I agree that the oil change can make a huge mess. But, there is a way to drain the oil and do it relatively cleanly. I cut a plastic milk bottle into a funnel, leaving 3 tall sides and one lower side to allow the oil to enter from the drain plug. Since its plastic, you can squeeze the funnel to get it into position above the suspension. Then, get whatever you catch the oil in up high close to the funnel. It's a bit of a trick, but I did it with very little splashing out. Make sure there is plenty of capacity in the oil pan. Most vehicles don't hold anywhere near the 9 quarts that the ML does.
Good luck.