huyuci

My car was over 11K miles and service A was way over due. So I called the dealer to ask how much it cost and they told me $200. $200 for an oil change? WTF. I don't know about you guys, but I have to work for my money, and that is just ridiculous.
I never changed oil myself before and didn't think it was worth it to have the car up and craw under to save $20-30 bucks (my BMW 328 costs $80/oil change). But this is way out of control. So I did a little research and found an easy way to change oil without having to jack the car up. It's so easy I don't think I should be doing it any other way.

7.5 qt of Mobil 1 oil: $40
Mercedes oil filter (ebay): $12
Oil extractor: $18
Not feeling ripped off: priceless

Maritime

Dude, you are in the picture!

flycaster

I'm eagerly awaiting the release of the 2017 C-300 coupe, and I guess you answered one question for me...assuming you engine is the 4-banger turbo. I've had and have BMWs that allowed for self-oil change without lifting the car. However, after 2005 or 2006, BMW did away with a dip-stick in favor of electronic oil monitoring, and thus no more easy oil changes. I've been using the hand powered vacupump for 11 years and can confidently say that this method of oil evacuation is every bit as good as draining from the bottom as my BMWs just purrrrr. BTW, that is a neat oil extractor that you are using...where'd you get it or its name?

Master_PiT

In Poland its more expensive. My brother on last week payd 1200pln = 280 euro=320$!
220cdi

huyuci

Not any more :-)

flycaster

Huyuci, what size socket did you use to remove the oil filter cap? And, did you have to tighten with a torque wrench?

huyuci

I know. I'm still trying to figure out where I can extract the oil from my e90. Once I used the extractor, I really don't want to jack up the bmw to change oil any more.
The pump I found initially was a hand pump just like yours. The weird thing is it even costs more than the electronic one. While searching on Amazon, I stumbled on this one. It's a generic brand, but it seems to work really well.

huyuci

I forgot what the size is because the tool wasn't mine. It's borrowed. It's pretty big. I think it's 25mm or something. There's a youtube video for W204 that mentions the size of the socket. I believe the recommended torque is 25, but not sure. I just tightened it until I could tighten no more.

mikbar2

I like putting our car on the lift so I can inspect everything to include the brakes.

Maritime

What?

huyuci

Do we really have to have the car up to inspect the brake?

Maritime

Well, if you want to infect it.... ��

mikbar2

I have a two post car lift in my garage, so why not. I can walk under the car vrs. crawling under it.

huyuci

That's cool. I would do the same if I have it. But I can bet 99.9% of people here don't have one :-)

lbowroom

I think you just wanted to brag about your car lift. I for one, am jealous.

mikbar2

When the wife had her own business I serviced and repaired her delivery vehicles. It was either, we get the lift or take them to the dealership for repair. I won.

miketc

Huyuci,
Thanks for the Video and where to pick up the extractor. BTW, the oil cap socket size is 27mm.

123Britt

I have been a long time DIY guy , coming out of a 335i 6MT where service can get a little crazy. In a new car especially, first couple years of ownership, I think it is important to get the ECU updates and generic inspections that are included in Service A/B.

However, most importantly - building a relationship with your service advisor is really helpful. For example - my C300 has had the roof drip seals replaced (alignment), windshield replaced (wipers skipping)as well as fuel filler door (alignment), keyless access reprogramed (not working), back-up camera connections adjustment & reprogramed (faulty video), replaced SAT Radio box (not working) in addition to the standard 10k Schedule A service.

1st year car -- certainly NOT the Best or Nothing.

Get to know your dealer - once all the bugs are sorted out you can DIY on the back end of ownership - but to each his/her own.

huyuci

I'd say it depends on the dealers. Here in California, most are only interested in trying to get as much money out of you as possible. And if you only see the SA once a year, they're not going to remember you. I've been taking my BMW to dealers for service for years, and nobody has done jacks for me. Last time, they attempted to charge me 3K for something that cost me 50 bucks to fix when I took it to an indy shop. So, personally, I don't want a relationship with any dealer, good or otherwise :-)

miketc

I didn't have relationship with that dealer!!

CO2010

I personally spent $329.00 for my service A. I've heard of guys spending anywhere from $300.00 to over $500.00 for basically a glorified oil change. That's insane!

huyuci

$329 for an oil change is still insane. This is like legalized robbery. I mean, just because we drive a Mercedes doesn't mean we're loaded with cash. And even if we are, that still doesn't give anyone the right to rip us off.

CO2010

They charged me $43.00 for "misc charges" When I questioned the invoice. The charges were for the disposal of the old oil. I almost lost it

huyuci

Wow. I thought I was being harsh when I said robbery.

mdm1

I just did my first oil change on my 2015 C300. Purchased Mobil 1 oil at Walmart, purchased the oil filter and drain plug seal at the dealer (total cost under $50). I jacked up both front sides of the car (using jacking pucks that I purchased from Burger Motorsports and two floor jacks), then I used a set of ramps as jack stands (under both front wheels). You have to remove the middle shield, then loosen the drain plug. As the oil was draining I lowered the drivers side of the car to make sure all of the oil drained properly. The oil filter is on top of the engine. You need to remove the engine cover and the air take to get good access to the oil filter housing. To remove the housing you need a 27mm socket. Change out the filter and "0" rings and add 7 .5 qt of 00-40 Mobil 1 and you are finished. It was a very simple and easy job to do in your garage.