The inspected 2004 and 2008 Mercedes manuals both list 6.5 litres for an E220 CDI oil change with the filter. Oil approval needs a second check: the manuals distinguish cars with and without a diesel particulate filter, and their approval lists differ by edition.
Coverage: E220 CDI W211 saloon and S211 estate with OM646.961 or OM646.821. Newer W212 E220 CDI and other E-Class engines require their own specifications. DPF fitment must be checked separately.
Oil capacity: what the two manuals show
| Mercedes reference | E220 CDI entry | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| March 2004 manual, printed page 454 | Replacement amount, engine with filter | 6.5 litres |
| February 2008 manual, printed page 387 | Oil change including filter | 6.5 litres |
The quantity is an oil-change reference. It is not an instruction to add 6.5 litres as a top-up. Other E-Class engines occupy separate columns and can have different quantities.
MANN distinguishes the earlier OM646.961 from the later OM646.821. Match your engine and applicable Mercedes documentation, particularly around the model change or where the engine has been replaced.
How much oil should you order?
Five litres alone is less than the listed change amount. A five-litre container plus two one-litre containers provides seven litres, covering the nominal 6.5-litre requirement with some remaining. Compare the total volume and cost when choosing pack sizes.
Seven litres purchased does not mean seven litres should be poured in. The workshop must use the appropriate filling and level-check procedure to establish the final amount. For a level correction between services, measure under the vehicle’s own instructions and add only what is required.
Check DPF fitment before choosing an approval
A “2005 E220 CDI”, “OM646” or viscosity label alone does not settle the approval. The earlier manual already includes DPF-equipped E220 CDI entries. Confirm the car’s fitted specification through its vehicle records and applicable service information.
| Inspected manual / condition | MB sheets listed for E220 CDI |
|---|---|
| March 2004: without DPF | 229.3 / 229.5 |
| March 2004: EURO4 engine with DPF | 229.31 |
| February 2008: with DPF | 228.51 / 229.31 / 229.51 |
| February 2008: without DPF, certain countries | 228.3 / 228.5 / 228.51 / 229.3 / 229.31 / 229.5 / 229.51 |
These are the published lists in those editions, not a rule that every newer sheet number replaces every older one. Where the car’s documentation differs, obtain the applicable current Mercedes guidance rather than inferring a substitution from the number.
For a confirmed 229.51 application: Mobil 1 ESP 5W-30
Mobil’s current UK information lists MB-Approval 229.51 for Mobil 1 ESP 5W-30. That sheet appears in the inspected 2008 E220 CDI DPF column. Consider this option where the car’s applicable approval and viscosity guidance permits it.
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Search Amazon for Mobil 1 ESP 5W-30The current product page does not list MB-Approval 229.31. This article therefore does not use the 229.51 declaration alone to prove suitability for an earlier car whose applicable instructions specify only 229.31. Confirm any later approved specification for that car before ordering.
For a confirmed non-DPF application: Mobil 1 FS 0W-40
Mobil lists MB-Approval 229.3 and 229.5 for Mobil 1 FS 0W-40. Those sheets appear in the inspected non-DPF E220 CDI guidance. Use it only where the car’s applicable approval and viscosity requirements allow it; this is not the product option presented for a DPF-equipped car.
Search Amazon for Mobil 1 FS 0W-40Both links open searches. Check the exact formulation, declared approval, container volume and seller on the actual item. Other oils can appear. The viscosity grade and the MB approval are separate checks.
Match the filter independently
MANN lists HU 718/1 k for both covered E220 CDI engines. Retain the complete reference when ordering. A suitable oil does not prove that every filter in a bundled kit fits.
The W211/S211 E220 CDI filters guide checks the engine air-filter split, right-hand-drive cabin filtration and fuel-filter configuration. The maintenance guide explains the W211 service letters and dated records used to establish what is due.
Explore the Mercedes maintenance hub. For brake, gearbox, suspension or engine fault investigation, see our W211 diagnostic scanner guide.
Sources and coverage
- Mercedes 2004 manual, printed pages 454–455 / PDF pages 457–458: quantity and earlier DPF/non-DPF approvals.
- Mercedes-hosted 2008 manual, printed pages 386–387 / PDF pages 389–390: later approval columns and change quantity, visually checked.
- Mobil UK: Mobil 1 ESP 5W-30 and Mobil UK: Mobil 1 FS 0W-40: current product approvals.
- MANN HU 718/1 k: both named engine applications.
Checked 20 October 2026. Mercedes references are the March 2004 German manual hosted by Spookies and the February 2008 English manual hosted by Mercedes-Benz. Both include saloon/estate information. The online 2008 document states a German-market scope despite its English language; match the manual and service information applicable to your UK car.
