2016 Mercedes-Benz Metris Fluid Specs & Capacities

As an ASE-certified master technician, I cannot stress enough how critical exact fluid specifications are for European commercial vehicles. The 2016 Mercedes-Benz Metris (internal chassis code W447) is a robust mid-size van designed for heavy use, powered in the US market by the M274 2.0L turbocharged inline-4 gasoline engine. Because this is a Mercedes-Benz, off-the-shelf "universal" fluids will quickly lead to catastrophic component failure, voided warranties, and massive repair bills. You must follow the strict Mercedes-Benz (MB) Approval codes.

Here is the complete, factory-spec fluid guide for your 2016 Mercedes-Benz Metris to help you keep it on the road and out of the service bay.

Quick reference

Fluid	Type/Spec	Capacity
Engine Oil	MB-Approval 229.5 (5W-40 or 0W-40)	6.45 quarts (6.1 L)
Engine Coolant	MB-Approval 325.6 (Concentrate) / 326.6 (Premix)	~9.0 quarts (8.5 L)
Transmission Fluid	MB-Approval 236.15 (ATF134FE)	~9.5 quarts (9.0 L)
Differential (Rear)	MB-Approval 235.7 / 235.31 (75W-85 GL-5)	~1.6 quarts (1.5 L)
Transfer Case (4WD)	N/A (US Metris is RWD only)	N/A
Brake Fluid	DOT 4 Plus (MB-Approval 331.0)	~1.1 quarts (1.0 L)
Power Steering Fluid	N/A (Electric Power Steering)	N/A
Washer Fluid	MB SummerFit / WinterFit	6.3 quarts (6.0 L)
Diesel Exhaust Fluid	N/A (Gasoline M274 Engine)	N/A

Note: Always verify exact capacities in your owner's manual or OEM service info (WIS), as total fill vs. service fill volumes can vary depending on cooling system options and pan sizes.

Engine Oil

The 2.0L turbocharged M274 engine in the 2016 Metris requires a high-quality full synthetic engine oil carrying the MB-Approval 229.5 specification. The viscosity you should choose is typically 5W-40 or 0W-40, depending on your climate.

Intervals and Pitfalls: Mercedes-Benz specifies an oil change interval of 15,000 miles or one year, whichever comes first. However, as a master technician, I highly recommend reducing this to 7,500 - 10,000 miles if your Metris is subjected to severe duty, heavy towing, or frequent stop-and-go delivery driving. Warning: Do not confuse MB 229.5 with MB 229.51 or 229.52. The "51/52" specs are low-SAPS oils designed primarily for Mercedes diesel engines with DPFs. Your gasoline M274 engine needs the full-SAPS protection of 229.5.

Engine Coolant

Starting around 2014, Mercedes-Benz transitioned to a Si-OAT (Silicated Organic Acid Technology) coolant. For the 2016 Metris, you need coolant meeting MB-Approval 325.6 (for unmixed concentrate) or MB-Approval 326.6 (for 50/50 premixed). This coolant is typically pink or magenta in color.

Intervals and Pitfalls: The factory interval is typically 150,000 miles or 15 years, but it's wise to test the coolant's pH and freeze point every 50,000 miles. Warning: Never mix the older blue/blue-green MB 325.0 coolant with the newer pink MB 325.6 coolant. Mixing OAT and older HOAT chemistries can cause the silicates to drop out of suspension, forming a sludge that will clog your heater core and radiator. If you use concentrate, always mix it with distilled water, never tap water.

Transmission Fluid

The 2016 Metris uses the 7G-TRONIC PLUS 7-speed automatic transmission (722.9). This transmission requires a very specific, low-viscosity fluid meeting MB-Approval 236.15. To prevent confusion with older fluids, MB 236.15 is dyed blue.

Intervals and Pitfalls: The mandatory service interval for the 7G-TRONIC PLUS is every 70,000 miles or 7 years. A standard pan-drop service will require about 5 to 6 quarts, while a bone-dry overhaul takes over 9 quarts. Warning: Never, ever use a "universal multi-vehicle" ATF in a Mercedes-Benz 722.9 transmission. Furthermore, do not mix this with the older MB 236.14 fluid (which is red). Using the wrong fluid will alter the friction coefficients of the clutch packs, leading to harsh shifting, torque converter shudder, and eventual transmission failure. The fluid level must be checked at a very specific temperature (usually 45°C) using a diagnostic scan tool and an overflow standpipe in the pan.

Differential Gear Oil

The US-market 2016 Metris is Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) only, meaning there is no transfer case or front differential to worry about. The rear differential requires a fully synthetic 75W-85 GL-5 gear oil meeting MB-Approval 235.7 or 235.31.

Intervals and Pitfalls: While often considered a "lifetime" fluid by the manufacturer, any master tech will tell you that changing the differential fluid every 50,000 to 60,000 miles will drastically extend the life of the pinion and carrier bearings.

Brake Fluid

Mercedes-Benz brake systems require DOT 4 Plus brake fluid meeting MB-Approval 331.0. DOT 4 Plus has a higher wet boiling point than standard DOT 3 or DOT 4, which is critical for the heavy curb weight and payload capacity of a commercial van like the Metris.

Intervals and Pitfalls: Brake fluid is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture from the atmosphere. Mercedes-Benz mandates a brake fluid flush every 2 years, regardless of mileage. Failing to do so will lower the boiling point (causing brake fade under heavy load) and corrode the expensive ABS/ESP hydraulic block from the inside out. Do not use DOT 5 (silicone-based) fluid under any circumstances, as it will destroy the seals in the braking system.

Power Steering Fluid

The 2016 Metris utilizes an Electromechanical Power Steering (EPS) rack. Therefore, there is no power steering fluid to check, top off, or replace.

Washer Fluid

Use a high-quality washer fluid. Mercedes-Benz sells their own SummerFit and WinterFit concentrates. If utilizing an aftermarket fluid, ensure it is safe for the plastic headlight lenses and won't clog the washer pump filter screen.

Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF)

The 2016 Metris in the US market is equipped strictly with a gasoline engine. Therefore, it does not have a DPF or SCR system, and no DEF is required.

Find a trusted shop on Repairius.