Fast Car

1. Drive the vehicle onto the ramps and engage the emergency brake.
2. Slide the oil bucket beneath the vehicle at the oil plug location. BMW uses a skid plate with an easy access cover for the oil drain plug. Place the oil bucket beneath this access panel.
3. Open the access panel (in the center of the skid plate and labeled). Remove the oil plug using the 17 mm wrench. Allow the oil to drain until you have only a few drops dripping out. Replace the oil plug and tighten to between 20 and 25 foot-pounds of torque using a torque wrench. Leave the access panel open.
4. Remove oil filter housing cap using a filter strap wrench or by hand. You can use an adjustable wrench if desired. The cap is located center-front of the engine compartment, directly in front of the fan, accessed from above the engine. Pull the cap and filter out. The filter removes with the cap.
5. Replace the filter by sliding the old one off of the tube attached to the cap and sliding the new one onto the tube. Inspect the rubber grommets at the base of the tube and above the threads on the cap. Replace with the rubber grommets included with the new filter if you notice signs of looseness or damage. Reinstall the cap by hand and tighten one-quarter further with a strap or adjustable wrench.
6. Remove the oil fill cap. Pour 6.9 quarts of synthetic 5W-30 motor oil into the oil fill tube (labeled on top of the engine). Replace the oil fill cap and start the vehicle. Allow the motor to run for 2 minutes. Monitor the access panel beneath the vehicle and the oil filter cap for signs of leaks. Leaks would imply a damaged gasket or improper tightening. Correct the error and retest.
7. Close the access panel for the oil drain plug. Check the oil level with the engine oil dipstick. Fill as necessary.

1. Disconnect the Mercedes vehicles battery with a socket wrench. Remove the negative terminal cable first, then the positive cable.
2. Open the drivers side door and locate the two locking tabs on the sides of the Mercedes CD changer.
3. Use a flat-head screwdriver to pry off both tabs. Slide the screwdriver underneath and lift it upwards to remove the tab.
4. Remove the cover once both tabs are removed. Installation is the reverse of removal.

1. Park the ML430 on a flat surface and make sure the engine is cool. If the car has been driven recently, wait at least 30 minutes for the heat to dissipate. Raise the car on jack stands to reach the underside of the engine more easily. Slide under the car and locate the transmission drain pan. It is a large, metal tank held with eight bolts beneath the middle of the engine.
2. Place a collection pan beneath the drain pan. Use the 1/2-inch socket wrench to remove all but one bolt on the drain pan. Wait 10 to 15 minutes for the fluid to drain into the collection pan. When it stops spilling from the side, place one hand on the drain pan and remove the final bolt. Lower the pan and pour the remaining fluid into the collection pan. Wash out the drain pan and bolts.
3. Remove the transmission filter under the drain pan with the 3/8-inch socket wrench. Attach the new transmission filter with the same bolts removed from the old one. Reattach the drain pan and lower the car from the jack stands.
4. Pop the engine hood by pulling the hood-release lever underneath the steering panel. Locate the yellow transmission dipstick above the drain pan. Pull it out and place a funnel into the tube. Pour in three quarts of five-speed transmission fluid. Replace the dipstick and close the engine hood.
5. Pour the used transmission fluid into a leak-proof container and take it to a recycling center. Many auto repair and auto parts shops also accept used car fluids.

1. Pop the hood and locate the battery. Its on the passenger side of the engine, toward the firewall of the car, in a sectioned-off area to protect it from heat. Use the open-end wrench to remove the negative then the positive terminal on the battery.
2. Unbolt the battery tie down from the battery using the 3/8-inch ratchet and socket. Lift the tie down off, then lift the battery out of the engine compartment. The battery can now be used as a core exchange at your local auto parts store, or taken for recycling.
3. Place the replacement battery in the battery tray. Bolt in the battery tie down using the ratchet, then connect the positive then the negative battery terminals using an open-end wrench.
4. Start the car and allow it to run for 10 to 15 minutes, then turn it off.

1. Drive the vehicle for ten minutes and then place it in park on a level area. Check the automatic transmission fluid prior to completing the oil change since its best to check and add transmission fluid at operating temperature.
2. Locate the reservoir and dipstick labeled ATF. It will be found opposite of the regular motor oil, on the driver side of the vehicle and is colored red.
3. Remove the dipstick from the reservoir and wipe it clean with a rag. Replace the dipstick completely and remove it once more. This will give you an accurate reading of the transmission fluid. If the measurement reads full do not add any fluid at this time as over filling can cause damage to the transmission. If the measurement reads between the full and add lines or below the add lines, then add fluid.
4. Place a funnel into the reservoir neck where the dipstick normally sits. Pour a small amount of transmission fluid into the reservoir and allow it to funnel down completely. Check the transmission fluid levels again by removing the funnel and replacing the dipstick completely.
5. Remove the dipstick and read the measurement. Add more fluid, if needed. Continue this process until the measurement reads full. Once finished, proceed to the oil change, as the components and oil will now be cool enough to complete the oil change.

1. Park the ML430 on a flat surface and make sure the engine is cool. If the car has been driven recently, wait at least 30 minutes for the heat to dissipate. Raise the car on jack stands to reach the underside of the engine more easily. Slide under the car and locate the transmission drain pan. It is a large, metal tank held with eight bolts beneath the middle of the engine.
2. Place a collection pan beneath the drain pan. Use the 1/2-inch socket wrench to remove all but one bolt on the drain pan. Wait 10 to 15 minutes for the fluid to drain into the collection pan. When it stops spilling from the side, place one hand on the drain pan and remove the final bolt. Lower the pan and pour the remaining fluid into the collection pan. Wash out the drain pan and bolts.
3. Remove the transmission filter under the drain pan with the 3/8-inch socket wrench. Attach the new transmission filter with the same bolts removed from the old one. Reattach the drain pan and lower the car from the jack stands.
4. Pop the engine hood by pulling the hood-release lever underneath the steering panel. Locate the yellow transmission dipstick above the drain pan. Pull it out and place a funnel into the tube. Pour in three quarts of five-speed transmission fluid. Replace the dipstick and close the engine hood.
5. Pour the used transmission fluid into a leak-proof container and take it to a recycling center. Many auto repair and auto parts shops also accept used car fluids.