SL/R231: A Big Thanks, Success!
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 1,636
Likes: 522
From: Hagerstown MD
2015 SL400; 2019 X5M40i
A Big Thanks, Success!
With the use of my friend's lift we successfully changed the engine oil, filter and rear diff fluid today. I installed a new oil drain bolt and crush washer and new diff plugs. I still prefer to drain engine oil rather than the suction method.
I had previously used this lift to swap out the OEM brake pads with less dusty carbon ceramic pads. It is a real pleasure to have access to a nice roomy garage with a lift and every tool known to man.
Thanks to everyone on this forum for their advice. It's also nice to have access to so many knowledgeable folks.
I had previously used this lift to swap out the OEM brake pads with less dusty carbon ceramic pads. It is a real pleasure to have access to a nice roomy garage with a lift and every tool known to man.
Thanks to everyone on this forum for their advice. It's also nice to have access to so many knowledgeable folks.
Member
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 198
Likes: 44
From: Pacific Northwest
2011 SL550
Much easier/faster to change oil with a vac and no leak issues, I use a 10qt MightyVac. This is how the dealership does it. I can change the oil/filter, air filters, cabin filters and wiper blades on an SL550 and a Range Rover HSE in under an hour. I change oil only once a year as the synthetic oil breaks down very little in 25-30K miles, it is the oil filter that makes the difference, buy a high quality oil filter $15-25 and you can change oil yearly instead. I get a lot of flack for suggesting this but it is truly the oil filter that makes the difference (higher quality traps the particulates, low quality lets it circulate with the oil, thus they want you to drop synthetic oil that has lost almost no viscosity in 5K miles). I used a pipe cutter to open oil filters and inspect microscopically. I have had two Jeeps over 500K miles, a Rover over 400K mikes and several cars over 300K miles with no major engine issues and I even donated the high mileage vehicles to the Boy Scouts in good running condition when I parted with them. Do a little research, save a great deal of money.
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 7,847
Likes: 3,496
From: Maryland
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
Much easier/faster to change oil with a vac and no leak issues, I use a 10qt MightyVac. This is how the dealership does it. I can change the oil/filter, air filters, cabin filters and wiper blades on an SL550 and a Range Rover HSE in under an hour. I change oil only once a year as the synthetic oil breaks down very little in 25-30K miles, it is the oil filter that makes the difference, buy a high quality oil filter $15-25 and you can change oil yearly instead. I get a lot of flack for suggesting this but it is truly the oil filter that makes the difference (higher quality traps the particulates, low quality lets it circulate with the oil, thus they want you to drop synthetic oil that has lost almost no viscosity in 5K miles). I used a pipe cutter to open oil filters and inspect microscopically. I have had two Jeeps over 500K miles, a Rover over 400K mikes and several cars over 300K miles with no major engine issues and I even donated the high mileage vehicles to the Boy Scouts in good running condition when I parted with them. Do a little research, save a great deal of money.
Last edited by JettaRed; May 19, 2022 at 02:26 AM.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 14,679
Likes: 4,578
From: unbegrenzt
2017 GLE350 4MATIC
Much easier/faster to change oil with a vac and no leak issues, I use a 10qt MightyVac. This is how the dealership does it. I can change the oil/filter, air filters, cabin filters and wiper blades on an SL550 and a Range Rover HSE in under an hour. I change oil only once a year as the synthetic oil breaks down very little in 25-30K miles, it is the oil filter that makes the difference, buy a high quality oil filter $15-25 and you can change oil yearly instead. I get a lot of flack for suggesting this but it is truly the oil filter that makes the difference (higher quality traps the particulates, low quality lets it circulate with the oil, thus they want you to drop synthetic oil that has lost almost no viscosity in 5K miles). I used a pipe cutter to open oil filters and inspect microscopically. I have had two Jeeps over 500K miles, a Rover over 400K mikes and several cars over 300K miles with no major engine issues and I even donated the high mileage vehicles to the Boy Scouts in good running condition when I parted with them. Do a little research, save a great deal of money.
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 7,847
Likes: 3,496
From: Maryland
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
I imagine that draining may be quicker than setting up the vacuum for top extraction if the car is already on a lift for other purposes, such as inspections. Just remove the bolt and let it drain while the technician goes about his/her other actions. Plus, the dealer can always charge a few more bucks ($) for a new washer and plug.
