Oil Filter tool for ML270

[RusML270]

Hi everyone

Been reading many of the posts with interest and have a couple of quick questions regarding changing the engine oil in a ML270

What is the diameter of the oil filter wrench used to remove the plastic filter cover, is it 76mm with 14 segments.

Also can the oil be drained via the drain plug at the bottom of the sump, reason I ask is all information regarding changing the oil is via the vaccum pump out unit(toploader??)

Thanks
Russ

[marcelc]

RusML270 - 7/11/2005 5:50 AM
What is the diameter of the oil filter wrench used to remove the plastic filter cover, is it 76mm width 14 segments.

Also can the oil be drained via the drain plug at the bottom of the sump, reason I ask is all information regarding changing the oil is via the vaccum pump out unit(toploader??)
Thanks
Russ

Yes and yes, however draining the oil via the drain plug is messy.

I have always drained the oil from all my cars via the sump drain plug, but, when I looked underneath the ML 270 I decided to invest in a topsider.

I am happy that the Topsider method removes all the oil as the new oil would soon mix with any of the old black oil and show a change in colour which does not happen.

[alphonsohall]

The oil filter removal tool for a BMW K1200 motorcycle is the same one that you need for the ML270 (Diesel)
If you have a BMW dealership nearby then pick up the tool from them , cheaper too!

[pleubner]

If you really want to do the bottom!

If you enjoy getting underneath your ML, you could opt for the device made by FRAM called the SureDrain.
The SureDrain competing product is the Fumoto valve.
http://www.fumotovalve.com/

I have no personal experience with this product so I am not speaking from personal experience. They make what they call an "N-type" valve which has a nipple that you can attach a plastic tube to so you can direct the oil where you want; granted that there is enough space
Looked it up and the fumoto valve requires an adapter for the ML.
http://www.fumotovalve.com/merchant.cfm?pid=464&step=4

[treeman5]

I drain the oil from underneath on my 01' 320 with no problems...I usually jack up the driver's side of the car and only get a slight dribble on the stabilizer bar near the end of draining. I thought about getting a topsider but decided to try draining the first time to see how it went.

[rudeney]

Once you go from the top, you’ll never climb underneath again! I bet that within 30 minutes, I could change the oil in an ML wearing a full suit and tie and not get dirty at all using a topside vacuum. It’s just so easy. People may complain about MBZ, but they definitely design their vehicles for easy maintenance. Having the oil filter right on top of the engine and a service position to hold the hood completely vertical makes tasks like oil changes so much easier.

- RODNEY

[treeman5]

Maybe one day I'll buy a topsider but I usually crawl the distance under my truck anyway when changing the oil to check for anything that "doesn't look right". My next house I build (hopefully in the next year or so) I'm going to have a 2 story garage so I can buy one of the $3000 hydraulic lifts. Then I'll be happy! [:D]