andiego

Hey guys
For those of you with an out of warranty GL, do you still go to the dealer for oil change or [trust] taking it to the neighborhood Jiffy Lube?

Thanks

PaulE550

Whether it be a Mercedes, BMW, Porsche or any other luxury or sports brand, I've found that most people who intend to keep their vehicles long-term after the warranty expires, take their vehicles to either a good indie shop specializing in that particular brand vehicle or they continue to use the dealer. No one I know, who owns any of the luxury brands, takes their vehicles to a place like Jiffy Lube. Jiffy Lube is famous around here anyway for either not doing what you pay them for or they use substandard products (bargain basement oils, filters, etc. to boost their profit margins).

So if you don't want to use the dealer after your warranty expires, which is perfectly fine, and you still want to keep your vehicle running well for the long-term, find yourself a good independent shop that specializes in Mercedes or at least the German brands in general.

Eric_55AMG

Do it yourself (if inclined).

It's easy ... cheaper ... but most importantly, you'll know it's done right.

andiego

True this Paul, thanks for the reminder!

mustbebenz

Buy the MB oil filter with gaskets from a discount seller, some crush washers and MB approved oil. NAPA had the appropriate MobilOne at under $6 recently.
After that, it's just an oil change. Lots of DIY advice online. Also, any shop you trust can use your parts and change it in minutes.
No need to pay $300 to sit in a dealer lounge with snacks for just an oil change, even if you won't miss that much overpayment it becomes a matter of principle. All that other stuff they list as "checking" on the list of service tasks for the $500 offer is available to you and your independent mechanic to check, too, as desired.
Lots of how to advice on air filter and cabin dual stage filter changes here and on you tube, as well. Remember to look for ML videos, not just GL. Brakes the same.
In all cases, buy factory or at least very good parts and hold those parts and service receipts!

MBQureshi

In Addition to my GL450 I have a 2008 Accord and a 2012 VW. All cars go to the respective dealers for service.

Darknight

I agree to going to the dealer for our Benz, but that Honda will be going down the road long after we're all dead.

I've got one myself with over 200,000 miles with only intermittent attention paid to it.

At the end of the day, this is a "to each their own" risk acceptance situation.

DC-BENZ

I have it done at the dealer because I only save $10 doing it myself. I'd never go to a Jiffy Lube.

jylee

Car guy always do his oil change.

BlownV8

I buy my oil/filter and take it to a quick oil change place I've been using for the last 20 years. Costs me around $16 for their labor. They change the oil, add windshield washer fluid, and vacuum the car. I can supervise from a few feet away if they have a new tech.

It's a great deal to me. Don't have to get dirty and they recycle the old oil. Not worth paying the dealership a $100 premium to change the oil.

maneesh

If you plan on keeping your truck for a few years, you should learn as much about it as possible. A good step would be the oil change. It could save you money down the road.

Here is a Youtube video that shows you step-by-step.

kensiko

For those of you who do your own oil changes, do you find that you need to add the full capacity?

I'm asking because my GL calls for 9.5 quarts. Ive already added 9 quarts and dont want to add anymore due to the residual oil which is always left behind after draining.

However, the oil dipstick is only at the top of the minimum line.

pjw1967

In my experience, the half quart is for the filter. So, do you look at the dipstick before the the car has run for a bit, or after the filter has had a change to absorb the new oil? Or do you not change the filter every time?

maneesh

Recently did oil change on my GL450 and left it at 9 quarts. I'll let it complain if it needs oil and add more. I let the oil drain from the bottom for a long time and I don't want to put more oil since I read that over filling will damage the catalytic converter. This is with a new oil filter.

DC-BENZ

I just complained to the dealer two days ago about them only putting in 9 Quarts becuase the day after the oil change I noticed it was a half a quart short. Their claim is that as long at it's between the lines its ok and that their oil dispenser is set to stop at 9 quarts. The problem for me is by 7,500 miles my Bluetecs have burned off a half a quart of oil.

Meanwhile, I bought 9 quarts to change the oil myself in 5k miles (I'll need to purchase another quart before I do the oil change.). The dealer seams to sell the oil at the best price. I think I paid less than $7.20 a quart.