The oil filter is inside a cartridge-style housing mounted in the engine bay, not a traditional spin-on canister. It’s typically located on the front-right side of the engine and is accessed by removing the housing cap to replace the cartridge.
Identifying the oil filter housing in the 2017 C300
In the 2017 C300 with the M274 engine, the oil filter sits in a dedicated housing mounted to the engine block. The housing is usually easy to spot from above in the front quadrant of the engine bay, with a removable cap that seals the cartridge inside.
What to look for to confirm the location
Look for a plastic or metal housing with an oil-cap-like top, located above the oil pan, near the timing components and the turbocharger area on the passenger side of the engine bay. The cap often requires a socket or special tool to loosen.
To help you identify the exact part, consider these clues:
- Position: upper-front section of the engine bay, on the passenger side (right side in a left-hand-drive car).
- Appearance: a round/oval cap or square block with hoses feeding into the housing.
- Mounting: attached to the engine block with a single cap that reveals the cartridge when removed.
With the housing identified, you can remove the cap, extract the old cartridge, and fit a new filter cartridge along with a fresh seal, then reassemble to the specified torque.
Notes and caveats
Some markets or production runs may have minor variations. If you can't locate a cartridge-style housing near the front of the engine, consult the owner's manual or a Mercedes service technician. They can point you to the exact housing layout for your VIN and engine code.
Summary
On a 2017 Mercedes C300, the oil filter is a cartridge inside an oil filter housing mounted in the engine bay, typically toward the front-right side of the engine. Access it by removing the housing cap to replace the cartridge. Always follow OEM torque specs and consult the manual or a professional if in doubt.