Where to take a Mercedes for an oil change when no MB dealer is nearby?

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Mar 30, 2025
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Hey all,
Looking for some advice here. I recently moved to a smaller city in Canada where there's no Mercedes-Benz dealer nearby. Back when I lived closer to one, I always took my MB in for oil changes and service there. But now, the closest dealership is too far for a simple oil change.


I bought the correct oil, filter, and even the plastic drain plug for my car, so I'm ready to go — but I can't find a dedicated European shop in town. I did notice there is a VW dealership nearby, and I was wondering if anyone’s had luck getting basic services like oil changes done at a VW dealer for a Mercedes. I am not sure if they would touch it. I figure since it's still a European brand, maybe the techs would be more familiar with Euro-style engines?


Other options here include the usual chain lube shops (like Mr. Lube, Jiffy Lube, Great Canadian Oil change etc.) that say they can do it, or taking it to a general independent mechanic. But honestly, I’ve had mixed experiences in the past with quick lube places — sometimes they over-tighten things or just aren’t careful, especially with stuff like my car’s plastic drain plug. It’s not a huge job, but I want it done properly.

Unfortunately, it doesn’t have a top-side oil filter or an option for oil extraction. There are different configurations depending on the model and year, but sadly not this one. There's no dipstick either, which makes things more difficult. It's the typical setup that requires a bottom-drain oil change.

My MB uses a cartridge-style oil filter, so I don't think that's going to throw anyone off, and as long as they follow the torque specs and don't overtighten the plug, it should be straightforward. But I'm having a hard time deciding who to trust with it.


Anyone in a similar situation have thoughts? Would a VW dealer be a reasonable choice? Or should I just take a chance on a local indy? or any other non Euro dealer's that would maybe work since VW is the only euro one I can find.

I’d normally just do it myself, but I recently moved and don't have all my tools or equipment with me yet. Otherwise I totally would.

Appreciate any tips or shared experiences.
 
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Filter is top side? Get a fluid extractor and DIY.

I always seem to miss something important when posting. Unfortunately, it doesn’t have a top-side oil filter or an option for oil extraction. There are different configurations depending on the model and year, but sadly not this one. There's no dipstick either, which makes things more difficult. It's the typical setup that requires a bottom-drain oil change.
 
I always seem to miss something important when posting. Unfortunately, it doesn’t have a top-side oil filter or an option for oil extraction. There are different configurations depending on the model and year, but sadly not this one. There's no dipstick either, which makes things more difficult. It's the typical setup that requires a bottom-drain oil change.

I would rather go to an independent shop. The quick lubes would be a last resort. If you would feel OK sharing your general location maybe someone could recommend a shop.
 
Hey all,
Looking for some advice here. I recently moved to a smaller city in Canada where there's no Mercedes-Benz dealer nearby. Back when I lived closer to one, I always took my MB in for oil changes and service there. But now, the closest dealership is too far for a simple oil change.


I bought the correct oil, filter, and even the plastic drain plug for my car, so I'm ready to go — but I can't find a dedicated European shop in town. I did notice there is a VW dealership nearby, and I was wondering if anyone’s had luck getting basic services like oil changes done at a VW dealer for a Mercedes. I am not sure if they would touch it. I figure since it's still a European brand, maybe the techs would be more familiar with Euro-style engines?


Other options here include the usual chain lube shops (like Mr. Lube, Jiffy Lube, Great Canadian Oil change etc.) that say they can do it, or taking it to a general independent mechanic. But honestly, I’ve had mixed experiences in the past with quick lube places — sometimes they over-tighten things or just aren’t careful, especially with stuff like my car’s plastic drain plug. It’s not a huge job, but I want it done properly.

Unfortunately, it doesn’t have a top-side oil filter or an option for oil extraction. There are different configurations depending on the model and year, but sadly not this one. There's no dipstick either, which makes things more difficult. It's the typical setup that requires a bottom-drain oil change.

My MB uses a cartridge-style oil filter, so I don't think that's going to throw anyone off, and as long as they follow the torque specs and don't overtighten the plug, it should be straightforward. But I'm having a hard time deciding who to trust with it.


Anyone in a similar situation have thoughts? Would a VW dealer be a reasonable choice? Or should I just take a chance on a local indy? or any other non Euro dealer's that would maybe work since VW is the only euro one I can find.

I’d normally just do it myself, but I recently moved and don't have all my tools or equipment with me yet. Otherwise I totally would.

Appreciate any tips or shared experiences.
I wouldn't let any quick lube shop touch a Mercedes Benz. Way too many inexperienced employees with high turnover. If you have social media maybe someone local has Mercedes experience and could work on it/Change the oil etc.
 
Do MBs require some "special" oil change procedure beyond "remove drain plug, remove filter, allow oil to drain, replace plug and filter, refill with oil" ?
 
