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I attempted DIY oil change on my ‘17 S550e (after the used car dealer I bought it from put Subaru full synthetic 5W-30 in)....
Bought the oil and filter myself from MB, went to auto parts store for strap wrench and drain bucket, funnel, etc... All was good until I popped the shield and found the oil drain plug to be plastic. I stopped right there because I didn’t want to risk breaking any plastic, hence stranding the car...
I found a non OEM replacement oil drain plug online and can order it tonight...
BUT before I do that, others suggest to buy an inexpensive hand pump to drain oil. I have questions about this:
1. Can you list model # examples of drain system that would work for me?
2. Is there a special service hole for draining/pumping oil from the engine bay? Or does this happen from the oil fill cap? I’d imagine the camshaft and valves would be in the way??? Keep in mind it’s S550e with v6.
3. Is there a specific strap wrench or cap I should use? I’ve tried some stuff from the local auto parts store with no luck. (Strap wrench too large, cap had too many flutes etc...)
Hopefully she will have some good MB oil in her soon!
edit:: just realized this should be in the “technical” section, hopefully the moderators can fix
Last edited by Ian Ffield; Nov 30, 2020 at 10:15 PM.
with a 20% discount coupon it was worth every penny. I use it for oil changes, brake fluid changes, and a host of other things. Moving onto the plug drain method.
So on my AMG GTC the remote oil reservoir has a plastic drain plug but then the tank is plastic. On my Maybach it is a metal drain plug. Not sure why yours is plastic.
with a 20% discount coupon it was worth every penny. I use it for oil changes, brake fluid changes, and a host of other things. .
Ditto here. No more raising the car for an oil change, especially since the filter is on top. These are ideal but if I had to do it over again, I'd get the pheumatic type.
2016 S550 sport, 2018 GLC300, M3, Zo7, 2021 Sierra Denali
??? Whats the problem? Its a plastic plug, with an O ring. I use a short small flat blade screwdriver loosen and it will come out in about a half turn. Its a screw type plug, not threaded, grooved. Takes less than a full turn and pop it out. Mercedes says to replace during each oil change. I have not found this to be needed. Clean it, lube the O ring and re-install. I do replace it but after 3 oil changes. You cant over tighten as it one turn and it stops in the groove. Dont force it either way. I bought the correct mercedes oil cap wrench. Easy peasy.
18 AMG GTC and 22 F150 Limited. Past owner 16 Maybach, 17 Brabus Smartcar, 06 Ford E150, and 22 G70
Please understand that when a shop does the oil change there are a number of other things that they address. Examples are checking brakes and tires. Lubricating the sunroof guides. Air filters changed (at certain intervals), cabin air filter, ect ect......
Please understand that when a shop does the oil change there are a number of other things that they address. Examples are checking brakes and tires. Lubricating the sunroof guides. Air filters changed (at certain intervals), cabin air filter, ect ect......
This is a good point and one many shade tree mechanics miss. I found my brake pads and possibly rotors are in need of changing. Also noticed a cracked transmission plastic guard and a dim interior light. I’m still doing my multi point diagnostics so she’s a work in progress 😎
I would replace the drain plug as specified by Mercedes, and drain from the drain hole from below. WIS specifies bottom drain for new generation MB engines, and dealers (e.g. my dealer) drain oil from below for engines where WIS specifies top extraction.
I changed my oil today, took a pic for you. There are two stops on the screw, so as you tighten it stops and thats it, dont try to keep tightening.
Hi mate
i am about to do my first oils change tomorrow, I have the filter and the sump plug as above, the question is: Was there a copper washer as well to go with the plastic sump plug because I don’t have one and haven’t seen it for this sump plug?? Thanks so much
My car is also V6 ( S450 ) and I connect to the dipstick hole to take oil out. Takes 5-7 min. Another 2 minutes to replace oil filter. Easiest job ever.
2016 S550 sport, 2018 GLC300, M3, Zo7, 2021 Sierra Denali
Originally Posted by acpmc
Hi mate
i am about to do my first oils change tomorrow, I have the filter and the sump plug as above, the question is: Was there a copper washer as well to go with the plastic sump plug because I don’t have one and haven’t seen it for this sump plug?? Thanks so much
The copper washer is for the older cars with steel oil pans and it crushes and seals. This car is completely different even the oil pan is composite. No copper washer needed, just this plug, as you tighten, it pulls in the O ring to seal, as it stops thats it, no torque rating just turn to stop and seat. As you tighten you will see and feel two stops the second one is sealed and done. I have used a new plug three times with no leaks or issue, even though they recommend change each time. Good luck, its a simple oil change.
Great pics! I am a new owner of a 2024 GLC and when I asked the service manager about draining the oil he looked at me cross-eyed and said you need to bring it in for service it is not serviceable. So a little research found that there is in fact a drain plug just like the one you have in the pictures. Super easy to do. I'm not going to wait 10,000 miles to a first oil change plus I like doing this kind of stuff and my spirit time it's fairly cathartic for me. Thanks for the pics
If you do the oil changes yourself and consider yourself a bit handy, consider changing the oil pan gasket too after a few years. They do get old and brittle a bit and will seep a bit with time. Also gives you a chance to clean out the pan.
Easy Saturday morning job. My OEM gasket was about $16.
All the bolts on mine (RWD) were easily accessible and the oil stays cleaner longer. Well worth it I think.
Last edited by waterzap99; Nov 24, 2023 at 04:45 PM.
Please understand that when a shop does the oil change there are a number of other things that they address. Examples are checking brakes and tires. Lubricating the sunroof guides. Air filters changed (at certain intervals), cabin air filter, ect ect......
I kinda doubt all shops oil sunroof guides otherwise the dealership would have told me that my sunroof was broken when I was under warranty. They still never told me it was broken and it’s been two years.
I use this simple pump : https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
My car is also V6 ( S450 ) and I connect to the dipstick hole to take oil out. Takes 5-7 min. Another 2 minutes to replace oil filter. Easiest job ever.
do you put the tube all the way down the dipstick with this pump or is there a way to clamp it to the top of the dipstick?
I would replace the drain plug as specified by Mercedes, and drain from the drain hole from below. WIS specifies bottom drain for new generation MB engines, and dealers (e.g. my dealer) drain oil from below for engines where WIS specifies top extraction.
Hey @chassis ! When did this change? I see from the WIS that the M278 is the 'suck it through the diptstick tube' method.
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