Arnt Johansen asked:


1. Make sure you have all the tools you need. You will need the following tools and materials:

 



 

A driver or ratchet with an 8mm socket for the plastic cover under the car.

A 13mm wrench or ratchet/socket for the drain plug.

A 3/8 ratchet for the oil filter housing cap assembly.

A medium extension for removing the oil filter housing cap.

An oil filter socket to remove the oil filter housing cap.

A pick or small screwdriver to remove the o-rings from the oil filter housing cap.

Depending on your car 7-9 quarts of synthetic motor oil (Mercedes Benz recommends Mobil1 0w40 which is a very good oil).

A high quality fleece oil filter make sure this is not paper. Paper filters can break apart. Use an original Mercedes Benz filter or any OEM like Mann or Hengst, they are all fleece.

Crush washer for oil drain plug

A couple of rags in case of spillage for cleanup.

Container to drain oil into.

Container to put used oil filter in.

2. Drive your car until your engine comes up to normal operating temperature. This is important because then more oil can be drained and it will drain faster.

3. Make sure the car is secure by putting it in park and the parking brake on if you are going to be using a jack.



 

4. Open the hood. When standing in front of your car it is located on the right side of the engine. Open the oil filler cap located on the valve cover as well.

 



Unscrew the oil filter housing cap using a ratchet with an extension connected to the oil filter cap tool.



 

Do not remove it quite yet we will do that later, this will allow oil to drain out of the old oil filter.

5. Now you will have to go underneath your car. If you are using a jack make sure your car is secured by jack stands as well.

 



The plastic plate(s) under the car covering the oil pan is secured by 4-10 screws depending on your car.

 



 

Remove it and put it to the side.

6. Time to drain the oil.

 



 

With your 13mm wrench or ratchet you can now remove the drain plug.Be careful the oil will be extremely hot! If you have an ML on some models the oil drain plug is in front of some suspension components. I use a piece of cardboard usually from the carton of oil. Bend it in half so it looks like a V and wedge it so the oil pours onto the cardboard and then into the drain pan. This will save a lot of cleanup later.

 



 

Make sure the container you are draining into can hold at least 10 quarts (2.5 gallons).

7. While the oil is draining we can now remove the oil filter housing cap. When removing place a rag around the filter and place it into a container to catch any excess oil. Let the oil drain for a good 10-15 minutes and then replace the drain plug, crush washer if it is bad, and the plastic cover. You can let the oil drain while doing these next steps.

8. You can now remove the oil filter. You may have to twist the filter back and forth to remove it.

9. Time to remove the old o-rings.

 



4 cylinder



 

Typical 6 and 8 cylinder.

You will need your pick (I like a 45 degree pick) or small screwdriver. Most vehicles have 4 o-rings on the oil filter housing cap assembly. These will have to be removed and replaced with the new ones that come with the new oil filter. Make sure the o-rings are correctly fitted inside their grooves and are not twisted. Make sure all the o-rings are removed and that you do not put a new o-ring on top of an old one. This can create a huge messy oil leak because it is high pressure!

10. Now it is time to put the new oil filter on the cap assembly. It will be a tight fit and a little force may be needed to get it seated all the way in the assembly.

 



 

OEM filter Mercedes part number 000 180 26 09 fits most 6 and 8 cylinder cars 98 and up.

 



 

The new oil filter will be marked with 2 lines.

The filter can be installed from either side, but one of the lines needs to be lined up with the bottom of the cap.

 



 

Filter is not all the way in.

 



 

Now it is ready to be installed.

11. The oil can be poured in now.

 



 

Pouring in oil.

If you have not replaced the drain plug do so now. Don’t forget to put the plastic cover back either. Oil can be filled into the oil filter housing and/or the oil filler hole in the valve cover. 7 - 7.5 quarts is usually a safe amount to fill for 6 and 8 cylinder engines.

