007

read post regarding topsider for oil change in past n the forum. the mechanic told me that topsider cannot get all the oil out for effective oilchange. is that true?

awiner

I once thought that as well. I tried a top sider once, then removed the drain plug. Less than 1 oz of oil came out from the bottom of the pan !!!

The top sider makes the job easy and does get 99.9% of all the oil out, at least for my application.

rob_fed

From my experience, no. I have used a "topsider" suction device for the last 5 years on my '94 BMW 540 and my '99 E320. The advantage for both of these cars is the fact the oil fiter is also top mounted. This allows oil changes without going below. On the 540, all 8 quarts always came out.

Just another note, I had an oil pan leak on my W210, I used the topsider to remove the oil before dropping the pan. As awiner indicated, the pan was virtually dry when I took it off. The only oil left was the oil stuck to the lower engine parts.

One more thing... I did have a slight problem taking oil out of a '94 Isuzu Rodeo. I actually put the suction tube of the topsider too far into the motor. The oil pan on the Isuzu is more curved in constrution, when I pushed the suction tube into the dipstick hole, it curved up and then I did not get all of the oil out. This is pretty hard to do on the W210 V6, not sure about the I-6.

awiner

Mercedes engines since the 90's have been designed for a top side oil suction method.

The dipstick tube goes into the deepest portion of the oil pan.

scorchie

"Effective" oil change? Well, of course it doesn't get all the oil out, but neither does using the drain plug.

Once you pour new oil in and run it, it will get dirty from picking up the leftover oil... and the dirty oil will be diluted.

No big deal.

-s-

rp718

can anyone recommend a particular brand of topsider that is widely available?

007

rp, u can go harborfreight.com and put search for oil pump. someone else had recommend this in past in the forum. cost only 24.95

scorchie

I recommended the version from Harbor Freight... it is exactly the same manufacture as the TopSider brand pump.

The MityVacs are generally superior though.

-s-

E-Klasse

I got a Topsider from Overton's but most boating supply places have them as well.

C200T

Oops, wrong forum. I have a W211 (2003 E320)
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I have a Mercedes that I might keep for 4-5 more years. That means maybe 2-4 oil changes (low mileage car, just changed oil). I'm not sure if I should buy a Topsider. The alternative is to drain it.

Years ago, I bought a similar device and it didn't work because air would suck up and not much oil. This was on another car.

1. Does a Topsider work? I mean if it such up several quarts, not worried about 8 oz. or less because if the oil is changed regularly, I have no worries about thick sludge at the bottom and any old oil will be mixed and be changed next time (Most important question)
2. Ever see a used one on Craigslist or here? If a new one is $80 (just a guess), I'm not sure it worthwhile as I can rent lift time for $11-16. Taking off the splash plate is not that much of a pain, just a little.

illest

I use a topsider for my car and it works well been using it for the past 5-6 years on both of my cars without an issue.