I changed the oil in the ML this afternoon.
and you wouldn't you know it really is easier to do up on erick's lift.

drain plug on this thing is a side loader, who knew oil could go so far sideways before falling.

and of course the legendary MB oil filter cartridge.
You unscrew the carrier and pull off the cartridge then insert the new one.
replace the 3 O-rings and screw it all back together.
still running pretty well for 182K on the clock.

 

Don;t dig the cartridges.....the VDUBs have 'em too.....aftermarket housing gaskets leak...

 

the oil that came out was pretty vile.

I'm contemplating short-cycling the next change,
although with 60 bucks for just oil and filter, I'd like to get my moneys' worth.

 

I have yet to do a diy change on the BMW. It has the cartridge too. the funny thing is, this is the same technology as was being used 50 + years ago. All the old British cars had a filter canister that required the removal and reinstalation of one ore more seals, along with the filter element. In the 60s, everyone ridiculed the system as antiquated. Now the manufacturers are all getting back to it. I guess they are saving on the cost of steel housings for disposable filters??? Maybe the element can be recycled if there is no metal housing??

 

3 for Erick and his lift!

 

According to Mercedes, it's the part that doesn't have to be recycled that's important, i.e. the metal can is removed from the production and waste stream.
As well as all the energy to create it.

 

That's a fancy way of saying we want you to come in for the service instead of doing it yourself.

They pretend to care about wasting an ounce of steel for a filter, but could care less if you waste $100 on an oil change. If you have the money and could care less about forking it over to the dealer to do it, it's not a big deal. But I'm not buying any other reason for using that old technology other than it's good for business.

 

Mazda is doing it also ...

I like them as you can look at the filter easily for anything that does not belong there

There are companies out there making kits to convert back to the screw on filter

 

It's part of the trend to distance us from shadetreeing our cars. Screw that. I only buy cars that I can change the oil on.

 

Charlie, there is nothing that stops you from changing the oil yourself.
The process is just a little different and a lot messier with a cartridge vs a canister.
It certainly is easier to get rid of the cartridge filter when your done.
All of the oil drains out of it quickly and easily.