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Hi folks. Getting ready to do my first oil change this weekend. Quick question: I understand there are two oil drain plugs. However, do I really need to remove both the front and middle underpanels to access them? I saw one video where only the front was removed, but it wasn’t in-depth. Aren’t both drain plugs in a similar area of the oil pan (one on the driver side, one on the passenger side) or does a crossmember necessitate that both be removed? Thanks in advance.
I'm a new owner too of a '04 SL55. Did my first oil change yesterday. Removed driver side drain plug, oil came out, then removed drain plug on rear of sump....another 2 or 3 quarts came out it looked like. If only do one plug, think you may be leaving 2 or more used quarts in the sumps.
Use new crush washers also. Poured in 8 quarts, started, looked for leaks all good. Next morning used dash tool to check oil level. Stated to add one quart to be at max level, which I did. I used Mobil 1, 0-40, Euro blend. Walmart had on sale like 22 bucks for a 5 quart jug.
Just re-read your post...about panels. I removed four 8mm bolts and bottom panel dropped down. Plugs are close together, but sumps look separate. Like a front sump, and a rear sump.
I only removed one panel. That panel covered the driver side plug. The rear plug was not covered by any panel. If there is a second panel, then I'm missing it. But from videos I saw, mine looked OK...I think. lol
2003 SL55 AMG, 1989 348 Challenge, 1987 Testarossa, 1992 F40, 1989 Mondial t cab, 2001 X5 4.4 Sport
You need to remove 2 panels. If you only needed to remove 1 panel and both drain plugs were accessible, then you are missing one. A few years a forum member posted a step by step.
Not having a lift was miserable by virtue of having to remove all three panels to access both drain plugs. Thank God I only have to do that once a year. The complete FCPEuro kit for $85 delivered makes it worthwhile. Just did a buff and wax to complete the effort.
Not having a lift was miserable by virtue of having to remove all three panels to access both drain plugs. Thank God I only have to do that once a year. The complete FCPEuro kit for $85 makes it worthwhile.
I agree! I jacked up front, (centered jack, used a hockey puck), high enough to slide two jack stands under there. I hate crawling under cars these days. Had a friend a few years back, working under his truck.....no jack stands, just a floor jack. Didn't end well. Jack collapsed, leaf springs came down across his chest. Sufficated to death.
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