12. The oil filter assembly can now be installed. The oil filler cap can now also be installed.

13. Start up the car now for about 15 seconds and turn it back off. This will fill the oil filter with oil and enable you to get an accurate oil level measurement. Let the oil settle for a couple minutes.

14. Pull out the dipstick, wipe it off and put it back in the tube. Pull it out again and check the oil level. If the oil level is good start up the car and let it warm up to operating temperature. It is very important to measure oil level at hot level because synthetic oil expands much more than conventional oil. Turn the car off and measure the oil level again.

 



 

The oil level when hot should not be above the maximum line. It is better to have too little oil than too much. A good level is about 3/4 full as pictured above.

15. That it! It may be a little more work than other cars but after a few times you will get the hang of it. You can save some time by installing the oil filter o-rings while oil is being poured into the car. Depending on how you drive it is recommended you change your oil every 5000-8000 miles. Lots of stop and go, city, or towing replace your oil more often. Lots of highway driving you can change oil less frequently.

If you are in the Orlando area feel free to stop by our shop or website www.europaorlando.com. Don’t want to buy parts from the dealer give George over at German Parts World (GPW) a call toll free 1-800-332-3822.



CHRIS

Tim LaGanke, Jr. asked:


Even with all the technological advances that the automobile industry has developed to make vehicles safer and more secure, there’s one thing that hasn’t changed since the days of the Ford Model A: tires are the only parts that touch the road.

That means that tires are still the some of the most important components of your vehicle. And that means that regular tire maintenance during a speedy oil change is one of the best ways to make sure that your automobile is operating in as safe a manner as possible.

But you’ve probably heard all that before from your speedy oil change technician. And you’ve probably heard from that speedy oil change technician that rotating your tires regularly is essential to keeping your tires running at the optimal level. Getting regular tire rotations is an easy maintenance procedure that can be done during a speedy oil change and can help a vehicle’s fuel efficiency, increase the level of safety, and lengthen the life of your tires.

But what does “tire rotation” actually mean? What does it do? After all, don’t tires rotate all the time when the vehicle is in motion?

Yes, they do. But that’s not really what “tire rotation,” as it is called during a speedy oil change, means. Tire rotation simply means speedy oil change technicians swap your front tires for your back ones. The rims aren’t removed, and no new tires are added. Some cars, like certain sports cars and hot rods, have rear tires that are larger and different from the front. So tire rotation at a speedy oil change is unavailable for those vehicles. But if you have a normal car, truck or SUV, then getting a tire rotation at your next auto change service should not be a problem.

But why should do you this? Why does the simple swapping of tires during a speedy oil change help those tires last longer? And why is it safer? Aren’t you just using the same old tires?

Yes you are. But keep in mind that most vehicles are either front-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive. A car that features a front-wheel drive will demand more from the front tires because things like acceleration and braking all fall on the front tires. Since they do all the work, they’ll get more wear and tear than the tires in back, which are allowed to take it easy. Rear-wheel drives, of course, experience the opposite situation, where the back pair takes the brunt of abuse.

And tire rotation during a speedy oil change can even benefit four-wheel drive vehicles. Even though there’s a more even division of labor between the wheels on a four-wheel drive, there are still significant differences in the way front tires operate when compared to the back tires. And it’s a good idea to swap sides as well, as tires can experience wear depending on which side of the vehicle they’re on. That’s why most speedy oil change technicians will swap sides when they move the back tires to the front.

Most speedy oil change centers also offer low-cost or free tire rotation services for the entire life of your vehicle’s tires. These programs are usually a good idea. Speedy oil change and tire dealers want your business, so they’ll often give you breaks on things like tire rotation service. You might have to pay more if you’re still using the original tires that came with your vehicle, but those should be able to be rotated with a speedy oil change.

