I have searched the local autozone and checkers auto parts, walmart, etc looking for a good quality oil drain pan and have not found a good one. I don't really want to buy a topsider because i like to get under my car and see the oil coming out. i really feel more gunk, etc. will wash out than you can suck with the topsider. So I am really looking for a nice pan than can hold enough oil for the c280 and I like the ones I see that have a cap so oil is secure from spilling. I had a nice one when I lived in Iowa that would stand up and out of the way and had a place for a hook to hang on a wall!

I am a do it yourselfer so no car lift, just an old set of car ramps.

any ideas anyone?

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1994 C280
2009 VW Tiguan
1993 Toyota X-tra Cab SE-5


1973 220D ... Gone, but not forgotten
1991 Alfa Romeo 164L Gone, wife MADE me forget it

2006 Hyundai Tucson... just straight out FORGOTTEN!

Try doing a search on oil drain pan on google.

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Question Authority before it Questions you.

i have searched those... its hard when you cant see them, I'm hoping for a recommendation and figured most mercedes owners (like myself) are fairly picky about what they buy. I dont just want a little round bowl... I want something nice!

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1994 C280
2009 VW Tiguan
1993 Toyota X-tra Cab SE-5


1973 220D ... Gone, but not forgotten
1991 Alfa Romeo 164L Gone, wife MADE me forget it

2006 Hyundai Tucson... just straight out FORGOTTEN!

There must be 100 different styles of drain pans that come up when you google "oil drain pan". All the sites have pictures with descriptions of the conatainers. "Little round bowls" they are not. If your looking for something made out of sterling silver you won't find it.

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Question Authority before it Questions you.

go to www.griotsgarage.com and check out item# 44601 $14.99

I know what you mean about finding a decent oil drain pan,

Ramps are fine if the drain plug is at the back of the sump. Otherwise you'll leave a lot of oil in the engine, and a top-sider will get more out.

I lift mine on a jack enough to slide the pan under and remove the drain plug (with a long extension), then lower the car while it's draining, where it pretty much sits on the drain pan. This gets more oil out than using ramps.

I have one that has a plug in the middle of the pan and it drains into the container. It has a spout with a screw on cap that you can remove to pour the dirty oil out and re-use it. If I remember correctly, I bought it at Walmart.

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Gary


1973 450SL
1999 Silverado 4X4 Ext Cab
1999 Mercury Sable
1972 450SL Parts car

Previously owned keepers:
1967 MGCGT - 3L-6
1972 Mustang Fastback - 351C

Current Cylinder Index: 37

NAPA has some things others don't have - usually in stock. There's no reason to put a C280 on ramps to drain the oil.

the pan at Griots looks great. thanks for the advice.

the c280 sits just a little low to reach back and pull the engine cover. my driveway has a nice slope and if I set the car up facing out of the driveway, and drive up on the ramps, it sits level and give a nice clearance to get under, get everything done and view the undercarriage (after putting blocks behind the rears).

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1994 C280
2009 VW Tiguan
1993 Toyota X-tra Cab SE-5


1973 220D ... Gone, but not forgotten
1991 Alfa Romeo 164L Gone, wife MADE me forget it

2006 Hyundai Tucson... just straight out FORGOTTEN!

I have one simialar to the Groits pan, except mine is round. I like it for because it seals reasonably well, and makes for easy transfer to another container for transport to the recycling center.

Here's a tip: Use your old liquid laundry detergent containers for transporting used oil. They have big mouths, so they are easy to pour into, and they generally hold 200 oz. -- plus they're good sturdy containers.

jp

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Jeff Pierce

Current Vehicles:
'92 Mercedes 190E/2.3 (247K miles/my daily driver)
'93 Volvo 940 Turbo Wagon (263K miles/a family truckster with spunk)
'99 Kawasaki Concours
Gravely 8120
Previous Vehicles:
'85 Jeep CJ-7 w/ Fisher plow (226K miles)'93 Volvo 940 Turbo Wagon
'53 Willys-Overland Pickup
'85 Honda 750F Interceptor
'93 Nissan Quest
'89 Toyota Camry Wagon
'89 Dodge Raider
'81 Honda CB 750F Super Sport
'88 Toyota Celica
'95 Toyota Tacoma
'74 Honda CB 550F

jp...good tip

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Gary


1973 450SL
1999 Silverado 4X4 Ext Cab
1999 Mercury Sable
1972 450SL Parts car

Previously owned keepers:
1967 MGCGT - 3L-6
1972 Mustang Fastback - 351C

Current Cylinder Index: 37

Whatever you do, don't get a cheaply made oil pan!

The last time I used one of the plastic things from Autozone or wherever, with the screw-on cap, the cap began to leak during the oil change. Not a few drops, but a steady stream. I could have taken it back for a refund, but I'd have had to pour the old oil into containers I didn't have. Thank Gawd it started leaking *before* I put it in my trunk for the trip to the recycling center!

When I did a 'net search I couldn't find a metal drain pan that could be sealed up, so I went with the Topsider.
.

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* *
-- Paul W. (The Benzadmiral)
('03 Buick Park Avenue, charcoal/cream)
Formerly:
'97 C230, smoke silver/parchment; '86 420SEL, anthracite/light grey; '84 280CE (W123), dark blue/palomino

I also have a round black plastic drain pan that prevents you loosing the drain plug, though I have never used it yet on the Mercedes 300-E. I though is that it may be a good idea to alternate from the top sider to the drain pan . I can see why the top sider is so popular , as it is easy to use with out any mess.

however real mechnics have to get messy in order to acknowledge the jobs been done and check the underside of the car.

Bob Geco