2021 Mercedes-Benz Metris Oil Capacity & Filter Specs

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz Metris takes exactly 6.3 quarts (6.0 liters) of fully synthetic 5W-40 or 0W-40 motor oil when doing a standard oil and filter change. As an ASE-certified master technician, I regularly service these versatile work vans, and maintaining the correct fluid levels and factory specifications is absolutely critical for the longevity of the M274 2.0L turbocharged engine under the hood.

Below is everything you need to know about the oil capacity, recommended specifications, and service procedures for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Metris.

Quick answer: 2021 Mercedes-Benz Metris Oil Specs

• Total Oil Capacity: 6.3 quarts (6.0 liters) with a filter change.
• Recommended Oil Weight: 5W-40 or 0W-40.
• Required Oil Specification: MB-Approval 229.5 (fully synthetic). Do not use oils that do not explicitly state they meet the Mercedes-Benz 229.5 standard.
• OEM Oil Filter: Mercedes-Benz #A2701800109 (or Mann HU 711/6 z, which is the OEM manufacturer).
• Aftermarket Oil Filters: WIX WL10049, FRAM CH11473, or Mobil 1 M1C-453A.

Capacity by engine option

For the 2021 model year, Mercedes-Benz kept things straightforward in the North American market by offering only one powertrain for the Metris van (both Cargo and Passenger variations).

Oil change interval

Mercedes-Benz utilizes the ASSYST maintenance computer to notify you when service is due, but here are the standard guidelines:

• Normal Duty: 15,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first.
• Severe Duty: 10,000 miles or 12 months. If your Metris is used heavily for towing, carrying maximum payloads, idling in city traffic for delivery routes, or operating in extremely dusty environments, you should adopt this shortened severe duty schedule to protect the turbocharger and timing components.

Drain plug torque

• Torque Specification: 30 Nm (22 ft-lbs).
• Crush Washer: Always replace the copper crush washer on the drain plug. Reusing the old washer is a guaranteed way to create a slow oil leak. The replacement washer size is typically 14mm.

How to change the oil

Performing an oil change on the Metris is relatively straightforward, thanks in part to the top-mount cartridge oil filter.

1. Warm up the engine: Run the van for about 5 minutes to get the oil warm (but not scalding hot) so it drains quickly and suspends any contaminants.
2. Gain clearance: Safely raise and support the front of the vehicle using heavy-duty ramps or a jack and jack stands. Remove the lower aerodynamic belly pan/skid plate to access the oil pan.
3. Drain the oil: Position a large catch pan under the drain plug. Remove the 13mm drain plug and let the oil drain completely.
4. Replace the filter: While the oil is draining, open the hood and locate the plastic oil filter housing at the top front of the engine. Use a 27mm socket to carefully unscrew the cap. Remove the old paper cartridge filter and all rubber O-rings. Snap the new filter into the cap, install the new O-rings (lubricate them with fresh oil), and torque the cap to 25 Nm (18 ft-lbs).
5. Reinstall drain plug: Install a new copper crush washer on the drain plug and torque it to 30 Nm. Reinstall the lower belly pan.
6. Refill: Pour in 6.0 quarts of MB 229.5 approved 5W-40 oil.
7. Check levels: Start the engine and check for leaks. Turn off the engine, wait 5 minutes for the oil to settle, and check the dipstick. Add the remaining 0.3 quarts if necessary to reach the "MAX" line.

Common issues / tips

• Top-side Extraction: Many Mercedes-Benz technicians use a fluid extractor to pull the old oil out through the dipstick tube. This completely eliminates the need to get underneath the van or remove the belly pan, making the job incredibly fast.
• MB 229.5 Spec is Mandatory: The M274 engine has a turbocharger and variable valve timing that rely heavily on clean, high-quality oil. Using a cheap oil that lacks the MB 229.5 approval can lead to premature timing chain wear or turbo failure.
• Check O-Ring Placement: When replacing the oil filter housing O-rings, make sure they sit in their designated grooves, not in the threads. An improperly seated O-ring will cause a massive oil leak down the front of the engine the second you start it.

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