I have been reading about bypass filters, and Oil analysis, but have not managed to come to a conclusion about the benifits of such a project..

My interest is in bypass filters revolve around the following Thoughts:

As it is I change the oil in my 300 TDT, about three times a year. this costs me about $100.00 per year. including oil, and filters. The car is not a pristine example, but it runs fairly well, to the best of my estimation. So that is about $33.00 per change.

Now if I was to put a bypass filter on, and switch to synthetic oil, Lets just say that the oil then could be changed once a year, so it costs about 75.00 per year. (40.00 Oil, 11.00 bypass filter, 10.00 main filter, 5.00 additional quart of oil) So there is some small potental to save $??

But then an oil analysis needs to be done from time to time.... few more $$ and does that include pulling the drain plug out, to get some of the oil out of the oil pan??? and then put the drain plug back in before too much is lost? great in theroy, but messy at best.

So I would love to spend 200.00 on putting a bypass filter on, and then be rewarded with only having to change the oil once a year (at 15,000 miles) and save a little time, a little oil, and the like.

Is that how it works?? or do those of you who have a bypass system installed, do it for some other reason. What was your motovation for putting a bypass system on the car? was it to save money or save the engine? I admit to frugality, but not at the expense of short sightedness

Thanks
Jason

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46 WDX Power Wagon

84 300TDT daily driver

With the stock filter you already have a bypass filter. A portion of the stock filter is a bypass filter and performs the exact same function an aftermarket bypass filter would.

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85 300CD
83 300TD
78 240D (daughter)

Jason,

I completely understand your feelings. In fact, someone once told me, "what's the point of spending $25 for an oil analysis when I can get an oil change done for that price?" (he drives a Toyota Camry). Anyway, his case was different from yours. Your oil analysis would allow you to see how long your oil will typically last before it is due for a change. You will spend more money upfront as you perform several analyses to determine that, but once you know the limit of your oil, you'll be all set and won't need further analyses. I don't think you need to install a bypass filter. From my oil analyses results, with Amsoil 15W-40, my 300SD will need an oil change every 8,000 miles (with a filter change at 4,000 miles and the oil topped off at the same time). So that comes out to two oil changes for 15,000 miles (in your case, one year). This is with the stock oil filter, so I'm convinced that you don't need to install a bypass filter. Like phantoms already said, the stock filter is a full flow and bypass filter.

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1999 Mercedes-Benz S600, 103K miles - garage queen
1988 Mercedes-Benz 560SEL, 89K miles - daily driver
2007 Hyundai Sonata Limited, 31K - daily driver