oil changes for a 1996 E 320

You don't need to take it to a dealer, but take it to a place that knows how to change the oil and filter on a Mercedes. Find a good after-market repair shop. I once took my '95 E320 to Jiffy Lube and they almost broke the oil filter canister (which is quite different than the filters most quick-lube places are accustomed to).

Well put, I agree completely.

The oil change interval is 7,500 miles, longer if you choose synthetic oil.

The 320 uses a canister with a special fitting to hold the oil filter. This fitting requires knowledge of the assembly and a special tool to access.

I change the oil in my '95 at ~3750mile intervals. For the scheduled 7.5k service I use a MB shop. For the odd interval I use a local Jiffy Lube- located near an upper income/upscale area (I think this is key as this shop would see more high end imports than a shop in a lower income area).

I spoke with the shop manager before I used them for the first time. I wanted to make sure that they were not only familiar with the special procedure, but had a supply of the required filters AND the special tools needed.

Cost is ~1/2 of what MB tech charges. I have not had any problems with the Jiffy Lube I use.

Best,