Your drain plug is located underneath the engine. There is a square looking drain pan, the plug is located on the passenger side of this pan. You need a 13mm socket, beware it can get messy. You can use Castrol GTX 10/30 oil, and Purolator oil and air filters. Good luck.

 

There is a list of MB approved oils, actually several. The one that lists the older ML's is 229.5 which says you can use a 0-40 or a 5-40 weight. from there it gets "fun" as there are more oils out there then are on the list. The suggested oil is Mobil 0-40. You want to run a full synthetic to prevent sludging as the engines use 8.5 liters/quarts and take a long time to get to temp. If all you do is short trips around town that gets very important. If you look for that list you have a few oils to choose from and if you want to use a few others that are approved by MB but not for the ML quite a few more. Do your research. ;-]

You want to get a fleece type oil filter kit. The paper one does not last long enough and doesn't filter the fine particles as well. I was told to use the Mann filter. Those are about $8-$20 for the same kit. Just depends on where you buy from. If you use the right oil and a fleece filter you can expect to go about 15000 miles before the next change. So while it seems expensive it really isn't. About the only thing about changing the filter is making sure the little oil rings gets replaced. Just do a search for oil change diy and you should find a pdf and/or pictures that show where everything is ie the plug is on the passenger side of the sump or that some filter kits include an extra seal (4 used but some have 5).

I've done mine once so far since getting mine and it was pretty simple. Not too different than anything else I've changed the oil on. Just spend the time here first to find the diy's and get the oils filter etc all sorted out and its a fun job.

 

When you drain the oil, DO NOT let the oil drip into the rubber bushings on the anti roll/sway bar or you will be replacing them in a year or two. PLACE A PLASTIC BAG OVER IT.

 

Is that directly under the plug or near it where the oil would drip?

 

Do not use the Purolator filter or the Castrol GTX.
I would strongly recommend the 0w-40 or the 5w-40 for the warmer California climates.
Use an MB OEM filter or the Mann HU718/5x fleece filter.

Oilchangekits.com sells the correct MB Spec 229.5 oils at a very competitive price and the MAnn filter. Oorser over $50 get free shipping and seeing as your truck takes over 8 quarts of oil you would qualify for free shipping. Save the hassle, time and gas of having to drive round to pick up the items needed.

 

Yes oil will drip onto the bushing. Its not just that bushing that will need to be changed but all front bushings and hangers aswell. Been there.

 

Thanks for all the help everyone. I will be doing this next weekend. Wragie, your signature is too funny!