PeterS.

I just bought a 2003 S600 5.5 v12, with a need of an oil change. I have done oil changes on the family car before, but never on a v12 luxury sedan. Can I please get some detailed help. Bolt size, oil filter location, etc. This question must have been answered already but I'm having trouble finding any posts. Thank you!!

Icarus747

I bought a Mighty Vac and just suck it out from the top. Supposedly..the filter is accessed from the top as well. Just bought mine too. So haven't changed filter yet. but, the mighty vac will come in handy to suck out the tranny fluid/abc fluid/differential fluid...plus the other cars I drive as well.

PeterS.

The 5.5 v12 doesn't have an oil dipstick. Besides I've read that all the
"bad stuff" is in the bottom of the oil pan. Best way to do it is the standard way.

PeterS.

By the way will there be a problem jacking up a car with
abc suspension (not standard air suspension). ABC uses hydraulic fluid. Because my plan is to drive the front into car ramps, and jack the back of the car up so the car could be leveled. Thanks for the help.

amstel78

I've jacked up my S65 with ABC many times; you won't have any issues.

Anyway, I would just use a Mityvac extractor and go from the top. I've done this with my VW's, BMWs, and other Euro vehicles with topside oil filters for years. A used oil analysis always shows everything to be within factory specs for engine wear. You can of course do it the old fashioned way. You might get a bit more oil, and perhaps some crud that the extractor wouldn't get that way but it takes longer. Just my .02

PeterS.

Thanks for the mighty vac recommendation, but I'm doing it the "hard way". So if anyone knows how to do the oil change from the drain plug, your help will be appreciated. Thanks everyone!!

amstel78

Just jack the car, unscrew oil pan bolt, loosen top fill cap and let it all drain out. I'd do it with the engine being a bit warm so the oil thins enough to drain completely. Once all oil drains out, replace pan bolt and crush washer. Replace oil filter up top including the rubber seals, and refill to required specs. Shouldn't be any different than any other car.

Welwynnick

And it's a half inch nut, not 13mm, funnily enough. Not enough room for a socket, either.


Nick

SilberGrau57

Yes, but mine (the M285) has a tube where the dipstick would go, and a black cap. Presumably, this is where you would suck the oil from...

SilberGrau57

Mine (the M285) has some sort of control arm/brace right behind the drain plug, preventing a socket. But, is it possible to remove one end of this piece, let it drop out of the way and then put a socket on it?

I too would prefer to drain from the bottom rather than out the top.

kraut56

On mine you have to remove the forward lower cover panel to get to the drain plug, a real PIA!

amstel78

FWIW, three different MB techs I've spoken to in the past claim they only use an extractor for oil changes. I asked why. They state it's faster, so they can move more cars in and out; there's less chance of stripping oil pan threads and/or losing belly pan bolts; and as kraut56 states, some cars just have drain plugs in PITA locations.

Can't prove it nor dispute it, but interesting anecdotal info nonetheless.

PeterS.

So how do you or someone remove the drain plug with a socket wrench?

PeterS.

I can't understand why Mercedes decided on such a lousy design for something that would be worked on by someone in their driveway. I can't think of a reason on why I decided to buy such a car.
(Let me think........ v12- nearly 500hp 600lb-ft 0-60 around 4.5 sec., all the luxury amenities anyone could think of)
I was just remembered of why I decided on such a car.

amstel78

Don't forget that most people who bought these cars new would probably never change the oil themselves. For the most part, these are not what most would consider "drivers cars". We're the odd ones out here.

tusabes

Not only did the original buyers not change their own oil , they didn't even lift the hood to Check their own oil.

That's why the car allows you to check washer fluid , coolant level and oil level from the dash display - so the owner would never need to lyft the hood

Welwynnick

With a flat wrench or ring wrench.

There's really nothing difficult or unusual about changing oil on the V12.


Nick

PeterS.

Excellent!!
Thanks everyone. I'm all set to do my first oil change on my new (used) Mercedes v12.

kraut56

Hehehe! We call them box wrenches here.

Still, I've given up on draining the oil, too much PIA for an old fart like me.
MB Dealer has reasonable charge for the oil/filter change here.

sakodik

I use the mighty vac exclusively on my older CLK320 and its been working out fine all these years.

On my S55, I switch to the drain plug every two top suction changes. Only reason is to check for other wear and tear on the ball joints, control arms, grease stuff or clean out the under tray of debris. Its also fun and a good excuse not to exercise after spending 2 hours under the car.

Use jack stands in the front as well! Those plastic ramps on amazon/harbor freight are finicky. They might work once or twice, but I assume the worst with plastic degrading overtime with use.