So how often should you have your vehicle’s tires rotated? The consensus from speedy oil change technicians seems to be that if you are using synthetic oil, which requires less frequent changes, then a tire rotation at every speedy oil change will keep your tires healthy and your car safe. If you’re using regular petroleum-based oil, then every other speedy oil change will do. In other words, you should have your tires rotated anywhere between 6,000 to 10,000 miles.

These standards are usually adhered to when you schedule regular service checks with your speedy oil change center or dealership. Since they may keep track of your mileage and your service schedule, you won’t have to worry too much about your tire rotation schedule.

One easy additional automobile service that should be performed with every tire rotation at a speedy oil change is checking the tire pressure. The raising and lowering of surrounding air temperature, like the changes that take place in the summer and winter, will often make the air pressure in the tires increase or decrease. These fluctuations can cause strain on a vehicle’s tires and, if left unchecked, can lead to tire failure. But not all tires will lose pressure at the same rate. Again, factors like the tire’s placement on the car (on the front as opposed to the rear) and the amount of wear of the tire can also affect the internal pressure of that particular tire. In other words, you may have three tires with an adequate pressure and one that’s in need of some air. A tire with less than optimal tire pressure can create a dip in fuel efficiency, thus a greater chance of tire puncture and dangerous situations like insufficient car handling and breaking.

If you think that your car’s tires may not have optimal tire pressure, the good news is that checking tire pressure can easily be done at home or at any speedy oil change center. All that is required is a tire gauge that can be bought at most hardware and drug stores for just a couple of bucks.

But new tires aren’t cheap. A set of four tires can set you back $250 to $800 depending on your vehicle’s specifications, which is why it is important to extend the life of your tires. An average car will have to have its tires changed every 30,000 to 75,000 miles, which usually means getting a new set of tires every two to four years.

So how do you know when it is time to get a new set of tires? Most speedy oil change service technicians will recommend a decidedly easy and low-tech test. Take a penny and stick it into one of your tire’s treads with Lincoln’s head going in first. If you can still see the top of his head, it means less than 2/32” of tread depth is remaining and it is time to get a new set of tires.

When you get your tires rotated, your speedy oil change service technicians get the chance to glimpse inside your car and discover any other important automotive issues such as suspension problems. If your speedy oil change service technician finds uneven tread along your tires, it could mean a vehicle’s improper alignment or some other steering problem.

Regular tire rotation and general tire maintenance can result in a healthier car that enjoys a long and efficient life. You’ll also have peace of mind, knowing that you are doing all you can to keep your vehicle running safely.



FLORENCIO

Tim LaGanke, Jr. asked:


Do you realize over 500 million gallons of motor oil are purchased in the nation each year? Furthermore, about 50 percent of the more than 400 million oil filters sold are recycled. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that nearly half of the motor oil changed comes from do-it-yourself (DIY) mechanics. What impact does this have upon the earth and our ground water when we need to change motor oil in our vehicles every 3,000 miles?

A new technology introduced by SOMS Technologies, LLC, which provides engine oil filtration merchandise, reported on October 21, 2008 that they have created an oil filter which only needs replaced up to every 30,000 miles. It is important to change motor oil to keep the engine running smoothly and to remove dirt and other contaminants. In addition to saving auto owners on maintenance when they change motor oil, it also dramatically reduces oil filter disposal waste in our landfills. By capturing oil particles down to 2 microns instead of 25-40 microns in traditional oil filters, certified mechanics and those who do it themselves will see increased performance and cleaner oil when they change motor oil.

The automotive marketplace has not seen such a technological improvement with automotive oil filters in 30 years. This is a step in the right direction to save millions of gallons of drinking water, due to ground contamination when people change motor oil and do not dispose of it properly. According to the EPA, one gallon of used motor oil pollutes one million gallons of water, which threatens community drinking water and the environment. It is better to save than to waste our valuable resources when changing motor oil and filters.

