Brian_I.

When changing your oil do you all just drain it from the bottom or do any of you use a topsider to pump it out from the top?

I ask because on my w211 I've only used the topsider because that is what MB recommends due to the way the pan sits (apparently the drain plug is positioned higher than the bottom of the pan so you don't get all the old oil out). I see in the maintenance manual that they recommend either method but just curious what you all do.

This will be my first time doing the oil change myself on the w124.

M-bENZ

I always pump it out from the top (Oil Extractor). Easy,fast and clean

Andy

Real1shepherd

The story I heard was that the dealers' do it for convince and maximizing profit. I alternate;one time under the car, the next time with a power extractor. As far as using the pan plug, waste a qt of oil; after the pan has drained, pour a qt of oil through your engine with the plug off. That will take out almost all the old residue. My oil pan plug is magnetic...don't know if that was factory or after market. In any event, if you don't have one, get one and clean it off when you do the pan drain.

Kevin

ps2cho

I've always used the underside...

And many of you have seen the visual condition of my wagons engine

Just make sure you are getting the changes 3k-4k miles and it shouldn't be a problem.

BENZITCH

Under on my 126's. Gives you a chance to look around.

Brian_I.

Thanks guys, since this is my first time doing it myself I think I might go underneath. I like the idea of flushing everything out with a sacrificial quart of oil. Once I start doing this more regularly I'll alternate between pumping and dumping.

Thanks again!