Thank you to host(s) of this site. This is my first visit. I'm familiar with forums such as this one. I'm an old time wrench turner but on hot rods. I will be taking over the majority of the maintenance so will be visiting here often to get more comfortable with the car. Now my issue:

I will be performing my first oil & filter change on my wifes 2001 E320. I have a lift in the garage so will be draining the oil out the drain hole (vice a TopSider). A few questions:

1. Is it necessary to loosen the oil filter if draining from below?
2. While up in the air are there any special items to check on a 45K mile car?
3. Since there is no transmission dip stick, is there a fill plug I should pull to check fluid level and appearance?
4. How do you reset the service indicator?

thx again, r