Do MBs require some "special" oil change procedure beyond "remove drain plug, remove filter, allow oil to drain, replace plug and filter, refill with oil" ?
I dont think so except they dont have a dipstick so you have to know what the prescribed fill is and then trust that the mechanic put that amount in. You cant check it.
 
Hey all,
Looking for some advice here. I recently moved to a smaller city in Canada where there's no Mercedes-Benz dealer nearby. Back when I lived closer to one, I always took my MB in for oil changes and service there. But now, the closest dealership is too far for a simple oil change.


I bought the correct oil, filter, and even the plastic drain plug for my car, so I'm ready to go — but I can't find a dedicated European shop in town. I did notice there is a VW dealership nearby, and I was wondering if anyone’s had luck getting basic services like oil changes done at a VW dealer for a Mercedes. I am not sure if they would touch it. I figure since it's still a European brand, maybe the techs would be more familiar with Euro-style engines?


Other options here include the usual chain lube shops (like Mr. Lube, Jiffy Lube, Great Canadian Oil change etc.) that say they can do it, or taking it to a general independent mechanic. But honestly, I’ve had mixed experiences in the past with quick lube places — sometimes they over-tighten things or just aren’t careful, especially with stuff like my car’s plastic drain plug. It’s not a huge job, but I want it done properly.

Unfortunately, it doesn’t have a top-side oil filter or an option for oil extraction. There are different configurations depending on the model and year, but sadly not this one. There's no dipstick either, which makes things more difficult. It's the typical setup that requires a bottom-drain oil change.

My MB uses a cartridge-style oil filter, so I don't think that's going to throw anyone off, and as long as they follow the torque specs and don't overtighten the plug, it should be straightforward. But I'm having a hard time deciding who to trust with it.


Anyone in a similar situation have thoughts? Would a VW dealer be a reasonable choice? Or should I just take a chance on a local indy? or any other non Euro dealer's that would maybe work since VW is the only euro one I can find.

I’d normally just do it myself, but I recently moved and don't have all my tools or equipment with me yet. Otherwise I totally would.

Appreciate any tips or shared experiences.
What is the year, make, engine, and model of you Mercedes?
 
I was in the Walmart TLE in Punta Gorda FL once and the were changing oil in a Bentley. Call em up and ask. If you're worried about them not having the correct service fill amount you could look it up and provide it to them in writing.
 
I wouldn't let any quick lube shop touch a Mercedes Benz. Way too many inexperienced employees with high turnover. If you have social media maybe someone local has Mercedes experience and could work on it/Change the oil etc.
Why you no want quicklubies to have fun?

 
Hey all,
Looking for some advice here. I recently moved to a smaller city in Canada where there's no Mercedes-Benz dealer nearby. Back when I lived closer to one, I always took my MB in for oil changes and service there. But now, the closest dealership is too far for a simple oil change.


I bought the correct oil, filter, and even the plastic drain plug for my car, so I'm ready to go — but I can't find a dedicated European shop in town. I did notice there is a VW dealership nearby, and I was wondering if anyone’s had luck getting basic services like oil changes done at a VW dealer for a Mercedes. I am not sure if they would touch it. I figure since it's still a European brand, maybe the techs would be more familiar with Euro-style engines?


Other options here include the usual chain lube shops (like Mr. Lube, Jiffy Lube, Great Canadian Oil change etc.) that say they can do it, or taking it to a general independent mechanic. But honestly, I’ve had mixed experiences in the past with quick lube places — sometimes they over-tighten things or just aren’t careful, especially with stuff like my car’s plastic drain plug. It’s not a huge job, but I want it done properly.

Unfortunately, it doesn’t have a top-side oil filter or an option for oil extraction. There are different configurations depending on the model and year, but sadly not this one. There's no dipstick either, which makes things more difficult. It's the typical setup that requires a bottom-drain oil change.

My MB uses a cartridge-style oil filter, so I don't think that's going to throw anyone off, and as long as they follow the torque specs and don't overtighten the plug, it should be straightforward. But I'm having a hard time deciding who to trust with it.


Anyone in a similar situation have thoughts? Would a VW dealer be a reasonable choice? Or should I just take a chance on a local indy? or any other non Euro dealer's that would maybe work since VW is the only euro one I can find.

I’d normally just do it myself, but I recently moved and don't have all my tools or equipment with me yet. Otherwise I totally would.

Appreciate any tips or shared experiences.
What model? Does that small town has Canadian Tire? In CT you can get ALL Euro oils. They carry MB229.5, MB229.51 and MB229.52.
Are you DIY inclined? If so, get appropriate oil in CT (MotoMaster Euro is repackaged Pennzoil Euro), findnon YouTube your model how to do oil change and just go at it.
 
If you're worried about them not having the correct service fill amount you could look it up and provide it to them in writing.
So, if the car had NO dipstick for checking the oil level, wouldn't it have a sensor so the driver can know the oil level on the dashboard ?
It seems kind of foolish for the driver to have NO idea of the oil level, especially if you have an oil burner engine.
 
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