Mercedes-Benz C-Class Oil Capacity & Oil Type
TL;DR
Capacity and viscosity vary by generation and engine code (M271, M274, M264, OM651, OM654, M177) - always match your specific engine, not just the model year.
Why there is no single answer for the C-Class
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class has been built across several generations (W203, W204, W205, W206) with multiple engine families, and each engine family has its own oil capacity and factory-approved viscosity. Fitting the wrong figure - for example using an older four-cylinder capacity on a newer turbo engine, or vice versa - can leave the sump underfilled or overfilled. Always confirm the exact engine code before topping up.
Verified figures by engine code
The table below lists only the figures corroborated by service data and parts-industry sources for each specific engine code. Where sources showed a small variation (for example between rear-wheel-drive and 4MATIC versions of the same engine), a range is given.
| Engine code / years | Capacity with filter (L / US qt) | Viscosity |
|---|---|---|
| M271 4-cyl, W203/W204 (2002-2014), C180/C200/C230/C250 Kompressor/CGI | 5.5 L / 5.8 qt | 5W-30 (MB 229.3/229.5) |
| M272 V6, W204 (2007-2011), C280/C300/C350 | 8.0 L / 8.5 qt | 5W-30 (MB 229.5) |
| M276 V6, W204 (2011-2014), C300/C350 4MATIC | 6.5 L / 6.9 qt | 5W-30 (MB 229.5) |
| OM651 diesel, W204/W205 (2007-2018), C200d/C220 CDI/C220d/C250d | 6.0-6.5 L / 6.3-6.9 qt | 5W-30 (MB 229.31/229.51) |
| M274 4-cyl turbo, W205 (2014-2018), C200/C250/C300 | 6.5-7.0 L / 6.9-7.4 qt (4MATIC lower) | 5W-30 (MB 229.5/229.51/229.52) |
| M264 4-cyl turbo, W205 (2019-2023), C300 | 6.0-6.6 L / 6.3-7.0 qt (4MATIC lower) | 0W-20 (MB 229.71) primary; 5W-30 (MB 229.51/229.52) alternate |
| M177 V8 biturbo, W205 (2015-2023), AMG C63/C63 S | 9.0 L / 9.5 qt | 5W-40 or 0W-40 (MB 229.5/229.51) |
Diesel and hybrid variants we could not fully verify
The OM654 four-cylinder diesel (used in later C220d/C300d models) is confirmed to run MB 229.52 5W-30 oil, but we could not find a source that separates its exact fill capacity for the C-Class specifically from other Mercedes models sharing this engine (E-Class, GLC). If your car has this engine, read the capacity directly off the dipstick markings, the oil filler cap, or your owner's manual rather than relying on a generic figure here.
Where to confirm your own car's numbers
- The engine oil filler cap often states the viscosity grade
- Your owner's manual has a maintenance/lubricants section with exact figures for your specific engine code
- The driver's door placard covers tire pressures and weights, not oil - but it confirms your exact model and build data useful for looking up the right service manual page
- A Mercedes dealer or independent shop can look up the exact figure from your VIN
Summary
| M271 (W203/W204, 2002-2014) | 5.5 L / 5.8 qt, 5W-30 |
|---|---|
| M272 V6 (W204, 2007-2011) | 8.0 L / 8.5 qt, 5W-30 |
| M276 V6 (W204, 2011-2014) | 6.5 L / 6.9 qt, 5W-30 |
| OM651 diesel (W204/W205) | 6.0-6.5 L / 6.3-6.9 qt, 5W-30 |
| M274 turbo (W205, 2014-2018) | 6.5-7.0 L / 6.9-7.4 qt, 5W-30 |
| M264 turbo (W205, 2019-2023) | 6.0-6.6 L / 6.3-7.0 qt, 0W-20 |
| M177 V8 AMG C63 (W205) | 9.0 L / 9.5 qt, 5W-40/0W-40 |
Full diagnostics
For the complete step-by-step diagnostic and repair guide, see Mercedes-Benz C-Class: Common Problems, Fault Codes & Repairs.
Frequently asked questions
Does the C300 take the same oil capacity in every year?
No. The C300 used the M274 engine from 2015-2018 (about 6.5-7.0 liters with filter) and the newer M264 engine from 2019-2023 (about 6.0-6.6 liters with filter, and a different primary viscosity, 0W-20 instead of 5W-30). Always match the capacity to your specific engine code, not just the C300 name.
What viscosity does the AMG C63 use compared to a regular C-Class?
The AMG C63 and C63 S use the M177 twin-turbo V8, which calls for 5W-40 or 0W-40 fully synthetic oil meeting MB 229.5 or 229.51, and takes about 9.0 liters (9.5 US qt) with filter - notably more than the four-cylinder models and a different viscosity grade entirely.
Is 4MATIC oil capacity different from rear-wheel-drive?
For several C-Class engines, yes, by a small margin (a few tenths of a liter), because of differences in oil pan and pickup design between drivetrain layouts. Sources for the M264 and M274 engines show a 4MATIC capacity slightly below the rear-wheel-drive figure. Check your owner's manual or dipstick for the exact number for your drivetrain.
Where is the most reliable place to check my exact oil capacity and viscosity?
Your owner's manual (lubricants section) and the engine oil filler cap are the most reliable sources, since they are specific to your exact engine code and model year. Online capacity databases are a good starting reference but can mix up engine generations that share a model name.