1988 Mercedes-Benz 190E Oil Type & Capacity
The 1988 Mercedes-Benz 190E oil type depends on the engine: the 2.3, Automatic takes 5W-20 (5.3 quarts with filter); the 2.3, Standard takes 5W-20 (5.3 quarts with filter); the 2.6, Automatic takes 5W-20 (6.3 quarts with filter); the 2.6, Standard takes 5W-20 (6.3 quarts with filter), per the factory service manual.
Factory-spec answer
It depends on the engine:
- 2.3, Automatic: 5W-20, 5.3 quarts with filter
- 2.3, Standard: 5W-20, 5.3 quarts with filter
- 2.6, Automatic: 5W-20, 6.3 quarts with filter
- 2.6, Standard: 5W-20, 6.3 quarts with filter
Oil capacity by engine
| Engine | Oil Type (viscosity) | Capacity w/ Filter | Capacity w/o Filter | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.3, Automatic — 2.3L Eng | SAE 5W-20, 5W-30: Below 14Deg F (-10Deg C). SAE 10W-30: Above -14Deg F (-20 Deg C). SAE 20W-40, 20W-50: Above 32Deg F (0Deg C). SAE 15W-40, 15W-50: Above 5Deg F (-15Deg C). SAE 10W-40, 10W-50: Above -4Deg F (-20Deg C) | 5.30 QTS. | — | Use Mercedes-Benz approved engine oil only. See bulletin No. S-0473-08B (Mercedes-Benz Factory Approved Service Products). |
| 2.3, Standard — 2.3L Eng | SAE 5W-20, 5W-30: Below 14Deg F (-10Deg C). SAE 10W-30: Above -14Deg F (-20 Deg C). SAE 20W-40, 20W-50: Above 32Deg F (0Deg C). SAE 15W-40, 15W-50: Above 5Deg F (-15Deg C). SAE 10W-40, 10W-50: Above -4Deg F (-20Deg C) | 5.30 QTS. | — | Use Mercedes-Benz approved engine oil only. See bulletin No. S-0473-08B (Mercedes-Benz Factory Approved Service Products). |
| 2.6, Automatic — 2.6L Eng | SAE 5W-20, 5W-30: Below 14Deg F (-10Deg C). SAE 10W-30: Above -14Deg F (-20 Deg C). SAE 20W-40, 20W-50: Above 32Deg F (0Deg C). SAE 15W-40, 15W-50: Above 5Deg F (-15Deg C). SAE 10W-40, 10W-50: Above -4Deg F (-20Deg C) | 6.30 QTS. | — | Use Mercedes-Benz approved engine oil only. See bulletin No. S-0473-08B (Mercedes-Benz Factory Approved Service Products). |
| 2.6, Standard — 2.6L Eng | SAE 5W-20, 5W-30: Below 14Deg F (-10Deg C). SAE 10W-30: Above -14Deg F (-20 Deg C). SAE 20W-40, 20W-50: Above 32Deg F (0Deg C). SAE 15W-40, 15W-50: Above 5Deg F (-15Deg C). SAE 10W-40, 10W-50: Above -4Deg F (-20Deg C) | 6.30 QTS. | — | Use Mercedes-Benz approved engine oil only. See bulletin No. S-0473-08B (Mercedes-Benz Factory Approved Service Products). |
Buy the right oil
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More specs & repair guides for your 190E
1988 Mercedes-Benz 190E factory service manualAll fluid capacities (transmission, coolant, brakes)Powered by factory manual data from our partner site AllOEMManuals.com.
Coolant capacity
9.0 quarts (8.51 L) — MB Anticorrosion/Antifreeze
Frequently asked questions
What type of oil does a 1988 Mercedes-Benz 190E take?
It depends on the engine: 2.3, Automatic uses 5W-20; 2.3, Standard uses 5W-20; 2.6, Automatic uses 5W-20; 2.6, Standard uses 5W-20.
How much oil does a 1988 Mercedes-Benz 190E take?
Capacity depends on the engine: 2.3, Automatic holds 5.3 quarts with filter; 2.3, Standard holds 5.3 quarts with filter; 2.6, Automatic holds 6.3 quarts with filter; 2.6, Standard holds 6.3 quarts with filter.
Can I use synthetic oil in my 1988 Mercedes-Benz 190E?
Yes. 5W-20 is widely available as a full synthetic, and synthetic is safe (often recommended) for the 1988 Mercedes-Benz 190E. What matters most is matching the factory viscosity and specification, then changing the oil and filter on schedule.