1988 Mercedes-Benz 560SEL Oil Type & Capacity: 5W-20 (8.5 quarts)
The 1988 Mercedes-Benz 560SEL takes 5W-20 motor oil — 8.5 quarts with a filter change, per the factory service manual.
Factory-spec answer
5W-20 — 8.5 quarts with filter
Oil capacity by engine
| Engine | Oil Type (viscosity) | Capacity w/ Filter | Capacity w/o Filter | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 560SEL — 5.6L 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) | 8.50 QTS. | — | Use Mercedes-Benz approved engine oil only. See bulletin No. S-0473-08B (Mercedes-Benz Factory Approved Service Products). |
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More factory specs & repair guides for your 560SEL
🛞 1988 Mercedes-Benz 560SEL Tire Size & Pressure →🌧️ 1988 Mercedes-Benz 560SEL Wiper Blade Sizes →💡 1988 Mercedes-Benz 560SEL Light Bulb Sizes →📖 1988 Mercedes-Benz 560SEL Factory Service Manual →All fluid capacities (transmission, coolant, brakes)Powered by factory manual data from our partner network AllOEMManuals.com.
Coolant capacity
13.7 quarts (12.96 L) — MB Anticorrosion/Antifreeze
Frequently asked questions
What type of oil does a 1988 Mercedes-Benz 560SEL take?
The 1988 Mercedes-Benz 560SEL takes 5W-20 motor oil (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)), per the factory service manual.
What is the oil capacity of a 1988 Mercedes-Benz 560SEL?
The 1988 Mercedes-Benz 560SEL oil capacity is 8.5 quarts with a filter change.
How often should I change the oil in my 1988 Mercedes-Benz 560SEL?
Most 1988 Mercedes-Benz 560SEL owners follow a 5,000–7,500 mile interval with conventional oil, or up to 10,000 miles with full synthetic. Always check the oil life monitor if equipped, and consult your owner's manual — Mercedes-Benz recommends intervals based on driving conditions, not just mileage.
Can I use synthetic oil in my 1988 Mercedes-Benz 560SEL?
Yes. 5W-20 is widely available as a full synthetic, and synthetic is safe (often recommended) for the 1988 Mercedes-Benz 560SEL. What matters most is matching the factory viscosity and specification, then changing the oil and filter on schedule.