tkelley.EClass

Does anyone have experience going to Valvoline instant oil change locations? Is the product up to snuff? Of course you need to be cautiouswith which location you go to as some are better than others, this is more a question about the product they offer.

Katie22

Do it myself. IT is by far the easiest oil change I ever do on a car. You can do it from the front of the engine under the hood. Vacuum out the oil and filter is rite there as well......

Katie

seamus2154

Over many years I have read so many oil change nightmares. Years ago most cars were 5 qts and an oil filter. Today they are all different with special requirements. A lot for an low level employee to screw up. I could not trust my cars future to hoping they got it right. The 2016 uses a one time use composite screw oil plug with an O ring. I use them 2 times with no issues. But the oil spec is another issue. I have a lot of different cars and Katie is right....its a very easy oil change. The whole thing can be done from under the hood if you choose. From the amount, to the spec, to the filter I just would not risk messing up such an expensive car.

tkelley.EClass

Thanks for the comments. I've been taking my W212 there for about 3 years and its actually a pretty impressive experience (at least at the Cranston RI location). You sit in the car the whole time, they ask tons of questions, and explain the entire process from start to finish to keep you at ease. Definitely not like the Jiffy Lube treatment (we are taking control of your car now, go sit in the waiting room). I'll have to explore one of these oil pumps. What do you all do with the expired oil?

seamus2154

I collect it and pour into a 5 gallon Home Depot bucket with a screw top seal. When it gets full I bring it to waste management or your local dump and they have an oil waste station you just pour it into. I bring gloves and rag too. Or you can bring it to any Pep boys and they accept it. I was told if they sell oil they are supposed to accept used oil also?? Napa takes it also.

MBS63AMG

The S63 AMG takes 9 quarts!!!!

Nice Ride

If I'm not mistaken, FCP Euro will warrantee your oil.... Yes, they will take it back and ship you new... They have a Lifetime warrantee on EVERYTHING they sell. Rotors, brakes, wipers, oil....

Streamliner

I am truly impressed with you folks who service and repair your own W222 cars and my hat is off to you. For those of us who cannot or prefer not to DIY, I highly recommend either an MB dealership or a trusted, independent MB shop. It is my opinion, that to save a few bucks by letting a place—that mostly services relatively inexpensive, simple and very common vehicles—service your, comparatively very rare, $100K+ VERY complicated S Class, to me, is just plain nuts.

seamus2154

I know FCP warrantees everything but.....used oil???? That is crazy.

tkelley.EClass

Okay I'm going to give it a shot. I'm cheating here by not searching first but can anyone provide oil recommendations and any other parts I'll need?

seamus2154

Walmart has the best price on Mobile 1 0w/40 European formula. That meets MB spec, good for cold start in your area too. My 2016 had 2 different oil filters listed so the first time I needed the vin#. Once you know which you have its easy to order. FCP Euro is great. The 2015 may only list one, I don't know. I would source it locally and make note of the part#. It really is a very easy oil change. Take note there is a torque spec on the oil filter cap. Change o ring on cap too, it's included in the oil filter box.

Nice Ride

I'm pretty sure FCP will take back your used Oil Filter also.... Lifetime warrantee on Everything they sell..... So, if you purchase the $100- Blades for Magic Vision and after a year you feel they are streaking a bit, you purchase a new set and return the old set and you get 100% of your money refunded. Don't take my word for it, call them and ask... You will be surprised...

Streamliner

Please tell us that you are joking and that you just forgot to put a at the end of your post.

seamus2154

You have my wheels spinning trust me. The wipers alone makes it worth it. But being a business guy, I can't wrap my head around the business model? I understand statistically they must know the ratio of customers that will actually do this. Also most do not keep cars longterm. I still shake my head at Home Depot taking any return. But they have high margins elswhere. Still, margins being margins, this seems like it cant work? LOL I know guys that could put them under!!! LOL


Well it's pretty clear!....
https://www.fcpeuro.com/page/lifetime-guarantee

Streamliner

I believe that they are hoping that the vast majority of folks are ethical and will not take advantage of their policies. I love a good deal as much as the next guy, but you won’t find me returning things that I have used and from which I have received the value for the price I paid. Wishing everyone here a wonderful Memorial Day weekend.

Nice Ride

Nope, its true. I called them about the wiper blades, I asked them if I see ANY streaks after a year, will they replace them, the answer was YES. Keep your receipt, you must purchase the new set, return the old and get a full refund. LIFETIME WARANTEE ON EVERYTHING. Call them or email them. For what ever reason, it is true. If you purchase pads and rotors and 2 years later pads are down, they WILL replace PADS and ROTORS. No questions asked. Don't take my word for it. Call them....

blackends

I am guessing that you cannot extract the oil from the top and leave the drain bolt and washer undisturbed

Baltistyle

that’s an exact reason to do this…. In six years of Amg, it’s been top extracted even when not recommended. I change so frequently I don’t worry about the stepped oil pans. Oil change takes twenty minutes and costs only the oil and filter. Lots of ways to do it and this one is easy. You do want to make sure you get all oil out. I park in a way that will collect all oil towards the dipstick tube. Some people check the success of the emptying the first time by removing the drain bolt from the bottom to see if any oil was missed.

2012 merc amg

What about the 2018s and up which have no dipstick? No way to vac out that oil it must be drained.

Jud Chapin

I would make a trip to the dealer and ask a mechanic. I've always fond them to be quite helpful.

aeggroup

I'm using dipstick method to suck out the oil from my 2020 S450. Takes 15 minutes and it's easiest job anybody can do. I've also heard 2018 and up S560 can't be done this way.

tbirdvet

Has to drain from underneath the vehicle. A pain if it also has a belly pan that has to be removed.

Nice Ride

FCP UPDATE...

Baltistyle

I hear it’s a lifetime fluid

just kidding. I’ve had a few vehicles that did not have a dipstick and had to do the work the traditional way. I’m not a fan of sensor only confirmation.

definitely ask the professionals in this instance.

vinflouen

Valvoline won't do our cars (facelift w222 at least).
do it yourself. It's an old school GM Style oil change, fast and hot.
No topside oil change on this car.
The plugs can be used a couple of times in my experience.
It's an easy oil change, just remember to seat the 3 little prongs on the filter so they face the bottom of the car.
9.5 quarts later and you are good to go.
I use 5w-30 from the dealer or Mobil 1 ESP.
​​​​​​Do it yourself and feel the pride of being a YouTube certified mechanic....
TO check oil level on a 2018-up w222 go to the steering wheel.
Left side controls.
Scroll to trip.
Once trip is up, hold down the home button (left top) for like 5 seconds, and then press the black button (cursor) in the center.
Will take you to workshop menu.
Cick on vehicle.
Scroll up 3 or 4 times and it will show you oil level and temps!
Have fun!