Maintaining the 1987 Mercedes-Benz 560SEL requires more than just a standard oil change; it demands precision-engineered lubricants designed for the specific tolerances and engineering of the M117 V8 engine code 117.968 2. This classic luxury sedan represents the pinnacle of German automotive craftsmanship from the late 1980s, but its age means that wear is a natural progression that must be managed rather than allowed to run unchecked. Selecting the right fluids is critical to preserving the engine’s compression, keeping the cooling system free of corrosion, and ensuring the transmission shifts smoothly despite high mileage.
AMSOIL synthetic lubricants provide a robust solution for this specific vehicle. Their formulas are designed to blow the doors off the highest industry standards, offering protection that conventional mineral oils simply cannot match. Whether your driving conditions involve extreme temperatures, long commutes, or simply the need for extended drain intervals to save time and money, AMSOIL products are formulated to keep your Mercedes running smoothly for the long haul. The 1987 560SEL’s engine requires a precise viscosity to maintain oil pressure and film strength, and its cooling system needs a coolant that can handle the thermal stresses of a high-displacement V8 without degrading.
Recommended AMSOIL Products
The following products are specifically selected to meet the factory specifications and performance requirements for the 1987 Mercedes-Benz 560SEL. Using these fluids ensures optimal protection for every component, from the crankshaft to the radiator.
- AMSOIL 5W-40 FS 100% Synthetic European Motor Oil – This oil is engineered for the unique demands of European vehicles, featuring a precise blend of synthetic base oils and premium additives designed to protect the 117.968 2 engine across a wide temperature range. It is ideal for both standard and severe driving conditions.
- AMSOIL 0W-40 FS 100% Synthetic European Motor Oil – Offering superior cold-weather flow and high-temperature stability, this fluid is designed to protect your engine during startup when wear is most severe. It meets the stringent requirements of the M117 V8 while supporting extended drain intervals.
- MANN-FILTERS Oil Filter – This premium filter utilizes advanced media that offers improvements over original equipment manufacturer-branded filters. It ensures that oil circulates cleanly through the engine, trapping contaminants to prevent premature wear on vital engine components.
- AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant – This unique poly-organic acid (OAT) formulation is a 50/50 pre-mix that protects the cooling system metals, gaskets, and hoses against corrosion and erosion. It is engineered to exceed OEM requirements for up to 150,000 miles or 5 years.
- AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant – A concentrated option that requires mixing with distilled water, this coolant offers extended protection up to 150,000 miles in passenger cars. It provides exceptional protection against metallic corrosion and is compatible with all other antifreeze colors.
- AMSOIL Signature Series Multi-Vehicle 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – Designed to withstand the rigors of heavy towing, elevated temperatures, and challenging terrain, this fluid remains fluid in sub-zero temperatures. It provides reserve protection during heavy use, ensuring smooth shifts in the 4-speed automatic transmission.
- AMSOIL OE Multi-Vehicle 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – This fluid resists harmful sludge and promotes smooth, shudder-free shifts. It offers excellent cold-weather performance and guards against leaks, making it a reliable choice for the Mercedes-Benz transmission system.
- AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid – This fluid provides excellent responsiveness for ABS and traction-control systems. It maintains stable viscosity over a wide temperature range, ensuring reliable stopping power regardless of the weather or driving intensity.
- AMSOIL 100% Synthetic Multi-Vehicle Power Steering Fluid – This fluid reduces friction and helps seals remain soft to prevent leaks. Formulated for quiet operation with strong anti-wear protection, it resists heat for a long fluid life and performs excellently in both high and low temperatures.
Understanding the lubrication needs of the 560SEL begins with recognizing the engine’s specific requirements. The M117 V8 engine, designated by the code 117.968 2, is a 5.6-liter powerhouse that was the crown jewel of the S-Class lineup during its era. With a capacity of 8.5 quarts including the filter change, this engine requires a lubricant that can maintain a protective film even as the internal tolerances widen slightly due to age. The recommended AMSOIL 5W-40 FS 100% Synthetic European Motor Oil is specifically formulated to address these needs, ensuring that the oil pressure remains consistent and that the engine internals are shielded from the wear that often plagues high-mileage classics.
When it comes to the cooling system, capacity is significant at 13.7 quarts. This large volume requires a coolant that does not break down over time. AMSOIL’s antifreeze options, whether the pre-mixed Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant or the concentrated Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant, offer protection that surpasses standard industry standards. These coolants are phosphate, nitrate, nitrite, silicate, borate, and amine-free, which is crucial for preventing corrosion in older cooling systems where gaskets and hoses may be more susceptible to chemical degradation.
