Self Servicing My 2003 WG 2.7 Limited.

[indiedog]

Hey all. I'm looking to do my own service on my 2003 2.7 WG Limited and have a couple of questions for the knowledgeable.

1. Looking to use Penrite HPR 5 - 5W-40 (10L for$79 at Autobarn). Other choice available is Valvoline Super Diesel but it's a 15W-40 so may not be suitable. Price is damned good at $44 for 10L at Autobarn currently. Pretty sure I'll go for the Penrite but thoughts appreciated. Note I may buy 20L all up which should give me enough for 3 services which would include my KJ 2.5CRD.

2. Computer reset. The overhead LED display is nagging me to service the car. So if I do this myself, how can I get it to stop nagging me? Do I need to purchase a reader? If so which one is the go? Note I would like the reader to be able to talk to the KJ too should I purchase one.

3. Oil Filter. Which one to get? I know for the KJ the OEM filter is comparatively priced to any aftermarket filter so possibly the WG original filter is also worth just getting from the dealer?

Just wondering if an "Aftermarket Parts" thread would be good for this section. May stop people like me asking the same questions over and over again.

Thanks for the input guys.

[Adrian D]

1. The oil discussion is lengthy, everyone has it's favourites. You can check the Mercedes bevolisten of approved oils. The 2.7 can run 229.3 and 229.5 (and possibly even 229.1 oil). I have been using Motul 8100 5w40 for the past 80.000km.

2. In the overhead console menu you can reset the service interval and even change it. I can't remember in what exact menu you have to press and hold reset, but it's probably in the one telling you that you have xxx km to service.

3. Mann and only Mann. The Mann filter has some foam in the ends to hold the elements in place while the others have some crappy rubber. The Mann filter is also the OEM filter. Mann HU 718/1K

Having a filter wrench is useful but not mandatory. For the first 2-3 oil changes I just used one of those adjustable filter straps and it worked ok.

[indiedog]

Adrian, thanks for the reply. I noted the Penrite I linked to is NOT for diesel so no rush to buy it. I'll do a bit more looking on that.

I'll go through the menu on the overhead console, cheers for the heads up.

I'll hunt down that filter, thanks.

[bodgie]

Originally Posted by Adrian D

1. The oil discussion is lengthy, everyone has it's favourites.

My favourite is from PM Lubricants, over at Wacol in BNE. http://www.pmlubricants.com.au

I do 15,000km oil changes or once a year with this oil and am very comfortable doing this. The price of the oil is good or at least comparable to Penrite.

I'd recommend an oil flush though to make sure you reduce staining and sludge in the bottom of the sump. Many will say don't do it, my experience has it's been a positive experience.

Originally Posted by Adrian D

3. Mann and only Mann. The Mann filter has some foam in the ends to hold the elements in place while the others have some crappy rubber. The Mann filter is also the OEM filter. Mann HU 718/1K

Completely agree here, the other filters are nowhere near the same quality as the Mann filters.

Originally Posted by Adrian D

Having a filter wrench is useful but not mandatory. For the first 2-3 oil changes I just used one of those adjustable filter straps and it worked ok.

This will depend on the money that installed the last filter. My suggestion is to invest in a the correct filter socket for this job as it makes life much easier.

Jason

[indiedog]

Bodgie, thanks for the input. For the oil flush are you talking about something like this; https://www.penriteoil.com.au/products/engine-flush

[JeanLuke]

I use that one, and Penrite oils throughout. Also, I collected milk bottles to store the used oil and dispose of it at my local Supercheap store. They all have oil disposal bins. After the first few changes, I now have the previous oil bottles to use.

[JeanLuke]

Oh, and you can get the filter socket off eBay really cheap. From memory, it's the same as on Harley Davidson engines.