Thread: Mercedes dealer doesn't want me to change oil

Kaj Some folks should "Never" pick up a wrench, but it is not rocket science. Both my Mercedes are the easiest cars I have ever done oil changes to. The drain is so close to the front of the engines, it is not even necessary to jack up the car. The E-320 is a little sensitive to oil level, however, and caution should be taken to not overfill. Both cars came with the belly pans missing for some reason. It has not mattered as I...

Quote: Originally Posted by lkchris Since you've talked about "SJ" and "SM" oils you are clearly clueless. I didn't write the article about changing oil, someone at my Mercedes dealer did. I copied it and posted it here because I thought it was funny and typical of the dealer's attitude that no one knows anything about these cars but them. Fred

I am a believer in freedom. As a result I believe people should be able to maintain their cars as they see fit, but they must be able to live with the consequences of their actions. If people want to change their own oil, go to an Indy, or take their cars to the dealers it is really their own business. However it is my personal opinion that any of the 3 options listed above are better than Jiffy Lube or other get-you-in, get-you-out quickly...

Since you've talked about "SJ" and "SM" oils you are clearly clueless. These things are irrelevant to Mercedes, as Mercedes has created its own motor oil specifications, for example most recent models requiring oil that meets specification 229.5. Also of interest should be the knowledge that Mercedes (and BMW and VW) are designed to have old motor oil vacuumed out the dipstick tube. Do you have a tool...

sounds like your dealer is trolling for business.

Quote: Originally Posted by aardvark An oil change is not rocket science. Let me think. -you open the hood and there is no dipstick -you go under the car and you don't even see the engine there. -remove the belly pans and all you see are engine insulation and no drain plug visible. No rocket science? Tell that to the young member who come here some time ago with question why his transmission is slipping, while engine is badly overfilled...

Quote: Originally Posted by aardvark Comical. aardvark Very indeed. ?dealers are posting here.

Frankly I think it's a pretty good write up. There are a lot of people that don't know beans about oil or oil changes. And I bet you would be surprised at how much used oil is dumped in the backyard or drained down the storm sewer. An oil change is not rocket science but neither is a car wash.....and yes I run my Mercedes through the car wash in the winter.

It might be different if they just changed the oil, but most dealers start looking for extra stuff to do to pad the bill. I say that if you change your own oil, it's more likely to be done correctly than at some dealers, and you know what's going on with your car. But it's not for everyone....

Griot's Garage has dip-stick oil removers (multi-fluid extractor) that come with a tube that will fit an MB. They cost ~ $89.99. Checkers will accept used oil. Be careful about whether your car need synthetic oil and about the filter. I was advised to get either Mann or Hengst filters. Napa is selling their own synthetic oil for $2.99/qt; it's really Valvoline oil. My dealer didn't have any problem with my changing my own oil. I...