oil change / ramps
10-24-2018, 11:24 AM
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
oil change / ramps
this may be a dumb question but is it possible to change the oil on a E55 if the car is on rhino ramps and on an inclined driveway ? was not sure if the additional 15 or 20 degree driveway tilt would prevent all the oil draining from the front and rear sumps ? thanks in advance
10-24-2018, 11:49 AM
#3
just purchased some rhino ramps and with the help of a friend managed to get the car up onto the ramps with enough clearance. although our first attempt failed miserably and the car slipped off one of the ramps. I think two jacks and some jack stands would be the better option...i had difficulty getting the ramps to stay put and ended up laying some 2x4's against the wall to hold the ramps in place, maybe it's my garage floor though...
10-24-2018, 01:34 PM
#5
MBWorld Fanatic!
The slant of the driveway, might cause the oil to pool at the back of the oil pan, thereby making it more difficult to drain all the oil.
Ideally you would want a level surface to work from, but it can be done.
My only concern would be the 15-20 degree slope your mention, I wouldn't place a car on ramps at those angles.
Ideally you would want a level surface to work from, but it can be done.
My only concern would be the 15-20 degree slope your mention, I wouldn't place a car on ramps at those angles.
10-24-2018, 01:40 PM
#6
The slant of the driveway, might cause the oil to pool at the back of the oil pan, thereby making it more difficult to drain all the oil.
Ideally you would want a level surface to work from, but it can be done.
My only concern would be the 15-20 degree slope your mention, I wouldn't place a car on ramps at those angles.
Ideally you would want a level surface to work from, but it can be done.
My only concern would be the 15-20 degree slope your mention, I wouldn't place a car on ramps at those angles.
agreed, its always the safest to work on a flat surface dont risk it!
10-24-2018, 02:01 PM
#7
Senior Member
I have one of these for years now, and have never looked back
https://www.walmart.com/ip/MITYVAC-0...yABEgIzXPD_BwE
https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ub...&Number=652525
https://www.walmart.com/ip/MITYVAC-0...yABEgIzXPD_BwE
https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ub...&Number=652525
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10-24-2018, 07:35 PM
#8
Member
I have one of these for years now, and have never looked back
https://www.walmart.com/ip/MITYVAC-0...yABEgIzXPD_BwE
https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ub...&Number=652525
https://www.walmart.com/ip/MITYVAC-0...yABEgIzXPD_BwE
https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ub...&Number=652525
For most other MBs (except the diesels and m270/274 and newer 4-cylinders) sucking oil from the dipstick tube is perfectly viable and is actually what MB intended. The dipstick tube extends to the very bottom of the oil pan so all you need is an adapter the same size as the dipstick (no straw/tube) and you can suck all the oil out (you will likely get more out than you would by draining it).
10-24-2018, 07:41 PM
#9
MBWorld Fanatic!
I used rhino ramps when I installed my bumper. Very stable and safe in my opinion. Didn’t slip once, if it does slip on rough surface I guess you should check your tires 😁
10-24-2018, 08:00 PM
#10
MBWorld Fanatic!
I have only ever sucked it out, I get 8.5L each time. You will never get 100% of the oil out, we probably only change 80-90% of it even with the sump drain anyway.
10-24-2018, 11:20 PM
#11
Super Member
i bought a pair of rhino ramps that morning we put my buddys caddy up to change the oil, but he forgot to buy the oil filter so we drove 25 miles back to the closest parts store, than had lunch so we were gone about an hour and a half, came back and one ramp had collapsed, holy **** good thing we werent under the car. Was on flat concrete drive, summertime Texas, i wish i would have taken a pic, they went back to home depot and we bought two 2x12 x 12 and had home depot cut them 36” 32” 28” 24” 20” stacked themand screw them together with 3” deck screws was cheaper and safer then those dangerous rhino ramps
10-25-2018, 04:00 AM
#12
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2008 E350 4Matic, 2011 E350 4matic
i bought a pair of rhino ramps that morning we put my buddys caddy up to change the oil, but he forgot to buy the oil filter so we drove 25 miles back to the closest parts store, than had lunch so we were gone about an hour and a half, came back and one ramp had collapsed, holy **** good thing we werent under the car. Was on flat concrete drive, summertime Texas, i wish i would have taken a pic, they went back to home depot and we bought two 2x12 x 12 and had home depot cut them 36” 32” 28” 24” 20” stacked themand screw them together with 3” deck screws was cheaper and safer then those dangerous rhino ramps
10-25-2018, 08:36 AM
#13
Super Member
That's why I don't bother with ramps. With ramps, you need 2 people just to make sure it gets up correctly. I just like to jack up one side of the car and then stick a jack stand underneath it next to the jack for safety. I guess you made a good case of why you should still slip some jack stands underneath the car even with car ramps.
Last edited by ot1; 10-25-2018 at 08:40 AM.
10-25-2018, 09:24 AM
#14
MBWorld Fanatic!
I just go on base, and use their Auto Hobby Shop, they have two post lifts. And all the tools and catch pans, one would need to change their oil.
And most importantly, its only $6 an hour for the lifts, tools are free.
And most importantly, its only $6 an hour for the lifts, tools are free.
10-27-2018, 04:25 PM
#15
Super Member
10-28-2018, 08:05 AM
#16
Senior Member
10-29-2018, 08:50 AM
#17
MBWorld Fanatic!
10-29-2018, 10:55 AM
#18
MBWorld Fanatic!
Its good to do everything yourself but not for that reason. There is little to gain other than discomfort and a mess. If it is anything like the transmission pan, the drain hole is recessed leaving a pile of oil you can't drain anyway.
10-29-2018, 11:54 AM
#19
MBWorld Fanatic!
When I drain my oil, I remove the old oil filter and the oil filling cap, that creates a positive air flow within the engine, so oil exits freely with little mess.
I believe that the best way to change your oil, is from draining it, not extracting it. As draining removes more oil than extracting, IMHO.
I believe that the best way to change your oil, is from draining it, not extracting it. As draining removes more oil than extracting, IMHO.