The transmission system also demands attention. The 1987 560SEL features a 4-speed automatic transmission with a specific fluid requirement (722.3). A full capacity fill requires 9.1 quarts, with an initial fill of 8.1 quarts. Using the correct synthetic transmission fluid is essential for preventing shudder, sludge buildup, and temperature-related degradation. The Signature Series Multi-Vehicle ATF and OE Multi-Vehicle ATF are both excellent choices, offering the resistance to shear and thermal breakdown necessary to keep the transmission shifting smoothly for years to come. These fluids remain fluid in sub-zero temperatures, ensuring that even cold starts do not cause excessive wear on the valve bodies and clutches.
Beyond the engine and transmission, the braking and steering systems of the 560SEL benefit greatly from AMSOIL’s synthetic formulations. The brake fluid must meet or exceed the MB Sheet 331.0 specifications, which this product does while also offering superior performance for modern ABS systems. Similarly, the power steering system, which relies on sensitive seals and pumps, is better maintained with the 100% Synthetic Multi-Vehicle Power Steering Fluid. This fluid resists heat and prevents leaks, extending the life of the steering rack and pump.
For those who maintain their vehicle over the winter or during periods of inactivity, AMSOIL offers specialized storage products. AMSOIL Gasoline Stabilizer helps keep fuel fresh for up to 12 months, preventing varnish and gum buildup that can clog fuel injectors. For long-term storage, AMSOIL Engine Fogging Oil provides a rust preventive coating on internal engine components, ensuring the engine is ready to start when the weather warms up. Additionally, AMSOIL P.i.® AMSOIL P.i. Performance Improver can be used to restore horsepower and flow to GDI fuel injectors, helping to maintain the engine’s responsiveness and fuel economy.
About the Vehicle: 1987 Mercedes-Benz 560SEL
The 1987 Mercedes-Benz 560SEL is a quintessential example of the “W126” generation of S-Class sedans, widely regarded as one of the most solid and enduring luxury cars ever built. Introduced to replace the 450SEL and 500SEL, the 560SEL features a 5.6-liter naturally aspirated V8 engine (engine code 117.968) that produces roughly 220 to 230 horsepower, depending on the specific market and tuning. This engine, part of the M117 family, was famous for its smooth power delivery, immense torque, and legendary durability. It was designed not just for speed, but for effortless cruising at high speeds, offering a driving experience that combines the quiet, insulated ride typical of a limousine with the performance of a sports car.
Standing out as a flagship for the luxury sedan market, the 560SEL was often equipped with advanced features for its time, including anti-lock braking systems (ABS), traction control, and an electronic suspension system that could be adjusted for a smoother ride. The sedan’s body style was characterized by its boxy, yet elegant design, which prioritized aerodynamics and structural rigidity over aggressive styling cues. This construction contributed to a reputation for exceptional safety and crash protection, making it a favorite among those who valued occupant protection. The interior was a sanctuary of luxury, featuring high-quality leather, wood trim, and plush seating that set the standard for German comfort for years to come.
Despite its robust engineering, the 560SEL is now a classic vehicle that requires specific care. Common issues that owners often face as these cars age include vacuum leaks in the engine management system, which can cause rough idling and difficult starting, and wear in the valve train components due to the high mileage many of these cars have accumulated. The cooling system, with its large capacity and age, can be prone to corrosion if standard coolants are used over long periods, leading to leaks or radiator damage. Furthermore, the 4-speed automatic transmission can suffer from hard shifts or shudder if the fluid degrades, and the hydraulic systems in the suspension or brakes may develop leaks or lose responsiveness if the seals dry out.
Switching to AMSOIL synthetic lubricants can effectively mitigate many of these age-related problems. The superior additive packages in AMSOIL motor oils help combat sludge buildup in the V8’s oil galleries, ensuring that oil reaches all critical components, which is vital for engines that may have been driven in stop-and-go traffic or subjected to heavy loads. The synthetic brake fluid‘s higher boiling point prevents vapor lock in the brake lines, a common issue in older hydraulic systems under heavy braking. Additionally, the synthetic power steering fluid keeps seals soft and pliable, preventing the squeaks and leaks that often plague the steering rack in older models. By using these high-performance fluids, owners can extend the service life of their 560SEL, keeping this iconic German luxury sedan running as reliably today as it did when it left the factory in Stuttgart.
For the ultimate protection, owners can also utilize AMSOIL’s full line of care products. From the AMSOIL Heavy-Duty Degreaser to clean the engine bay, to the AMSOIL Silicone Spray for rubber seals, the ecosystem of products available ensures that every aspect of the vehicle receives the attention it deserves. Whether you are preparing the car for a show, planning a long road trip, or simply maintaining a daily driver, the correct fluids make a discernible difference in performance, longevity, and the overall driving experience of the 1987 Mercedes-Benz 560SEL.