SL-Class (R231) 2013 on: Discussion on the SL550

SL/R231: What Type Of Fitting Is This?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old Oct 17, 2019 | 05:08 PM
  #1  
Utopia Texas's Avatar
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
5 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 2,336
Likes: 936
From: Brookshire, Texas & Cat Spring, Texas
2019 SL550/2023 EQS 580 SUV
What Type Of Fitting Is This?

I am getting tools together for eventual oil change on my ‘2019 SL550 and found this fitting in a small trap door I believe to be a entry to the oil pan plug. My ramps are currently at another location so the picture was taken by reflection in a mirror.
(1) What type of fitting is this called? Reverse Torx..LOL
(2) Can it be removed with a common tool or do I need to search for something special?
(3) Does this remove the plastic trap door or is it the actual oil pan drain plug?
Thanks....



Last edited by Utopia Texas; Oct 17, 2019 at 09:14 PM.
Reply
Old Oct 17, 2019 | 09:16 PM
  #2  
Utopia Texas's Avatar
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
5 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 2,336
Likes: 936
From: Brookshire, Texas & Cat Spring, Texas
2019 SL550/2023 EQS 580 SUV
Well, I found out one needs a Torx female socket for the fitting. I happen to have a really old set of SAE 12 point sockets and the 9/16” fits like a glove......
Reply
Old Oct 18, 2019 | 08:03 AM
  #3  
eddieo45's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,126
Likes: 223
From: Milton/Westport, MA USA
me: 2015 SL400 & 2015 ML400; wife: 2022 GLC Coupe; daughter: 2017 GLC SUV
Originally Posted by Utopia Texas
Well, I found out one needs a Torx female socket for the fitting. I happen to have a really old set of SAE 12 point sockets and the 9/16” fits like a glove......
wouldn't you expect it to be metric, 14mm?
Reply
Old Oct 18, 2019 | 09:41 AM
  #4  
Utopia Texas's Avatar
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
5 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 2,336
Likes: 936
From: Brookshire, Texas & Cat Spring, Texas
2019 SL550/2023 EQS 580 SUV
Yes, It would be metric but the old 12 point SAE fit a lot of things they were not intended for in the first place. Just trying to line things up for that first oil/filter change. Will be interesting to see what is above this small cover and why such a beefy bolt is used for something that only weighs a few ounces.
Reply
Old Oct 18, 2019 | 07:08 PM
  #5  
tx170754's Avatar
Super Member
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 698
Likes: 238
From: Illinois
S560/SL550/LS460/Q70L 5.6 AWD
Originally Posted by Utopia Texas
Yes, It would be metric but the old 12 point SAE fit a lot of things they were not intended for in the first place. Just trying to line things up for that first oil/filter change. Will be interesting to see what is above this small cover and why such a beefy bolt is used for something that only weighs a few ounces.
You have 2019 SL why do you need to change the oil by yourself ?
Reply
Old Oct 18, 2019 | 07:15 PM
  #6  
Utopia Texas's Avatar
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
5 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 2,336
Likes: 936
From: Brookshire, Texas & Cat Spring, Texas
2019 SL550/2023 EQS 580 SUV
Originally Posted by tx170754
You have 2019 SL why do you need to change the oil by yourself ?
I enjoy doing my own regular minor maintenance on my 4 tractors, F-250, Cadillac XT5, SL550, 1957 Nash Metropolitan, 1931 Model A and 1919 Model T......plus 2 riding lawn mowers!
Keeps me busy and out of trouble......
Reply
Old Oct 18, 2019 | 07:17 PM
  #7  
tx170754's Avatar
Super Member
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 698
Likes: 238
From: Illinois
S560/SL550/LS460/Q70L 5.6 AWD
Originally Posted by Utopia Texas
I enjoy doing my own regular minor maintenance on my 4 tractors, F-250, Cadillac XT5, SL550, 1957 Nash Metropolitan, 1931 Model A and 1919 Model T......plus 2 riding lawn mowers!
Keeps me busy and out of trouble......
Tell me all 4 are John Deere tractors 😊
Reply
Old Oct 18, 2019 | 07:31 PM
  #8  
Utopia Texas's Avatar
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
5 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 2,336
Likes: 936
From: Brookshire, Texas & Cat Spring, Texas
2019 SL550/2023 EQS 580 SUV
Ummmmmm, Kubota!
I would have bought Mercedes tractors but they have terrible stereos, no spare tire and don’t come in Mars Red.....
PS- I generally change oil on my SL’s every 12 months or 10k miles and my ‘2019 is already 15 months old!

