46 Honey Creek Ave. NE

Ada, MI 49301-9768

USA

616 682 0799

FAX 616 682 0848

We are 1955-60 Ponton Mercedes Specialists and usually have several restorable project cars available for sale. Present inventory includes 4 190SL’s, 219 sedan, 220SE Sunroof coupe, and 220S sedan. We also have many used parts for 1955-60 Mercedes cars. Be sure to visit our website to see our 1935 500K Replica- just click on the link above. You can also send email to us by clicking on the email address above.

Bookmark this site because from time to time we may add other products, parts, and cars for sale. Here are a couple of products that we have recently developed that you may find of interest:

During the production of the 190SL from January of 1955 thru February of 1963, there were several versions of the oil filtering system. It was a common practice for Daimler-Benz to make changes during a production run, the idea being that when an improvement was found, as soon as it passed the testing procedures it was incorporated into the design of the car, regardless of whether it was at the beginning or in the middle of a model year. After all, a good idea is a good idea- why wait until next year’s model to introduce it! This philosophy had both good and bad results. The good results are obvious, assuming that the change is in fact an improvement (not all were!) The bad part is that it created many problems for the owners of the cars and especially for the repair facilities and parts departments that were responsible to keep the cars up to date and in good condition. As you are probably aware, it is often necessary to provide chassis numbers or engine numbers when ordering spare parts for your vintage Mercedes, and often the part required for your particular car is not available. Dealers are reluctant to stock EVERY part for EVERY car!

The variations in the oil filtering system for 190SL involved changes in the design of the upper part of the oil filter housing- this is the part that is connected to the lower rear corner on the left side of the engine block. The canister that contains the screen and paper filter element is attached to the bottom of this part. Here are the types that were used:

121 184 00 08 Used only on the first few engines- may never have actually been put into production

121 184 01 08 Up to engine no. 9500081 (Engines made from 1955 to early 1959). Uses the small filter element)

000 184 08 08 From engine no. 9500082 to 021749 (Engines made from early 1959 to mid-1961). Uses the large filter element)

000 184 11 08* From engine no. 021750, including both the 121.921 and 121.928 types. (large element)

*NOTE- This same part was factory-installed on the 1958-60 220SE coupes and convertibles and also on W110, W111, W113 and some W108 cars. (A larger oil filter should be used for engines larger than 2.0 liters).

This kit is designed to be used with the final version (from engine 021750). However- one of the other things that Daimler-Benz is well known for was to recommend a retrofit as soon as an improved design was available. They did this by sending a “Service Bulletin” to all their dealers and repair facilities recommending that they notify their customers to bring their cars in for a changeover to the new improved design. Your car may have already been converted to the latest version oil filter system, but there is no way to know this without investigating. Since the basic dimensions of all four types of oil filter housings (upper parts) were the same, the parts in this kit will fit them all but internal changes were also made that change the oil flow and this kit will not provide efficient oil flow and filtering if it is used with the earlier systems. Oil must be routed so that it flows under pressure into the filter thru the center (threaded) hole, and returns to the engine via the smaller holes around the outer circumference of the filter. If you find that your car still has one of the earlier systems you can probably buy the later version from your favorite used parts vendor. All you will need is the upper part of the oil filter housing. If you prefer, you can buy a new one from Mercedes for $65.00 (Part number 000 184 11 08). The kit includes all necessary parts plus one high quality filter .

Installation is very simple. Begin by removing the lower part of the oil filter housing, just as you would if you were going to change your oil filter. Set aside the long bolt and the canister which contains the screen and filter element- these will not be used with the new system. Now screw the small end of the threaded part that came with your adaptor kit into the upper part of the oil filter housing. This part goes into the threaded hole where the long bolt was previously located. Screw it in as far as it will go, using only your fingers. Now install the large cast aluminum part with the side that has the O ring facing up. The O ring must fit against the lip of the upper part of the filter housing and will seal against oil leaks. While holding this part in place, install the large thin nut. This will hold the aluminum part in place and should slightly compress the O ring to insure an oil-tight seal. Use a wrench to tighten this nut, but do not over tighten. Use the same amount of torque to tighten this nut as you would when tightening the long bolt during past oil changes. Now moisten the rubber gasket on the oil filter element with clean engine oil and screw the filter element onto the protruding threads. That’s all there is to it. It’s a good idea to fill the new filter element with fresh oil before you screw it in place, that way you will insure that there is no interruption in the flow of oil when starting your engine after an oil change. Start your engine, check for oil leaks and proper oil pressure and you are road-ready.

This kit was designed for use with oil filter housing upper part 000 184 11 08, which was factory installed on the 190SL in 1960 or 1961 beginning with engine number 021750. This includes both the 121.921 and 121.928 engines. It was also installed on the 127.983 engine (W128 type 220SE Coupe and Cabriolet). In addition, many other 4 and 6 cylinder engines installed in types such as W110, W111, W113, and possibly some of the W108 models used this system. If you have an earlier 190SL or Ponton model, your car may have had this system installed ex-factory. There is no way to be certain of this unless you actually look at the oil filtering system presently on your car. If your car does not have this type of system presently installed, and you want to switch over to the more convenient spin-on filter system, you may be able to do this by purchasing the 000 184 11 08 oil filter housing, upper part and installing it on your car. If you have questions, a knowledgeable Mercedes mechanic can tell you if the 000 184 11 08 part is presently installed on your car, or if your car can be converted to this part so this adaptor kit can be used.

This is what 000 184 11 08 (oil filter housing, upper part) looks like. It is bolted to the lower left rear of your engine block

This is how the adaptor looks when attached to the oil filter housing and ready for the spin-on filter element to be screwed in place.

Price for the kit, complete with all parts necessary for the conversion, including one high-quality oil filter is USD50.00, plus shipping. Quantity prices available- inquire.

Here’s another Very useful item-

If you’ve ever removed the steering wheel from a Ponton Mercedes, you know what a difficult job it can be. Often you will damage your car or your body before accomplishing the task. This simple but very effective tool will make the job very quick and easy.

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