Now this isnt a useless bit of info, but one that royally had my knickers in a knot, as I have been planning my first oil change for months, and then I learn that the ramps I bought wont fit under the front body work!!!!

What a let down, I was all ready to do the oil change, and then this! :(

I guess I have to go buy a Jack and report back.

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Chris Ecklund
98 300 DT

Why not use a "Topsider" and change your oil by sucking it out of the dipstick tube? It works great. We're thinking about doing a DIY article on topside oil changes.

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Bill Wood - Webmaster
MercedesShop.com, LLC

On our alignment rack I use some 2" X 12s on the approach to keep the front from hitting the ramps. Most lowered cars have this problem.

Try a set of "Rhino Ramps" they are supposed to be designed for low front ends (have not tried them). They are made of some high quality plastic unlike my old rusted metal ramps and are very lightweight and look pretty cool. They can be found at Pep Boys for $29.99 and AutoZone for $24.99 or $29.99 (I have seen both prices). Some Internet/Mail Order sell them for $49.99. Hope this helps.

After deciding ramps are too much trouble,
I've been draining the oil in three different makes of cars (300SD, Volvo 745 and Camry V-6) without the use of ramps.
Depending on the car and the location of the drain plug, crank the steering wheel one direction or the other (you'll have to figure out which way) and the plug should be reachable through the wheel well.
I do wear overalls, rubber gloves, etc. and use a piece of carpet as it does require lying down on the floor.
Once the routine is worked out, it goes a lot quicker then setting up ramps, plus in most cases you get a more complete drain if the car is level.
Maybe it's just lucky coincidence that I've been able to do this in these cars.
(I'm able to replace the oil filters from above the engine compartment.)


[This message has been edited by VA300SD (edited 09-06-1999).]

I have heard and read a lot about the topsider, but I just do not feel comfortable about not seeing what is coming out from the pan.

But thanks for the tip about using the pieces of wood, and since there is new houses going up everywhere, this should be no problem in finding some :)

If this doesnt work, I might just try the cranking the wheel trick also, thanks for the tips!!

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Chris Ecklund
98 300 DT

Where does one get a hold of one of these "Topsiders"?

Phil

Chris-
Many of the dealers are doing top side oil changes now. M.B.DOC swears by it. The new ML is actually designed for top side changes and trying to do it any other way can make a real mess. You can see your oil thru a small plastic tube as it is sucked out.

Phil-
I bought my Topsider at BOATER'S WORLD here in Atlanta. Any good marine supply store should have one. It was $45. It holds a little over 8 quarts of oil...perfect for my E430. Since my oil filter is located in the top / front of the engine, oil & filter changes are a snap.

http://www.peachparts.com/images/topsider.jpg


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Bill Wood - Webmaster
MercedesShop.com, LLC




[This message has been edited by Webmaster (edited 09-07-1999).]

Darned thing looks like a gas can painted blue with a suction pump mounted on one of the cap holes.

Anyway, how does one know if the hose is in deep enough to get most of the oil out ?
Also, would the hose fit in through dip stick tubes of 81 300D and 81 300SD ?
Maybe someone could mention the diameter of the hose that feeds into the tube ?
Yet another gadget I'd like to own.

[This message has been edited by VA300SD (edited 09-07-1999).]

[This message has been edited by VA300SD (edited 09-07-1999).]

The part that goes into the dipstick tube is 1/4" flexible plastic tubing. The tubing is more than long enough to reach the bottom of the oil pan. All Mercedes since the mid '70s have dipstick tubes that go to the bottom of the oil pan. Just keep feeding tubing until you bottom out on the oil pan...then back off a little so you don't create a vacuum against the bottom of the pan or for best results cut the end of the tube at 45 degrees. Here's the way you use it:

1) Make sure your oil is warm but not hot.

2) Pinch off the large diameter plastic hose with the hose clamp.

3) Pump the bicycle pump about 50 times to create a vacuum in the can.

4) Insert the small plastic tube into the dipstick tube.

5) Release the clamp.

6) Loosen your oil filter to allow oil to drain out and then replace oil filter.

7) Wait about 10 minutes until you start to hear a gurgling sound.

8) Slowly push the tube up and down to get the last few drops sucked out.

The Topsider also includes 2 caps to replace the pump and tubing connection so you can seal the can for transport to your recycling center. Nothing could be easier!

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Bill Wood - Webmaster
MercedesShop.com, LLC

Bill,

Thanks, your reply helped out a lot!

Phil

Thanks for the very thorough answer, Bill.

In particular the diameter of the hose and the reach of the dip stick tube.

I'm guessing this thing will be handy for other makes of cars.

I have used the topsider for my toyota van and the E320. Worked great for both. On the toyota van, I removed the drain plug after using the topsider, and guess what? not a single drop of oil came out.

Mark

I am running into deadends trying to locate this Topsider locally.
Can someone provide me with the name of the manufacturer so I can find a mail order source or the nearest dealer ?
My other option is the local boat dealer sells the heavy duty pumps for about the same price as the Topsider gizmo.
Thanks.

Try this: http://www.boatus-store.com/MC_Online/Browse.asp?ShowItem=1708

There is a list of several pumps, including the Topsider.

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Rick Miley
Tampa, FL
99 E300DT
86 190E
87 300E