Is there any reason why I should not use a local oil change
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2004
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From: Tallahassee, Florida
2006 SL600, 2001 S500, 1996 SL320
Is there any reason why I should not use a local oil change
Is there any reason why I should not use a local oil change company for an oil change on my S500, we have some called super lube, they should be able to do this right????
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Joined: Jun 2008
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From: Alabama gulf coast, formerly Charlottesville, Virginia
2004 W220 (S430), 2001 R129 (SL500 Sport)
However many thousand dollars you spent for the car. That's the number of reasons for not using a bulk oil changing company. There isn't enough space on this web site to list all the reasons why this is a bad idea. Go somewhere that will use an OEM fleece filter and Mobil 1 synthetic oil and think of the "extra" money you spent as the insurance you bought to keep really expensive things from happening if you do the other.
I'm not trying to be an alarmist. Bulk oil changers do not understand or care that the car you drive has a rigorous and specific oil change process. They are in the business of selling lots of oil changes to lots of people who don't care or know to care that the oil change is the most vital part of routine maintenance.
I wouldn't let a bulk changer change the oil in my Cub Cadet lawn tractor.
I'm not trying to be an alarmist. Bulk oil changers do not understand or care that the car you drive has a rigorous and specific oil change process. They are in the business of selling lots of oil changes to lots of people who don't care or know to care that the oil change is the most vital part of routine maintenance.
I wouldn't let a bulk changer change the oil in my Cub Cadet lawn tractor.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2004
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From: Tallahassee, Florida
2006 SL600, 2001 S500, 1996 SL320
I hear you
I hear you, I never used one, but see people there all the time. I was hoping to avoid going to Jacksonville 155 mile ride for an oil change, my local dealership Capital Euro Cars SUCKS, they normally cause more problems then I go in there with, the last time they did an oil change on my S Class it leaked.... What a pain in the ___.
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Joined: Jun 2008
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From: Alabama gulf coast, formerly Charlottesville, Virginia
2004 W220 (S430), 2001 R129 (SL500 Sport)
It's not a particularly complicated process to do yourself. If you search "oil change for W220" you'll probably find a video or something showing you how. I can't imagine there isn't an independent shop in Tallahassee that does MB repairs. They can do an oil change for you. It's mostly using the proper filter and oil; the bulk places will use a paper filter and try not to be held to synthetic oil. I use my local indie for oil changes and other maintenance. I just use the dealer for mechanical repairs.
If you've owned these cars before, you know that maintaining them is the ticket to long life and few repairs. Besides, you only have to do it every 10k miles or so. BTW, if you haven't changed the cabin filters lately, that's worth the price in life for the AC system and fresh air in the car.
If you've owned these cars before, you know that maintaining them is the ticket to long life and few repairs. Besides, you only have to do it every 10k miles or so. BTW, if you haven't changed the cabin filters lately, that's worth the price in life for the AC system and fresh air in the car.
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From: Sugar Land, TX
BMW E39
I worked at Jiffy Lube for a summer job once and I can't begin to tell you the horror stories. Highlights include forgetting to put oil in someone's car and intentionally putting the wrong weight oil in cars because certain weights were not in stock.
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Joined: Dec 2008
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06 S500
You have an s500? I have over 90,000 reasons you shouldn't use a local lube shop. You have to pay to play. Get used to it. I don't trust local lube shops with 20k cars much less 100k+ cars. I guess it helps to know employees of those shops. Definitely not worth it.
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Joined: Oct 2005
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From: West Palm Beach, FL
2003 S600
I don't go to the dealer for oil changes. I go to a local mechanic who is honest and trust worthy. (Unfortunately hard to find these days.) He uses MB parts and Mobil 1. He just doesn't charge the dealer prices!
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04 S430 (sold),05 X5 4.4i, 02 325i, 87 560SL, 85 Alfa Romeo
I hear you, I never used one, but see people there all the time. I was hoping to avoid going to Jacksonville 155 mile ride for an oil change, my local dealership Capital Euro Cars SUCKS, they normally cause more problems then I go in there with, the last time they did an oil change on my S Class it leaked.... What a pain in the ___.
Oil change is not rocket science, BUT my Ex wife had an issue where they over filled her ML and didn;t use Mobile.
But these days its a crap shoot. My Nephew took his new pathfinder to the Nissan dealer for and O/C and they left the cap loose in his car..
Best to do it yourself if you can so you can ony blame you. IF not, find a benz shop or a shop that does european cars you will have better luck I think.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 3,455
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From: Long Island, NY
W220 S65 AMG
When I went to buy Mobil 1 at Mercedes-Benz of Massapequa, they said they had no Mobil 1 in stock. I asked them how they are performing their oil changes then...
The guy said they buy Valvoline in bulk drums for A LOT cheaper than Mobil 1. I said but aren't you supposed to use Mobil 1? He said what they do is fine, as long as the receipt says that it was Valvoline!
Unreal!
The guy said they buy Valvoline in bulk drums for A LOT cheaper than Mobil 1. I said but aren't you supposed to use Mobil 1? He said what they do is fine, as long as the receipt says that it was Valvoline!
Unreal!
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Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 584
Likes: 3
From: Northern NJ
E90 N54 & W251
When I went to buy Mobil 1 at Mercedes-Benz of Massapequa, they said they had no Mobil 1 in stock. I asked them how they are performing their oil changes then...
