Victor

Has anyone tried changing oil themselves in there 2001 E320/430 mercedes. I understand that there are two ways you can change oil - one is from underneath the car and other is from under the hood using a tool called "Topsider" pump.

I was thinking of changing the oil myself by using the tool Topsider, but I do not know where to purchase this from and also if anyone of you have used this tool please share the advantages/disadvantages. Also please share how to change the oil filter yourself.

I am planning to change oil every 5000 miles - meaning in between the Mercedes recommended schedules services because it is a hassle to leave you car for half a day with the dealer for just an oil and filter change and you know for sure that oil and filter change has been done.

Thanks in advance.

mbtech208

Rather than spend the money buying yourself a suction device to remove the oil, it's just as easy to get under the car and remove the drain from the oil pan. It's a 13 mm bolt. To get the filter out, loosen the filter housing and pull it out. Mercedes has a really nice special filter wrench that fits on top of the filter housing in order to remove it. I'd highly recommend it to anyone who does their own oil changes on Mercedes. Don't forget to change the 4 o-rings on the filter housing. They're included in the box with the new filter. The 112/113 engine family takes 8 quarts of oil, be sure to use synthetic. Have fun!

awiner

I personally use the "TopSider" method and think it is a lot eaiser and CLEANER than to jack the car up, get under it, drop the belly pan and then pull the drain plug, empty the oil collection pan, etc etc etc... You can get TOPSIDERS and most Boat Stores. Personally I use the one from Griots Garage found Here and am quite happy with it. For my car which holds 8 qts, I need to pause it in the middle and empty the topsider into a container, then continue as the model only holds 6.5 qts. It still is a lot fast for me and a lot cleaner to do it this way than through the drain plug. Some of the other Topsider devices will hold the 8 qts no problem.

Richard / E320

You might check out:

BoatUS Online Store - 800.937.2628

Topsider Vaccum Oil Changer - $46.99
http://www.boatus-store.com/MC_Onlin...ShowItem=16467