The microGreen oil filter is being targeted toward larger industries for a test drive including government organizations and educational entities. Features with this new oil filter include a potential 5 percent increase in fuel efficiency, improved engine life and vehicle maintenance, and a 70 percent reduction in motor oil consumption, according to microGreenFilter.com. To further your driving capabilities, synthetic oils can be used when you change motor oil in order to obtain better fuel mileage and longer engine life. Ask for the benefits of using synthetic oil the next time you need to change motor oil at your nearest quick change oil company.

Routine maintenance for most cars recommend to change motor oil every 3-5,000 miles or more often if the car is driven in hot climates or for extensive highway use. With microGreen oil filters, those appointments to change motor oil including oil filters will be reduced since the dual filters only need changing every two to three oil changes. Quick change oil companies should not worry about this new technology because it hasn’t been released to the public nor has it been tested on mass amounts of vehicles. Additionally, auto owners will still need to change motor oil, but not as traditional auto manuals suggest. Quick stop lube businesses can use suggestive selling to their customers when they come to change motor oil and offer to replace wiper blades, air filters, buy gift certificates, motor oil change coupons and frequent visitor cards. Although the Web site says the oil filter should be available by mid-November, it does not provide an initial retail price. Lube companies should continue to use their stocked supply of motor oil and oil filters to provide the best service when people come to change their motor oil.

Green technology is what consumers are demanding and they will continue to support oil change companies who embrace eco-friendly products and services. Quick change motor oil companies will be able to offer their customers an eco- friendly alternative to the traditional oil filter with the initial motor oil change. After the initial installation, customers will see the benefits of using the dual filter with increased fuel usage, better engine performance and less trips to the automotive garage or dealerships to fix worn engine components. 



ERICK

Tim LaGanke, Jr. asked:


Motor oil, or what some of us refer to as dinosaur oil, can be a nuisance to handle and problematic when you don’t know the proper way of disposal. But there is help. Recycling the icky sticky oil is good for the environment. In fact, in most states it is illegal to pour it down the drain or throw it away in the trash. 

It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out why. Just in case you don’t know, here’s a reminder: pouring used oil down a drain or storm sewer will eventually cause it to seep into streams, lakes, or the wetlands. This causes a lot of innocent animal life to become coated with oil and eventually may cause their death. Oil sticks to everything from bird feathers to beach sand. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says that used oil from one oil change can contaminate one million gallons of fresh water. That’s a year’s supply for 50 people. Along with causing death and destruction or getting yourself a big fat fine, there are many horrible effects of not spending the time that is necessary to recycle your motor oil. This is why we have published ways you can recycle your engine oil safely and effectively.  

Put your used oil in a clean plastic container and make sure it has a tight lid. Don’t mix the oil with any other gases, solvents, or antifreeze. Keep it as pure as engine oil can be. This insures that every drop of it will be suitable for recycling. Take your used oil to a nearby recycling center, a service station, an oil change business, or any other location that will accept oil. If you can’t find a place near you, try looking online by doing a simple onlne search for “recycle oil” and the name of your city or town. 99% of the time a local oil change business that recycles oil will pop up. 

Not only can you recycle the oil, but you can also properly dispose of the used oil filter. After you take out the old oil filter, drain the oil out of it by punching an air hole in the top. Let the filter completely drain. It takes about 12-24 hours to do. Then you can safely dispose of it. 

There are plenty of reasons why recycling motor oil is the right thing to do. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says that on average, about four million people reuse motor oil as a lubricant for equipment or at a recycling facility. Nowadays, we can take motor oil and re-refine it into new oil, using it as raw material for petroleum industries. One gallon of used motor oil provides the same 2.5 quarts of lubricating oil as 42 gallons of crude oil. 

If you are still unsure of the proper way to recycle motor oil, then leave it to the experts. There are plenty of oil change businesses across America, and finding one in your neighborhood will not be a challenge. If you choose to change your oil yourself, then become the four million and one used motor oil recycler! With everyone’s help, we could start to eliminate much of our foreign oil need. All we need is to take these necessary steps!



DONOVAN