The guy said they buy Valvoline in bulk drums for A LOT cheaper than Mobil 1. I said but aren't you supposed to use Mobil 1? He said what they do is fine, as long as the receipt says that it was Valvoline!
Unreal!
The guy said they buy Valvoline in bulk drums for A LOT cheaper than Mobil 1. I said but aren't you supposed to use Mobil 1? He said what they do is fine, as long as the receipt says that it was Valvoline!
Unreal!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,578
Likes: 7
04 S430 (sold),05 X5 4.4i, 02 325i, 87 560SL, 85 Alfa Romeo
When I went to buy Mobil 1 at Mercedes-Benz of Massapequa, they said they had no Mobil 1 in stock. I asked them how they are performing their oil changes then...
The guy said they buy Valvoline in bulk drums for A LOT cheaper than Mobil 1. I said but aren't you supposed to use Mobil 1? He said what they do is fine, as long as the receipt says that it was Valvoline!
Unreal!
The guy said they buy Valvoline in bulk drums for A LOT cheaper than Mobil 1. I said but aren't you supposed to use Mobil 1? He said what they do is fine, as long as the receipt says that it was Valvoline!
Unreal!
BUt if this guy is stating that he uses Mobile1 on the ticket and is actually using Valvoline, that's another issue!!!
I usually look for the Mobile1 first, but sometimes tha Castrol synthetic in the same weight has a much better price.
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Joined: May 2002
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From: Hell
EFF YOU JACKIE
TOP REASON: You take your car in for a REAL service to the dealer and they say, um, sir, you never brought your car in for an oil change. You say, oh well I just went to a local shop. They say, well, "THIS" is broken and it is due to us not "servicing" your car including the oil. So sorry you just voided your warranty.
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Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 78
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From: Alabama gulf coast, formerly Charlottesville, Virginia
2004 W220 (S430), 2001 R129 (SL500 Sport)
As an aside to this discussion, I'm too old and too cranky to change my oil myself, so I have my indie do it. He has maintained 2 Mercedes, 2 Lexus, and a SAAB for me over the last 9 years, so he knows me. I stand at the service desk and watch the tech do the oil change while I shoot the breeze with the owner. I SEE the fleece filter come out of the OEM box and go in the filter hole, and watch the Mobil 1 go in the crankcase (after I check the weight on the jugs). Then I glance at my list of "A" service items while the tech goes over the car to make sure they all get done. We've done the dance enough he doesn't even waste the effort to short the list. Then we smile, I pay (what I consider) a reasonable price, and I see him the next time.
I'm not as old as Regan, but I believe in the "trust, but verify" rule he had for dealing with repair shops. If I have to leave my car for repair, I have them call BEFORE they do anything for my approval, and I get them to hold the old parts for my inspection before I pay. They don't seem to mind, and we have a pleasant and honest relationship.
Not everybody is out to take advantage of us, but some people are. The W220 is too complicated for even an oil change to be left to a ham-fisted repair shop without us being vigilant.
I'm not as old as Regan, but I believe in the "trust, but verify" rule he had for dealing with repair shops. If I have to leave my car for repair, I have them call BEFORE they do anything for my approval, and I get them to hold the old parts for my inspection before I pay. They don't seem to mind, and we have a pleasant and honest relationship.
Not everybody is out to take advantage of us, but some people are. The W220 is too complicated for even an oil change to be left to a ham-fisted repair shop without us being vigilant.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,578
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04 S430 (sold),05 X5 4.4i, 02 325i, 87 560SL, 85 Alfa Romeo
TOP REASON: You take your car in for a REAL service to the dealer and they say, um, sir, you never brought your car in for an oil change. You say, oh well I just went to a local shop. They say, well, "THIS" is broken and it is due to us not "servicing" your car including the oil. So sorry you just voided your warranty.
IF that happened to you ( WHich I doubt) , you just got punked. Get a Lawyer.
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 584
Likes: 3
From: Northern NJ
E90 N54 & W251
+1
I do all my own maintenance on the CL (own) and the R (lease). All receipts are kept on file in case any funny business comes up with the manufacturer for warranty claims or with the bank for maintenance costs. As long as it's done according to the recommended service schedule using the recommended fluids and parts, you should be fine.
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From: Clifton, NJ
96 and 08 911 turbos
Ask yourself this: Would you take your Sl600 there for an oil change? If not, why would you short change what is still an amazing Mercedes Benz?
That said, pay $60 once for a mityvac 8.8 quart vaccum pump. Get the oil filter from parts.com or azautohaus for $15, and the tool at autozone for $4.
With the mityvac, the process is 100% clean, requires no tools besides a ratchet, the oil filter tool, and a small screwdriver to change o-rings.
It doesn't get much easier.
P.S., I don't believe that ANY valvoline oil is approved by MB for 229.3 or 229.5 for the FSS maintenance schedule.
That said, pay $60 once for a mityvac 8.8 quart vaccum pump. Get the oil filter from parts.com or azautohaus for $15, and the tool at autozone for $4.
With the mityvac, the process is 100% clean, requires no tools besides a ratchet, the oil filter tool, and a small screwdriver to change o-rings.
It doesn't get much easier.
P.S., I don't believe that ANY valvoline oil is approved by MB for 229.3 or 229.5 for the FSS maintenance schedule.