Last edited by Utopia Texas; Oct 18, 2019 at 07:34 PM.
Reply
MB World Stories

The Best of Mercedes & AMG

story-0

8 Oddball Mercedes Ideas That Actually Made it to Production

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Dubai Tuner Gives the Mercedes G-Class An Entirely New Look

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Six Gift Ideas Your AMG Loving Dad or Grad Will Cherish

 
story-3

7 Craziest Things AMG Gas Ever Built

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

New Electric Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe Unveiled: 10 Things You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Oct 18, 2019 | 07:38 PM
  #9  
tx170754's Avatar
Super Member
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 698
Likes: 238
From: Illinois
S560/SL550/LS460/Q70L 5.6 AWD
Originally Posted by Utopia Texas
Ummmmmm, Kubota!
I would have bought Mercedes tractors but they have terrible stereos, no spare tire and don’t come in Mars Red.....
PS- I generally change oil on my SL’s every 12 months or 10k miles and my ‘2019 is already 15 months old!
Sorry, but our tractors are not Mercedes,they’re Rolls Royce, at least that’s what Europeans are telling me...👍
Kubota....hm😡
Reply
Old Oct 21, 2019 | 08:02 AM
  #10  
eddieo45's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,126
Likes: 223
From: Milton/Westport, MA USA
me: 2015 SL400 & 2015 ML400; wife: 2022 GLC Coupe; daughter: 2017 GLC SUV
Originally Posted by Utopia Texas
....1957 Nash Metropolitan....
convertible? I'd love to see pics!
Originally Posted by Utopia Texas
....my ‘2019 is already 15 months old!
the 2019 was available in July of 2018??
Reply
Old Oct 21, 2019 | 08:18 AM
  #11  
Utopia Texas's Avatar
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
5 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 2,336
Likes: 936
From: Brookshire, Texas & Cat Spring, Texas
2019 SL550/2023 EQS 580 SUV
Originally Posted by eddieo45
convertible? I'd love to see pics!

the 2019 was available in July of 2018??
I am going by the build date of June, 2018

Reply
Old Oct 21, 2019 | 05:55 PM
  #12  
eddieo45's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,126
Likes: 223
From: Milton/Westport, MA USA
me: 2015 SL400 & 2015 ML400; wife: 2022 GLC Coupe; daughter: 2017 GLC SUV
Originally Posted by Utopia Texas
I am going by the build date of June, 2018
I guess the oil has been in there since then! (Still love to see that 1957 Nash Metropolitan!!)
Reply
Old Oct 21, 2019 | 06:18 PM
  #13  
Utopia Texas's Avatar
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
5 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 2,336
Likes: 936
From: Brookshire, Texas & Cat Spring, Texas
2019 SL550/2023 EQS 580 SUV
Originally Posted by eddieo45
I guess the oil has been in there since then! (Still love to see that 1957 Nash Metropolitan!!)
Will take a picture in a day or two when I am out in that particular barn!

Here you go!


