Oil change for a Mercedes

[king_2011]

Hey guys, need your advice here: i am due for an oil change on my benzo (CLK) and want to ask you guys which shop should i go to?

Shop A: more expensive but uses the OEM mercedes benz oil filter

Shop B: Cheaper by about $45 but does not use the OEM oil filter

*They both use synthetic oil


If i go with the cheaper way (non-oem filter) would it have any side effects to my car? sorry i'm not super knowledgeable with cars so i'll need your guy's serious responses only.


Thanks in advance and "thanks" by me will be awarded based on serious replies.

[taylor192]

First, $50 cheaper for a non-OEM oil filter is crazy. The OEM oil filter is ~$20 from the dealer.

Second, it depends on the oil filter material. Our cars are supposed to go 15K kms between oil changes using synthetic, so the construction of the filter is important so it doesn't degrade and fall apart, then get sucked into the engine. I've used the OEM filters without issue, and some brand name replacement filters without issue, yet if I could find the MB fleece filters I would pay extra for those.

Third, $50 cheaper? I get my oil changed for $90 at Mr Lube. If I bought the oil and filter myself I wouldn't save $50, thus why I stopped doing it myself.

[bcrdukes]

C: Get taylor192 to do oil change for you - Cost? Kissy kissy

[taylor192]

Originally Posted by bcrdukes

C: Get taylor192 to do oil change for you - Cost? Kissy kissy

LOL dammit, where's the fail button?

D: Use the $50 savings to buy a vacuum pump from Princess Auto and do your own topside oil changes.

[king_2011]

Originally Posted by taylor192

First, $50 cheaper for a non-OEM oil filter is crazy. The OEM oil filter is ~$20 from the dealer.

Second, it depends on the oil filter material. Our cars are supposed to go 15K kms between oil changes using synthetic, so the construction of the filter is important so it doesn't degrade and fall apart, then get sucked into the engine. I've used the OEM filters without issue, and some brand name replacement filters without issue, yet if I could find the MB fleece filters I would pay extra for those.

Third, $50 cheaper? I get my oil changed for $90 at Mr Lube. If I bought the oil and filter myself I wouldn't save $50, thus why I stopped doing it myself.

thanks for the reply taylor !

i will take that into consideration, the thing is what if the shop (OK tires) says that what they give me is the oem filter but it is actually not? I wouldn't be able to tell right?

So how much is it to change oil at Mr.Lube (not buying the oil yourself)?

[taylor192]

Originally Posted by king_2011

thanks for the reply taylor !

i will take that into consideration, the thing is what if the shop (OK tires) says that what they give me is the oem filter but it is actually not? I wouldn't be able to tell right?

NP.

Originally Posted by taylor192

I've used the OEM filters without issue, and some brand name replacement filters without issue

I assume OK Tire is using some brand name filter, which is probably fine. I haven't seen any posts on the MB forums of oil filters from other brands failing.

I would check with the dealer if the fleece filters are available for your car. If so, you can get > 15K kms between oil changes. On MBWorld some people have gotten oil analysis done and could easily go 20K miles (30K kms) between oil changes - yet I wouldn't recommend that with a paper filter.

Originally Posted by king_2011

So how much is it to change oil at Mr.Lube (not buying the oil yourself)?

Originally Posted by taylor192

I get my oil changed for $90 at Mr Lube.

That's for 6L of synthetic, your engine will be more. I think the V6 takes 8-9L.

[king_2011]

Originally Posted by taylor192

NP.


I assume OK Tire is using some brand name filter, which is probably fine. I haven't seen any posts on the MB forums of oil filters from other brands failing.

I would check with the dealer if the fleece filters are available for your car. If so, you can get > 15K kms between oil changes. On MBWorld some people have gotten oil analysis done and could easily go 20K miles (30K kms) between oil changes - yet I wouldn't recommend that with a paper filter.




