If you own a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter with the OM654 diesel engine, this oil change is very doable at home with the right tools and a little patience. In this video, I walk through the full service, including draining the oil, replacing the filter, changing the air filter, resetting the service reminder, and checking the oil level on the dash. Watch Full Video HERE.
The OM654 engine takes about 10.6 quarts of oil, so make sure you have enough approved oil on hand before you start. In the video, I used Mercedes-approved oil and noted that the exact viscosity grade should match your climate and Mercedes approval spec.
Tools and parts
For this job, you’ll want a 10 mm Allen for the drain plug, an oil filter socket, a few extensions, and a drain tool to help with oil removal. A 27 mm socket works for the oil filter housing, and a crush washer can help seal the drain plug properly. If the washer does not match up perfectly, it can be carefully dressed so it seals better before reinstalling.
You’ll also need a new oil filter and air filter. The oil filter on this Sprinter has a small nipple that needs to be lined up correctly during reassembly, so take a moment to mark the housing before putting it back together.
Draining the oil
The service starts from underneath with the oil drain plug removed and the oil allowed to drain fully. Letting it drain longer helps remove as much old oil as possible, and in the video, the drain process was left to sit for about an hour. That is a simple step, but it can make a difference in how clean the service is.
One useful tip is to be careful with the oil filter removal so you do not spill oil onto the belt. The video shows that you do not need to remove the airbox to reach the filter housing, which saves time and keeps the job simpler. A good extension setup makes the job much easier.
Oil filter and air filter
The oil filter housing has a specific orientation, and the small nipple must be aligned correctly when reinstalling. A quick pen mark makes it easier to line everything back up, especially when the housing is ready to go back into place. That small detail helps avoid guesswork during reassembly.
This is also a perfect time to service the air filter. The airbox is held in with three Torx screws, and once removed, the filter can be swapped out and the box cleaned carefully. Just be sure to block off the intake during cleaning so dust and debris do not get pulled into the engine.
Refill and inspection
After the drain plug and filter are reinstalled, the engine can be refilled with the correct oil. The video recommends making sure the oil cap is left right next to the filler so you do not forget it later, which is a simple but smart habit. That kind of reminder can prevent a costly mistake.
This is also a good time to top off other fluids. In the video, windshield washer fluid was topped up, coolant was checked, and DEF was inspected as part of the normal maintenance routine. These small checks help keep the Sprinter reliable between services.
Service reset
After the oil change, the service reminder needs to be reset. On 2019–2024 Sprinter models, the process involves turning the ignition to position one, going to the mileage screen, and entering the workshop or Assist Plus menu to complete the service reset. The oil grade selected in the example was MB 229.52.
For 2025 and newer models, the steering wheel controls are slightly different, but the reset process is still straightforward once you know the button sequence. After the reset, the service screen should confirm the next service interval.
Oil level check
Once the engine is warm, the oil level can be checked on the dash. The level should sit in the green range between minimum and maximum, which confirms the fill amount is correct. This is a helpful final check, especially on models where the dipstick is not as convenient or may not be present.
Diesel additive tip
The video also recommends using Chevron Techron diesel fuel system cleaner after oil changes as cheap insurance for newer diesel vehicles. The idea is to split one bottle across two fill-ups so it can help support fuel system cleanliness over time. That advice is especially relevant for diesel Sprinters with DEF and particulate filter systems.
Closing
Doing your own Sprinter oil change can save a lot of money, especially when you know the exact steps and can reset the service light yourself. It also gives you the chance to inspect the van, replace the air filter, and catch small issues before they turn into bigger problems. For an OM654 Sprinter owner, this is one of the most practical maintenance jobs to learn.
