ray0214

I've searched forums for info on changing the oil on my 2011 SL550. I have seen some posts on older models that detail how they sucked oil out of dipstick tube. Is this a good method to change the oil?? Another question deals with the service reset. Again, I have seen posts dealing with older SL's, like my07 and my09. Is the porceedure the same for the my2011? And as this is service A, it appears that all the other stuff deals with inspections. Seems a terrible rip off to pay MB dealers or even indy's what they charge to change the oil, when it appears to be such an easy job if oil is sucked out of dipstick. I've been doing it on my boat for years and its now 35 years old and giong strong. but I do need a new pump if anyone has any suggestions

Rudeney

I use the suction method. It makes changes much easier, especially with the filter being on the top, too. I use a Mityvac 7201. Mine's getting a bit old and worn, so I may look for a new tool. Plus, the Mityvac really only holds 8 quarts, so I usually have to empty some oil from it during the job.

As for resetting the service interval, I generally use SDS, but it can be done via the cluster:

https://mbworld.org/forums/attachmen...ator-guide.pdf

ray0214

ray0214

Rudeney

The procedure is identical. The only exception is that some engines (AMG M113 in the SL55) use a split sump, so they have to be drained. But your SL550's M273 engine is find for suctioning. I know some people claim that this won't get as much oil out or may leave some "sludge" in the pan as opposed to draining. The reality is that draining from the bottom still leaves some oil in the pan. And I dropped the pan on my CLK550 at about 80K miles to reseal it, and it had always been suctioned. There was ZERO "sludge" int he bottom of the pan. And beofre sropping it, I suctioned the oil and there was also very little left in the pan when I pulled it.

As for what device to use for suctioning, there are many choices. The Mityvac is popular, but like I said, it only holds about 8 quarts before it starts to lose suction ability, so you may need to empty some oil out of it before the pan is fully evacuated. Another option might be a simple hand or electrically-operated fluid transfer pump and a bucket. I end up emptying the Mityvac into a 5-gallon bucket to carry to recycling. Since I have several cars to change, and the occasional transmission service, that is most convenient. My Mityvac is getting a bit old and worn and I think I am going to switch to a transfer pump and just let it discharge directly into my bucket. There are many options for that. All you need is a hose attached to it that will just fit inside the engine's dip tube and reach to bottom of the pan.

Heatwave

I've been using this oil extractor for about 15 years. Works. But 6 gallons of burnt oil is problematic.

https://www.harborfreight.com/6-1-4-...tor-46149.html

Rudeney

Why is 6 gallons of oil a problem? I take my 5-gallon bucket full to Advance Auto and dump it in their big dumpster-sized recycle vat.

Heatwave

Rodney: I no longer have a pickup truck for hauling the extractor to Auto Zone. dadgummit.. I have a coupla 2 gallon plastic jugs with screw-on lids. After using the extractor, I pour the oil into a jug and take it to AZ.

Rudeney

Oh, I see. BTW, in case anyone is interest, a plastic 5-gallon bucket (like you can buy at Home Depot) will fit in the trunk of the SL, even with the roof open.

ray0214

Rudeney

For oil filters, I like the Mann synthetic fleece oil filters - model HU7185X. Advance Auto carries them and the price is not too bad. You can save a few bucks buying online, and since you need the ABC filter (which you probably won't find locally) you might as well get both from the same distributor. I think only MBZ makes the filters. Autohausaz has it for $40:

https://www.autohausaz.com/pn/0031846101

danaw007

Older post I was reading. Wanted to make sure that you know that mighty vac sells a 10qt capacity pump. I bought one for my Rover that has about 9 1/2 qts and it works great. Does Mercedes have a small tube that you connect to or do you need to pass the hard suction tubing all the way to the pan. Range Rover has a nice setup, when you open the oil filler cap there is a small metal tube that is just below the cap inside and you connect the vac to it to drain the oil..

Rudeney

For MBZ cars, you just insert the Mityvac's tube into the dipstick tube and run it down to the bottom of the pan.