That's for 6L of synthetic, your engine will be more. I think the V6 takes 8-9L.

i guess i'll inch more towards Ok tires then since its more reputable, they told me you should change once every year or once you hit 15ks.

btw mine is a v8 (CLK 550), so how much would that be at Mr.lube considering i buy the oil from them also?

[king_2011]

Originally Posted by taylor192

First, $50 cheaper for a non-OEM oil filter is crazy. The OEM oil filter is ~$20 from the dealer.

Second, it depends on the oil filter material. Our cars are supposed to go 15K kms between oil changes using synthetic, so the construction of the filter is important so it doesn't degrade and fall apart, then get sucked into the engine. I've used the OEM filters without issue, and some brand name replacement filters without issue, yet if I could find the MB fleece filters I would pay extra for those.

Third, $50 cheaper? I get my oil changed for $90 at Mr Lube. If I bought the oil and filter myself I wouldn't save $50, thus why I stopped doing it myself.

ok taylor, i just called shop B (cheaper one) and asked them what brand of oil filter they gona use and they told me they use the brand called "Mann"

have u heard anything about this brand? good? not good?

thanks again!

[0nline]

Originally Posted by king_2011

Hey guys, need your advice here: i am due for an oil change on my benzo (CLK) and want to ask you guys which shop should i go to?

Shop A: more expensive but uses the OEM mercedes benz oil filter

Shop B: Cheaper by about $45 but does not use the OEM oil filter

*They both use synthetic oil


If i go with the cheaper way (non-oem filter) would it have any side effects to my car? sorry i'm not super knowledgeable with cars so i'll need your guy's serious responses only.


Thanks in advance and "thanks" by me will be awarded based on serious replies.

why drive a benz when you're worried about saving money on a $20 oil filter??? its one oil change per year.... the savings is not worth the hassel of having second thoughts.... just think about that for a second...

[fliptuner]

Most VW/Audi owners who DIY oil changes use Mann filters without issue.

[king_2011]

Originally Posted by 0nline

why drive a benz when you're worried about saving money on a $20 oil filter??? its one oil change per year.... the savings is not worth the hassel of having second thoughts.... just think about that for a second...

of course i thought abt that lol, i'm not being cheap here, i'll pay according what gives me the better quality thats why i'm asking you guys to help me out.

If both give me the same results, then why pay higher right?

its just being wise with $ thats all.

[king_2011]

Originally Posted by 0nline

why drive a benz when you're worried about saving money on a $20 oil filter??? its one oil change per year.... the savings is not worth the hassel of having second thoughts.... just think about that for a second...

Update: it turns out that both shops will use the exact same brand of oil filter (Mann) for my car. Good thing I called and clarified that. Some shops are just more expensive compared to others.
Posted via RS Mobile

[0nline]

Originally Posted by king_2011

of course i thought abt that lol, i'm not being cheap here, i'll pay according what gives me the better quality thats why i'm asking you guys to help me out.

If both give me the same results, then why pay higher right?

its just being wise with $ thats all.

The OE filter gives you all rubber seals required when preforming an oil change. structure and material is always up to spec unless MB suspects a failure with their design.. you'll know this when a notice is released or the part number is changed. right now, that part number of the oil filter for your car has been changed 3-4 times already...


when the same manufacture that made the OE filter, makes an aftermarket line.. they copy one time and rarely never update after that.. you could be putting an aftermarket oil filter copied from day one, but Mercedes have updated their oil filter a few time already... Ive seen aftermarket oil filters having softer paper material, and weaker structure designs.. also, they don't give you all the seals required..... that's why their cheaper.....


remember that your oil filter is suppose to last you 15,000kms... its suppose hold against the heat, pressure and wear n tear....

