looney100

For the first time in 20 years I've paid someone to change my oil. The grade of oil needed for the Bluetec isn't readily available, nor are filters widely available. Given the hassle in acquiring the parts necessary to do the change myself, I decided to have someone do it for me - and it wasn't going to be the dealership for $500.
Took it to the local Mobil 1 Lube Express here in Calgary. I did need to call them a couple days in advance, as they don't keep our oil and filter in stock, but otherwise the service was quick and fantastic.
I may make a habit of this.

eshuber

I'm getting the same way - at age 73 , that's a bit old IMO to be crawling around underneath a vehicle. Why would an oil change be $500? Does that include a complete car detailing too. The dealer here in Austin quoted $120 which includes resetting the maintenance reminder for an e350.

looney100

When we bought the car, we were offered four annual services for a discounted rate of $1600. I didn't bother to ask what they would cost individually.

In all honesty, if I didn't need to drive all over town for the parts, I may have been tempted to do it myself.

DJ Hellfire

Haven't changed my own oil in over 5 years. The few dollars saved on labor isn't worth my time. Plus you have to go and dispose of the oil. My wife and I just go in separate cars, drop it off and tell them to call me when it's done. So much easier.

Chris.dumpson

i usually pay a guy at the dealer to do it on the side for $150 but i have a lift in my garage and i like to work on my own car so that wont be happening anymore

looney100

In every previous car I've owned, I could swap the oil and filter in less time than it takes to drive to and from the mechanic's, and do it for a fraction of the cost. Doing the change myself saved both time and money.
It was just too much hassle for the E250 given the uncommon materials.

champaign777

and i still doing it myself
https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-c...ml#post5990050

aeroconfigs

I do my own too, but last time I did my wife's I cut the oring on the filter housing and it exploded with oil all over the garage floor when I started it. That never happened to me before. Sometimes I mess up with putting the wrong amount of oil in, but never that bad of a mistake. It made me stop and think about whether it was really worth my time. Or if I'm slipping and getting too old for this *****. Usually I enjoy it, but this time was a nightmare.

platt-deutsch

I rigged up a pump and made a adapter to stick in the dipstick tube to suck the old oil out. The filter is right up top too.. 20 min. Job.
Just traded my 220 for a 222 and wonder if anyone knows the button sequence to reset the Oil change minder? On the 220 it was hit OK and Phone at same time and it would open up a new menu.

Abrown3mtg

I fortunately have access to the air powered pump that syphons the oils out from the dipstick (factory method). Filter is at the top. Truly one of the easiest oil changes you can do. You don't even get your hands dirty

Sub 50.00 and it's all done.

The tool is called a mity vac. Considering the prices of oil changes and no need to crawl around under your car, doing 2 or three yourself pays for the tool. I'd strongly consider buying one if you are planning to own this vehicle for a while. There are many other uses for it as well.

GuestFromTampa

I been using Mity vac for 10 years or so. Just like previous poster said You don't even get your hands dirty

Shadow5501

The correct oil and filter can be mail ordered from various sources. I use Amazon. About $75 for the bluetec filter and 9 quarts of esp oil. I can confirm it takes less time than driving to and from a shop to have it done. No mess with a topside the either.

GuestFromTampa

Walmart sells 5q jugs of 0-W40 Mobil 1 around $25
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Mobil-1-0W...5-qt./23636902

instantfob

Topside oil change is the easiest way.

Our W212 undercarriage cover is a lengthy one so it's a bit a PITA to remove if you don't have a good lift or taller ramp.

I buy my oil and filter from Amazon. One day shipping. The only run to the parts store is recycling the old oil.

Shadow5501

That's fine for petrol engines, but isn't the correct oil for the bluetec diesels.

GuestFromTampa

Right , for bluetec diesels you need ESP oil. Walmart has it as well http://www.walmart.com/ip/Mobil-1-0W...5-qt./17034369

Shadow5501

No, that is not the correct oil for a bluetec. The diesel requires Mobil1 0w-30 ESP. ESP stands for Emission Systems Protection. It means there is low ash content so the oil won't block the DPF. It's a completely different Mobil product. Here it is on Amazon:

IgorE350

For $500 a blonde and a brunette should come to your garage and do the oil change for you

I always do it myself.

Six_Speed

I like to change the oil myself. I get some satisfaction knowing it was done correctly.

looney100

Amen!
The way I see it, I can do a better job, faster, and cheaper than taking it in.

...At least in every car except the E250. The uniqueness of the motor would require me to leave the city to purchase the oil I need - which is why it's been the only oil change I've paid for in 20 years.

CarolinaBluetec

I worked in a gas station/garage when I was in college so I have done a zillion oil changes, lubes, brake jobs on all sorts of cars and restored a 1972 MGB. I now take my cars to an excellent (but not cheap) Indy or the local MB dealer. I got tired of having grease under my finger nails.