Last edited by Utopia Texas; Oct 22, 2019 at 09:59 PM.
Reply
Old Oct 22, 2019 | 09:26 PM
  #14  
jetjok's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 130
Likes: 24
From: Connecticut, USA
2017 SL450
A number of years ago, my across-the-street neighbor, who was in his mid 70's owned, among other things, a 1995 Mercedes SL. That was the only car which he'd change the oil on. I saw him doing this one day and said to him; "Mike, why not let Mercedes change your oil." He told me that he enjoyed "working" on the car. Anyway, about a few months later, while he was under his SL, doing something or another, the car slipped off the front jack stands. He was trapped under the car and suffocated to death because he couldn't expand his chest to bring in air. The moral of this story is two fold. 1) if you're working under a car, make sure it's suspended correctly, and 2) Anyone who can afford a $100,000 car, can afford to have its oil changed by professionals.
Reply
Old Oct 22, 2019 | 09:35 PM
  #15  
Utopia Texas's Avatar
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
5 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 2,336
Likes: 936
From: Brookshire, Texas & Cat Spring, Texas
2019 SL550/2023 EQS 580 SUV
Originally Posted by jetjok
A number of years ago, my across-the-street neighbor, who was in his mid 70's owned, among other things, a 1995 Mercedes SL. That was the only car which he'd change the oil on. I saw him doing this one day and said to him; "Mike, why not let Mercedes change your oil." He told me that he enjoyed "working" on the car. Anyway, about a few months later, while he was under his SL, doing something or another, the car slipped off the front jack stands. He was trapped under the car and suffocated to death because he couldn't expand his chest to bring in air. The moral of this story is two fold. 1) if you're working under a car, make sure it's suspended correctly, and 2) Anyone who can afford a $100,000 car, can afford to have its oil changed by professionals.
Well, I can afford to pay a crew to mow my 8.5 acre front yard but still prefer to do it myself!


Last edited by Utopia Texas; Oct 22, 2019 at 09:54 PM.
Reply
Old Oct 22, 2019 | 10:22 PM
  #16  
tx170754's Avatar
Super Member
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 698
Likes: 238
From: Illinois
S560/SL550/LS460/Q70L 5.6 AWD
Kubota and New Holland with a SL, hm....��
Reply
Old Oct 23, 2019 | 07:54 AM
  #17  
Utopia Texas's Avatar
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
5 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 2,336
Likes: 936
From: Brookshire, Texas & Cat Spring, Texas
2019 SL550/2023 EQS 580 SUV
Originally Posted by tx170754
Kubota and New Holland with a SL, hm....��
I assume you know the Yanmar Diesel engines in J. Deere are not made in the U.S. ?
P.S.- Look 4 posts up and see I drive a F250 also.... mostly American made!

Last edited by Utopia Texas; Oct 23, 2019 at 09:18 AM.
Reply
Old Oct 23, 2019 | 04:10 PM
  #18  
AtlasMiami's Avatar
Newbie
 
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 7
Likes: 5
2013 Sl 550
Originally Posted by Utopia Texas
I am getting tools together for eventual oil change on my ‘2019 SL550 and found this fitting in a small trap door I believe to be a entry to the oil pan plug. My ramps are currently at another location so the picture was taken by reflection in a mirror.
(1) What type of fitting is this called? Reverse Torx..LOL
(2) Can it be removed with a common tool or do I need to search for something special?
(3) Does this remove the plastic trap door or is it the actual oil pan drain plug?
Thanks....


