I recently took possession of 1990 560 SEL. I've been doing some research to get ready for my first oil change. All of the info I've found shows the use of a "Topsider". Is there not just an old fashioned drain plug in the pan that I can use? Considering the fact that this car doesn't have a glovebox, a missing oil drain plug wouldn't surprise me!

By the way: I LOVE THIS CAR!!!!

I wish I would have bought one years ago!

Thanks,
Erich

 

Usual drainplug in bottom of oil pan. Be sure to disconnect the coil wire and turn engine over until oil pressure comes up after change to avoid timing chain damage.

 

Thanks for the tip!

Erich

 

As already advised to you, you can just use the good old fashioned drain plug. No need for a Topsider. While it is good, I prefer to do the oil change the old fashioned way as it is only by that means that you can truly get rid of most of the dirt in the crankcase, and also, going under the car gives you the chance to perform a visual inspection of the underbody of the car. That way you know when things are about to fail and plan on replacing them, instead of being stranded without a fully functioning car when they fail unexpectedly.

The lack of a glove box is due to the fact that your car is equipped with a passenger side airbag. Sure, today all cars are equipped with passenger side airbags but also have glove boxes, however your car was the first car in the world to be equipped with a passenger side airbag. Those were the first years, so at that time M-B was still learning how to properly position the airbag while preserving the space for the glovebox.

You have a truly wonderful car. Take care of it and it will take care of you. Gotta love all that torque!! :v