Go ahead, call me cheap, oil change with no filter option. ML320

[sdanville]

Since the ML320 holds about 7.5 quarts of Mobil One and has about 3 fans on it's over sized radiator, and the manual reads about 10,000 + miles between oil changes...
Couldn't I keep a nice clean - lubercated engine by changing the oil every 5,000 miles and the filter every other oil change?
I planned on going 7,500 between changes, but feel better about 5,000.

[manny]

If anything, and that's a big IF, changing only the filter would make more sense.

[Benz300]

allright !
you're cheap !
but seriously if you're taking the time to get the oil change, is it only the financial factor keeping you from changing the filter everytime ? the couple of dollars on the filter will profit you in terms of better engine conditions in years to come.

[Ferdman]

Steve, I agree with Manny that if you're trying to economize change only the filter every 5,000 miles.

[Ali Al-Chalabi]

Uh, you can buy an oil filter for the price of 2 quarts of Mobil 1. I don't understand what is being economized by doing this.

You have to remove the oil filter housing cap anyway to drain the oil that is held in the oil filter housing. Otherwise you are leaving behind almost a quart of old oil.

[G-Benz]

Being an ML owner myself, I think he may be trying to avoid the Exxon Valdez-like spillage that comes from removing the oil filter...there isn't a good way to do this without a real mess.

But there is a thread on the ML forum about a universal filler drain petcock that's available that will allow you to nicely drain the oil first, and spare the mess of the traditional ML oil filter issue...

[Duke2.6]

Is the filter "upside down" - with the inlet/filter base on the bottom?

Any upside down oil filter will drain if you puncture the highest point. I use a big nail and hammer. Loosen it a bit to BE SURE you can get it off. Then puncture it. Proceed with removing the pan plug and let the oil drain for at least ten minutes. Then install the pan plug and fill the sump. Place a piece of duct tape over the puncture then with a rag near the base spin off the fiter, cover the bottom with the rag as you lift it off. Flip it so the opening is at the top and the tape will keep oil from draining out the hole.

Using this method little if any oil will spill. If any spills, just wash down the spill with mineral spirits from a spray bottle and wipe up the puddle from the floor.

Duke

G-Benz,

Does the 320 that's in the ML not have the filter on the front passenger side of the engine in a vertical position? If it does, take a one gallon oil jug and cut the top off leaving the handle. Loosen the filter and then hold the jug in place next to the filter and then put the filter and cannister top into the jug. I do this on the C without spilling a drop.

sdanville,

You are driving a very expensive vehicle with an engine that is very expensive to rebuild/repair/replace. If you change oil AND filter often, this engine will last MANY, MANY years and miles. Oil, even Mobil One, and filters cost a pittance as compared to engine repair/rebuild/replacement.

IMHO, skimping on oil and filter changes is absolutely FALSE economy.

If you will treat this vehicle right with proper maintenance it will reward you with years and years of faithful service.

Have a great day,
Change oil hot and change oil often.

[Benz300]

ok, i have to say this again...
this is cheap !

but then again it was asked for as per the topic

[azinn]

Originally posted by sdanville
Since the ML320 holds about 7.5 quarts of Mobil One and has about 3 fans on it's over sized radiator, and the manual reads about 10,000 + miles between oil changes...
Couldn't I keep a nice clean - lubercated engine by changing the oil every 5,000 miles and the filter every other oil change?
I planned on going 7,500 between changes, but feel better about 5,000.

It holds 8.5 quarts tightwad.

[grapes11]

I think you've got it backwards 8.5 qts Mobil 1 at $5 a quart. Got to buy 9 , so $45. Mann Oil Filter long life $6. Your way you spend $90 for oil and save 6 bucks on a filter= $84. If anything change the filter at 5k and the oil at 10k. So that way $45 for oil plus 2 filters at $6=$57. Or best bet, just spend the extra 6 dollars at 5 thouands miles when you change the oil. And i thought i was thrifty.

[Ali Al-Chalabi]

You could always just purchase a used Geo Metro and replace the car when it is time for an oil change.

Or you could take the topsider to an oil collection station and fill up on oil for the next change