[king_2011]

Originally Posted by 0nline

The OE filter gives you all rubber seals required when preforming an oil change. structure and material is always up to spec unless MB suspects a failure with their design.. you'll know this when a notice is released or the part number is changed. right now, that oil filter for your car has been changed 3-4 times already...


when the same manufacture that made the OE filter, makes an aftermarket line.. they copy one time and rarely never update after that.. you could be putting an aftermarket oil filter copied from day one, but Mercedes have updated their oil filter a few time already... Ive seen aftermarket oil filters having softer paper material, and weaker structure designs.. also, they don't give you all the seals required..... that's why their cheaper.....


remember that your oil filter is suppose to last you 15,000kms... its suppose hold against the heat, pressure and wear n tear....

Thanks for the reply!
Mercedes benz quoted me at least $250 plus tax while the other shop my friend refered me can do it for $120 plus tax using a Mann filter.

You said it'll last me until 15k if I use the oe filter, would u say I'm safe if I change it every 12k using a Mann filter?

Again not trying to be cheap but I asked my frend who is the service manager at audi and he told me that benz repair is just a total rip-off.

Thanks again !
Posted via RS Mobile

[0nline]

just ask them to use an OE filter from MB if you're worried.. or u buy one and have them install it..

[king_2011]

Originally Posted by 0nline

just ask them to use an OE filter from MB if you're worried.. or u buy one and have them install it..

i asked both shops and they both told me that the "Mann" brand is reccomended by mercedes already...

[roastpuff]

Mann is OEM manufacturer for a lot of Euro brands, you should be fine.

Why change @ OK Tire, and not a Euro specialist shop?

[1exotic]

I buy my oil for $100 and do it myself

[Kayci]

Originally Posted by roastpuff

Mann is OEM manufacturer for a lot of Euro brands, you should be fine.

Why change @ OK Tire, and not a Euro specialist shop?

This. Mann is a reputable brand.

[taylor192]

Originally Posted by king_2011

ok taylor, i just called shop B (cheaper one) and asked them what brand of oil filter they gona use and they told me they use the brand called "Mann"

Originally Posted by fliptuner

Most VW/Audi owners who DIY oil changes use Mann filters without issue.

Originally Posted by roastpuff

Mann is OEM manufacturer for a lot of Euro brands, you should be fine.

I'm pretty sure the OEM filter is a Mercedes branded Mann filter.

Originally Posted by roastpuff

Why change @ OK Tire, and not a Euro specialist shop?

Cause it an oil change, any competent shop should be able to do it. I get most of my work done by a Big-O shop cause I've met the manager and techs and they all seem very competent, no need to pay more for a specialist for most routine jobs.

[taylor192]

Originally Posted by king_2011

Thanks for the reply!
Mercedes benz quoted me at least $250 plus tax while the other shop my friend refered me can do it for $120 plus tax using a Mann filter.

Do NOT use the dealer for oil changes. They charge too much for the service they offer. They used to inspect your car and recommend fixing things under warranty - and this was worth the extra - yet they don't do this anymore so I refuse to use them.

Originally Posted by king_2011

You said it'll last me until 15k if I use the oe filter, would u say I'm safe if I change it every 12k using a Mann filter?

If OEM and Mann are the same, then the same 15K kms.

[0nline]

Originally Posted by taylor192

I'm pretty sure the OEM filter is a Mercedes branded Mann filter.

yes its the same company that made it, but compare the two and its two different design. also, if i remember correctly... the aftermarket Mann filter gives you one less oring in the seal kit..

[Sky_High]

Originally Posted by bcrdukes

C: Get taylor192 to do oil change for you - Cost? Kissy kissy

Stop trolling around, OP was asking a serious question.

Originally Posted by taylor192

LOL dammit, where's the fail button?

+1

[taylor192]

Originally Posted by 0nline

yes its the same company that made it, but compare the two and its two different design. also, if i remember correctly... the aftermarket Mann filter gives you one less oring in the seal kit..

I had one replacement filter I ordered online come with no o-rings, so I reused the previous ones without issue. It is not the wisest thing to do cause then oil can bypass the filter, yet I don't think its that big a deal.

[Eff-1]

Don't overthink it. Take it speed syndicate, ask them to use an OEM filter, and call it a day. No stress, you can be assured you're getting a fair price and they know what they are doing.