P-Rod

I'm planning to change the engine oil in my 2001 E55. I heard the newer models don't have the drain plug. I want to find out before I waste time to lift it. If anybody can direct me to a diy thread on here. I never had problems changing the oil in my 99 w208, just taking precautions on this w210.

Solo wing

All models have the engine drain plug. The newer models don't have the torque converter plug.
I use a Topsider to extract fluid and it's easy, fast, no jacking and doesn't leave a spot. I can change the oil wearing a suit now.

benzokirk

+1 on what Solo Wing said. I bought an extractor a couple of months ago, it was super easy to use. The ONLY thing I don't like about the process is what to do with the used oil. I do have a recycler nearby, but they told me not to bring it back in the extractor, I guess it was too difficult to get it out, so I have to dump it into another container to recycle. Other than that, I'd swear my oil is staying cleaner since the change, compared to previous changes. I can still barely find it on the stick. It's definitely a more through change, that's for sure.

I don't think you'll regret it, if you decide to get one, but be sure you sort out the recycling matter first. Also, do a bit of research here on the the forum, I remember reading some advice to throughly clean the unit before storage, or the seals could need to be replaced. They might leak. I am a bit concerned about that, because I didn't clean mine.

illest

I buy the big bottles of oil from walmart so after I finish doing that oil change I empty the extractor into the old bottles and take them to the recycler.

desired_speeds

Extracting from the top gets more oil out. The last time I extracted it and opened the drain plug afterwards to have nothing come out.

benzokirk

yup, good tip, I was thinking about looking for one with a wide opening to receive the oil.

P-Rod

I finally got my Topside extractor today and changed the oil and filter right after it was delivered. This tool is great, may take a while to suck out everything but it sucks to the bottom of the pan where all the gunk and residue like to hang out. I'm also planning to buy a transmission filter and gasket kit. Any words of wisdom on this task?

P-Rod

I put mine in the shed right after I recycled the oil. You have me worried here. I'm going to at least clean the caps and the mini gaskets

illest

mine has been sitting in my garage for the past 5 or 6 years and has had no issues.

benzokirk

and you don't clean it between oil changes? If so, that'll make me feel better about mine...

illest

The first time I used it was on my e320 about 7 years ago, I let the oil sit in the topsider until the next oil change (1.5 years, I did not drive the car much).