The bolt you are referring to attaches the skid pad to the frame of the car. I have changed mine because it rubs on the pavement in my driveway and it has worn down. It’s made of a very tough plastic material. If you look underneath you’ll see it’s the lowest part of the car. The oil pan drain bolt is only accessed by removing the plastic belly pan under the engine compartment. The M278 and M276 engines are designed to have the oil extracted from the engine from the top through the oil dipstick tube. Check the service manual if you don’t believe it. You can actually extract more old oil than you can drain from it. There is a bulge directly under the dipstick for the extractor tube to go into. It’s lightly below the floor of the pan. You don’t have to lift the vehicle or remove anything from the bottom. It takes 15 minutes for oil and filter change and absolutely NO MESS. The 550 takes 9 quarts with the filter. I change mine every 5,000 miles, it’s so easy.
Reply
Old Oct 23, 2019 | 08:22 PM
  #19  
Utopia Texas's Avatar
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
5 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 2,336
Likes: 936
From: Brookshire, Texas & Cat Spring, Texas
2019 SL550/2023 EQS 580 SUV
Thanks for the reply!
Reply
Old Oct 23, 2019 | 09:06 PM
  #20  
tx170754's Avatar
Super Member
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 698
Likes: 238
From: Illinois
S560/SL550/LS460/Q70L 5.6 AWD
Originally Posted by Utopia Texas
I assume you know the Yanmar Diesel engines in J. Deere are not made in the U.S. ?
P.S.- Look 4 posts up and see I drive a F250 also.... mostly American made!
And you probably know that we also have an engine division in Waterloo, IA. 👍
Reply
Old Oct 23, 2019 | 09:10 PM
  #21  
Utopia Texas's Avatar
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
5 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 2,336
Likes: 936
From: Brookshire, Texas & Cat Spring, Texas
2019 SL550/2023 EQS 580 SUV
Originally Posted by tx170754
And you probably know that we also have an engine division in Waterloo, IA. 👍
👍👍👍
Reply
Old Oct 23, 2019 | 09:29 PM
  #22  
Keon's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 398
Likes: 135
SL550
Originally Posted by tx170754
Tell me all 4 are John Deere tractors 😊
John Deeres suck. They're overpriced and difficult to work on. The new ones require you to take them to the dealer for every little thing you do!
Reply
Old Oct 23, 2019 | 09:31 PM
  #23  
tx170754's Avatar
Super Member
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 698
Likes: 238
From: Illinois
S560/SL550/LS460/Q70L 5.6 AWD
Originally Posted by Keon
John Deeres suck. They're overpriced and difficult to work on. The new ones require you to take them to the dealer for every little thing you do!
Like the Rolls Royce 😊
Reply
Old Oct 23, 2019 | 09:34 PM
  #24  
TennesseeZ4's Avatar
Super Member
10 Year Member
Photoriffic
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 661
Likes: 302
From: Franklin, TN
2019 E450 wagon: 2019 BMW 430i: 2013 Chevy Traverse: (departed)2013 SL550 & 2019 E450 cab
Easy mates, 30 year John Deere employee here. All tractors, agricultural and construction, have their own foibles. Rather like politicians.
Reply
Old Oct 25, 2019 | 07:28 PM
  #25  
Utopia Texas's Avatar
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
5 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 2,336
Likes: 936
From: Brookshire, Texas & Cat Spring, Texas
2019 SL550/2023 EQS 580 SUV
Changed the oil and filter on the ‘19 SL550 Today with a pump up “evacuator” and the whole process took 15 minutes. I am very impressed and did not spill one drop of oil.
My only recommendation is to insert the plastic tubing into the dipstick tube and mark the length to the bottom of the oil pan while everything is cold. Though the tubing is relatively stiff when cold it gets a bit flaccid in a hot engine/oil and I can see where you could possibly insert it too far and it could curve in any direction and not sit in the bottom of the pan....
Reply


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 06:11 PM.

story-0
8 Oddball Mercedes Ideas That Actually Made it to Production

Slideshow: Mercedes has never been afraid to experiment, and some of its strangest ideas turned out to be surprisingly successful.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-10 17:43:40


VIEW MORE
story-1
Dubai Tuner Gives the Mercedes G-Class An Entirely New Look

Sideshow: A Middle Eastern tuner has transformed the Mercedes-AMG G 63 into an open-top special, replacing nearly every exterior panel in the process.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-10 15:29:50


VIEW MORE
story-2
Six Gift Ideas Your AMG Loving Dad or Grad Will Cherish

Slideshow: Six gift ideas your AMG loving dad or grad will cherish.

By | 2026-06-03 17:26:18


VIEW MORE
story-3
7 Craziest Things AMG Gas Ever Built

Slideshow: Sometimes AMG builds fast sedans. Other times, it builds twin-turbo V12 land missiles and six-wheeled off-road monsters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-26 17:59:58


VIEW MORE
story-4
New Electric Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe Unveiled: 10 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes-AMG's new electric GT 4-Door Coupe trades combustion for software, synthetic noise, and more than 1,100 horsepower.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-20 20:08:15


VIEW MORE
story-5
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-6
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-7
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-8
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE
story-9
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

Slideshow: The 190E Evolution II shows how a homologation necessity became a six-figure collector icon.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:53:47


VIEW MORE