 Mercedes W211/S211 manual lists a 7.3-litre replacement quantity for the E320 CDI engine with oil filter. Its oil instructions distinguish MB 229.3/229.5 for cars without a DPF from MB 229.31 for the Euro 4 DPF version. This guide covers the OM648 straight-six.
Coverage: E320 CDI W211 saloon and S211 estate with the 3,222 cc OM648.961 straight-six, catalogued at 150 kW / 204 hp. MANN lists November 2002 to June 2005 as its application range, not UK registration cut-offs. The OM642 V6, petrol E320, W210 and other OM648 installations are outside this guide.
The earlier E320 CDI oil reference
| Check | Inspected 2004 manual |
|---|---|
| Engine-with-filter replacement quantity | 7.3 litres |
| Without diesel particulate filter | MB 229.3 or 229.5 |
| Euro 4 engine with DPF | MB 229.31 |
| Viscosity | Use the manual’s SAE guidance for operating temperatures |
The German table labels the quantity Wechselmenge, meaning replacement amount, under the engine-with-filter heading. Read the E280 CDI/E320 CDI column rather than the adjacent E200/E220/E270 CDI figures.
This is an edition-specific manufacturer reference. Match it to your car’s supplied documentation, and follow its filling and final-level instructions. The number is not a top-up quantity or a direction to pour the entire purchased amount into the engine.
Why the later V6 figure does not apply
The E320 CDI name also appears on the later 3.0-litre OM642 V6. Our OM642 oil guide documents that car’s separate reference. Do not carry its 8.5-litre figure into this 3.2-litre straight-six.
Search results can also mix different markets, model years and units. Confirm litres versus US quarts and identify the engine before comparing quantities. An eight-litre purchase and an eight-litre fill are different things.
For a confirmed non-DPF car: Mobil 1 FS 0W-40
Mobil’s current UK page lists Mobil 1 FS 0W-40 with MB-Approval 229.3 and 229.5. Those directly match the inspected non-DPF instructions. It is a buying option where the car permits that SAE grade and approval.
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Search Amazon for Mobil 1 FS 0W-40Keep this recommendation within the confirmed non-DPF branch. A broad “Mercedes diesel” description does not make it the choice for the DPF instruction below. Check the exact product, current label, delivered volume and seller.
For the documented DPF branch: ESP Formula P 5W-30
Mobil’s current UK page lists Mobil 1 ESP Formula P 5W-30 with MB-Approval 229.31. This directly matches the inspected Euro 4 DPF requirement, where the vehicle permits the SAE grade.
Search Amazon for Mobil 1 ESP Formula P 5W-30Retain Formula P in the product check. Do not assume the ordinary ESP 5W-30 product, an older bottle or every oil with ESP in its name has the same current approval declaration. The link opens search results, which may contain alternatives or accessories.
Formula P also carries newer MB approvals on Mobil’s page. The reason it appears here is the explicit 229.31 match; no unverified substitution from a higher-numbered specification is needed.
How much should you buy?
Against the inspected 7.3-litre replacement reference, five plus three litres or two four-litre containers provide eight litres to purchase. Compare current pack combinations and delivery charges. A single five-litre container is below that nominal reference.
The extra purchased oil remains surplus unless the correct level requires it. Keep any remainder labelled with the product and approval. For topping up, establish the amount actually needed and the applicable oil instructions instead of using the service quantity.
Before checkout
Confirm the OM648.961 engine, actual DPF equipment, required approval, permitted viscosity and complete product formulation. An SAE grade alone is insufficient. If the vehicle documentation differs from this archived edition, resolve the difference before filling.
Order the oil filter separately using the correct application: MANN lists HU 721/2 x for this straight-six. The OM648 filter guide explains the reference and the other service filters. Use the maintenance guide to record the work and compare quotations.
Browse the Mercedes maintenance hub and Mercedes diagnostic scanner guides. For a tool purchase, confirm the exact diesel engine, controller and required function.
Manufacturer sources
- Mercedes March 2004 manual, printed pages 454–455 / PDF pages 457–458: quantity, DPF approval and viscosity chart.
- Mobil UK: FS 0W-40 and Mobil UK: ESP Formula P 5W-30: current approvals.
- MANN HU 721/2 x: exact OM648.961 application.
Research checked 20 October 2026. The inspected Mercedes-origin saloon/estate manual is the March 2004 German edition, preserved by a community archive. It supports the stated references, not a complete UK schedule for every build. The manual, Service Booklet and supplements supplied with your vehicle take precedence.
