Changing Engine oil - best method?

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Aurora

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I'd like to do interim oil changes on my W202 C250TD mid point between the service indicator.

Is it better to use the traditional method of draining the sump, or is extraction via dipstick preferable? Or does it make much difference? Main servicing will still be done by garage.

I'm assuming the method for the latter is to simply suck when oil is warm, change filter, refill. Will it have any effect on the service indicator? I'm assuming the indicator system won't know the difference and will continue counting down as normal.

Any advice?

Thanks.
 
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Nello

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why remove oil through the dipstick why not use the sump drain plug

I know im missing something obvious can someone enlighten me please.
 
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NormanB

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Aurora

A guy on the American MB forum did an experiment on this a while back.
The conclusion of his experiment, which was one of observation, was that the 'topsider' or vacuum method removed as much oil as the drain down method. In other words there was as much oil left in the sump (and it was only a smidgen) using both methods. Remember you know how much oil is in the sump so you can measure what comes out as a confidence check.

So it boils down to your preferences and finances. You could just take it into Kwikfit or whoever and they will do an oil change for you for not very much money.

If you want to splash out on a topsider or other such device and do the work yourself - then go for it - much easier than removing the tray, sump plug, laying on cold garage floor etc etc.

So Advantages:

1. No cold floor.
2. No need to remove undertray
3. No risk of damaging sump plug thread.
4. Probably cleaner and less likely to slop oil everywhere.
5. More pleasant work so less likely to defer.

Disadvantages

1. Got to buy the kit.
2. You dont crawl under the motor and give it an optical bollicking.
3. You don't get the dirty hands/sore back feel good factor.

Hope this helps

NormanB
 
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Nello

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I still like to grovel about in the dirt.

I thought it was something like there wasnt a sump plug as in some new Audis (sorry for swearing)


Thanks for the info and the link
 
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Peter 300TE

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following a previous thread I bought one of the suction pumps. Never again will I have to explain the drips of oil on the path, trap my fingers on the sump guard and have to crawl under the car bumping my head to change oil.

I felt a bit stupid that I had never cottoned on to this before. Buy one make your like easier and enjoy driving the MB more!

Peter
 
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42852

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Best method of changing engine oil

I prefer to drain down and flush through from the sump plug until it runs out in a clean state.
More work I agree but at least you know that the new oil is not getting comtaminated staight away.

The dipstick suck is for main dealers who like to do the job quickly.

All the Best
Peter Isbister
 
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Well it sort of worked..... I got a manual syphon pump with dipstick hose attachment and was merrily pumping away when it stopped working. I think the hose is too short and doesn't go right to the bottom of the sump and I only managed to remove half of the old oil.

I'll make an extension for it but I'm worried that I need the correct type of tubing so it doesn't react with the hot oil or (worse) melt in the hot oil down in the sump or dipstick tube.

Anyone any ideas where I might be able to buy some suitable tubing?

Thanks
Aurora
 
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