The inspected 2013 Mercedes C-Class saloon manual gives a 6.5-litre oil-change capacity including the filter for the covered C220 CDI, through its “all other models” row. For the non-4MATIC OM651 diesel with DPF covered here, MB-Approval 229.51 is a documented oil specification to look for. Confirm that the manual applies to your car before using either figure.
This is a buying and capacity guide for the W204 C220 CDI OM651 application. A C220 CDI badge alone does not confirm an early OM646 car, a later OM651 car or a different drivetrain has the same requirements.
Where the 6.5-litre figure comes from
The capacity table on printed page 402 lists several named exceptions and then an “all other models” entry of 6.5 litres. C220 CDI is covered by that remaining group in this edition. The preceding heading explicitly says the quantities are for an oil change including the oil filter.
| Situation | How to use the figure |
|---|---|
| Routine oil change with filter | 6.5 litres is the documented capacity reference for the covered model. |
| Buying bottles | Buy enough for the stated change, but measure the final fill correctly. |
| Topping up | 6.5 litres is not the amount to add to an engine that already contains oil. |
| Different engine, body or manual edition | Check that vehicle’s own capacity entry before applying this figure. |
If buying five-litre bottles, a single bottle is less than the documented change quantity. Compare a five-litre plus two one-litre combination with other pack sizes. Surplus oil stays in the container; bottle size never determines how much goes into the engine.
Approval matters more than “diesel oil” on the label
For DPF diesels, printed page 401 separates C220 CDI 4MATIC from the other models. The non-4MATIC row lists 228.51, 229.31 and 229.51. The C220 CDI 4MATIC row additionally lists 229.52. This guide therefore uses the documented 229.51 route for the selected car, rather than assuming a higher-numbered sheet is a universal replacement.
Look for an explicit MB-Approval statement for the exact oil formulation and viscosity you are buying. A listing saying “for Mercedes”, “recommended for” or simply “5W-30” does not establish that approval. This does not mean every other viscosity is wrong; the manual’s approval and ambient-temperature guidance must be read together.
A verified example: Mobil 1 ESP 5W-30
Mobil’s UK product data lists MB-Approval 229.51 for Mobil 1 ESP 5W-30, and that exact name also appears in Mercedes’ live sheet 229.51 list checked for this guide. It provides a specific product to compare when your car calls for that approval.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Unusual Cars earns from qualifying purchases. Shopping links open product searches; check the exact product, application and seller before ordering.
Search Amazon for Mobil 1 ESP 5W-30The link is a search, so results may include other Mobil products, different grades and mixed pack sizes. Check the exact ESP 5W-30 product and current approval on the product data or container. Compare the total volume and price per litre, including delivery.
Capacity is not a filling procedure
Residual oil, the filter change and the conditions for checking the level all matter to the final fill. Use the vehicle’s own checking procedure on level ground, and avoid filling past the maximum. The manual’s brief emergency substitute-oil allowance is not permission to use that substitute for a complete service fill.
Changing the oil and resetting the service reminder are separate tasks. Record the date, mileage, product and approval on the invoice, then confirm the service record correctly reflects the work.
Plan the rest of the service
Use our W204 C220 CDI oil and air filter references to match the filter, and the C220 CDI service and maintenance guide to plan additional work. For display questions, see W204 ASSYST PLUS service messages.
Sources and application notes
- Mercedes 2013 saloon manual: printed pp. 401–402, DPF approvals and oil-change capacities
- Mercedes operating fluids sheet 229.51: approved product list
- Mobil UK ESP 5W-30: Specifications and Approvals
Sources checked 16 October 2026. The online Mercedes manual is the English 2013 saloon edition, part 2045843283Z102, supplied on a country-specific Mercedes website. Match its coverage to your vehicle’s own manual and Service Booklet. Catalogue dates describe parts applications, not service intervals.
Browse the Mercedes servicing and maintenance hub or our Mercedes diagnostic scanner guides. A scanner’s capabilities need checking against the car and the task; fault reading does not establish the maintenance due.
