UGHHH. I need an oil change, i'm going on a big trip next weekend (Baltimore to Miami), 1,100 miles. I called 2 dealers around here and they both want around $160. I called everywhere else and everyone says "0w-40, oh we don't carry that yet" They keep sayings its new... When they ask what kind of car i have they make a weird noise like i shouldn't have bought that car. Don't think i have any other options...

 

That's about right for a dealership.

Go to Autozone and buy 9 Qts of 0x-40 for $6.15 ea ($70) and an FRAM oil filter for $15 and pull into your local quick lube and pay $20. for labor and disposal = $90.

 

Did you try AutoZone for the oil? Here in Colorado Springs the AutoZone a mile from my home has Mobil One 0-W40 for 6 bucks a quart. You can save some major cash by doing your own oil change. It's not hard. Search the forum for the service manual and you will see. Andrew (I think) has even posted a simple checklist for changing the oil somewhere in here. The oil filter is on top of the engine so that's easy, too. I would suggest buying the filter from the dealer and keeping the receipt for it in case of any powertrain warranty issues down the road.

 

Like BrianBrave said - that's about the going price.
Do it yourself, either topsider or remove bits from the bottom of the engine.

This leaves the door wide open for everyone to chime in about the correct method to change the oil... blah, blah, blah.

 

I also watch for Ads and have gotten Mobile 1 0W40 for as little as $5 a quart. Don't forget it takes 8.5 Qts. with a filter change.

 

IMHO the topsider method is the cleanest. AutoZone in CO will even take back your used oil for free...

 

Oak Ridge Chrysler in Oak Ridge, TN charges me $90.52 plus tax for a total of $99.64 to change the oil.

$12 Labor, $7.49 a qt. for oil and $18.50 for the filter.

They also inspected and found that the transmission had a very small leak, replaced the 2 O-Rings. They had the parts in stock and said it is a known issue. No charge, no questions asked.

 

Here in MN, I bought 9 qts for 5.80 per qt and had the dealership change the oil. They charged $5 for labor and $15 for the filter. That seems pretty reasonable to me and less mess than doing it myself.

 

do it yourself but don't buy the Fram filter. Get the fleece filter at the dealer for less than $20 bucks.

 

Just curious... what's wrong with the Fram filter?

Last time I changed mine, the regular shop I go to was out of the Mercedes filter, so I had to settle for the Fram filter at Kragen Auto Parts. It seemed better constructed than any other Fram filter I've ever seen.

I use the topsider. The only problem is I purchased the 6 quart topsider, so I have to dump out some of the oil from it halfway through.

TIP: When unscrewing the cover on the oil filter, make sure you have a rag or paper towel around the seam so that as the threads come up the oil doesn't run down the side of the oil filter housing.

 

I agree with you. Suction is better than draining. When you think of it, when you drain your oil, the small particles stay at the bottom of the pan, just like when you have a slow drain in the sink, the residue stays on the sink.

 

I was at Wal-Mart today and they had the gallon jug of 0-40w Mobil one for $23.95.
Does anybody know if the STP oil filter is any good? When I stopped at AutoZone all they had in stock for the Crossfire was STP filters at $11.95. I'm not trying to be cheap, just want to know others thoughts on the STP filter.

 

And the same exact thing can be said about sucking it out with the topsider. The topsider doesn't have enough suction to get it
all out. There will always be residue no mater which method you use...

 

Here is the little ditty I purchased...

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=45403

Great price and holds all the oil.

BTW - I too purchased the fleece filter at a MB dealer but the Fram did not look bad. Just not sure of a paper filter holding up for 6K + miles.

 

Ben you're right, it's a moot point. It comes down to personal preference.

 

Everyone on here has always preached, "get the fleece filter." So I did. Benz dealer wanted $24, same one at the Chrysler dealer for $18.
Came in a Mercedes box.

 

I guess I didn't realize what a good deal I got when I purchased my SRT. The dealer changes my oil and filter...for free for as long as I own the car!

 

correct way for me is to buy my brother a case of beer (he's gm master tech) and watch him do it while i drink a couple.

oil - $54
filter - $15
24 pk - $16
nice buzz - priceless

 

I wonder if they are putting in 5w30 house blend or Mobil synthetic. I bet the cheap stuff. I'd have to stand there and watch them pour in the good oil.

 

Supposedly Fram filters have lack in amount of surface area for filtration and the way they bond their pleats is weak according to some. However, I once used Fram filters exclusively and never had a problem, but I succumbed to peer pressure and switched to NAPA or WIX filters and MB for the Crossfire.